Outdoor adventures in Utah’s Canyon Country, with how far each one is from town and how long to allow: hikes in Canyonlands, Bears Ears and Natural Bridges, scenic drives and overlooks around Mexican Hat and Cedar Mesa, and guided river, bike-packing and Monument Valley trips.
All adventures at a glance
| Adventure | Type | Getting there | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesler Park / Joint Loop Trail | Hike | 55 minutes from Monticello | 3-7 hours |
| House on Fire | Hike | 42 miles from Blanding | 1-3 hours |
| Natural Bridges Loop Trail | Hike | 45 minutes from Blanding | 5-6 hours |
| Moki Dugway | Scenic drive | 14 minutes from Mexican Hat | 1 hour |
| Goosenecks State Park | Scenic spot | 11 minutes from Mexican Hat | 1 hour |
| Valley of the Gods | Scenic drive | 10-15 minutes from Mexican Hat | 2 hours |
| Arch Canyon Overlook | Guided Jeep, ATV or hiking tour | Mile marker 102, halfway between Blanding and Natural Bridges | 2-3 hours |
| San Juan River trip with Wild Expeditions | Guided river trip | 6-7 hours | |
| Blues to Bears bike-packing trip with Roam Industry | Guided bike-packing | 3 days / 2 nights | |
| Monument Valley tour and overnight Hogan with Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours | Guided tour | Overnight |
Hiking and backpacking
Chesler Park / Joint Loop Trail, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
55 minutes from Monticello. Adventure takes 3-7 hours.
A shorter hike of 5.8 miles (9.3 km) leads to a viewpoint at the edge of Chesler Park. A longer 10.4-mile (16.74 km) loop extends the hike and is considered a favorite by many as they traverse over sandstone, through canyons and across a big, grassy field surrounded by the tall Needles rock formations. The loop connects to the Joint Trail where visitors have to squeeze through shoulder-width cracks in giant boulders. With all the changes in scenery, there’s never a dull moment on this hike.
House on Fire, Bears Ears National Monument
42 miles (67.59 km) from Blanding (26 minutes). Adventure takes 1-3 hours.
House on Fire is the first archaeological site you arrive at in the South Fork of Mule Canyon. To capture the picturesque flames above the structure, it’s best to do this hike in the morning when the light reflects off the opposite wall of the canyon. Hiking past the House on Fire, multiple other sites can be seen. Some are easily hiked to and others can be seen from the trail as they are nestled high in the canyon walls. The trailhead for this hike is located on County Road 263 just off Hwy 95.
Loop Trail, Natural Bridges National Monument
45 minutes from Blanding. Adventure takes 5-6 hours.
The 9.8-mile (15.77 km) hike in Natural Bridges National Monument leads you under each of the three bridges in the park. As the world’s largest natural stone bridge, Sipapu Bridge is tall enough to rise above our nation’s capitol building in Washington D.C. The bridges can also be viewed from overlooks. The monument’s isolation from urban communities makes its night skies breathtaking as you adventure on your hike. As the world’s first International Dark Sky Park, this area is perfect for stargazing. From late spring through early fall, visitors can attend regularly scheduled, ranger-led night sky programs.
Scenic drives and spots
Moki Dugway
This route connects UT-95 and US-163, 14 minutes from Mexican Hat. Adventure takes 1 hour.
Constructed in the 1950s to transport uranium, the Moki Dugway is an unpaved, 3-mile (4.83 km) section of Hwy 261 comprised of switchbacks carved into the face of the cliff edge. The road, which can be treacherous in rain or snow, winds 1,200 feet (365.76 m) from Cedar Mesa to the valley floor near Valley of the Gods. Not for the faint of heart (or those with a fear of heights), this route provides breathtaking views of some of Utah’s most beautiful landscapes, such as Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods.
Goosenecks State Park
11 minutes from Mexican Hat. Adventure takes 1 hour.
The San Juan River twists and turns through sinuous ‘goosenecks’ as it flows toward Lake Powell traveling over 6 miles (9.66 km), while it advances only 1 mile (1.61 km) to the west. The Great Goosenecks of the San Juan River is the largest entrenched river meander in North America. Within the 1,000 feet (304.8 m) between the park and the river, 300 million years of geology is revealed in the layers exposed by erosion.
Valley of the Gods
10-15 minutes from Mexican Hat, depending on the entrance. Adventure takes 2 hours.
Often referred to as a ‘miniature Monument Valley,’ Valley of the Gods is home to stunning free-standing monoliths, delicate spires of sandstone, and long rock fins. Visitors can drive the 17-mile (27.36 km) loop through the valley, stopping along the way for short hikes, or to find a remote, dispersed camping site. A night spent under the stars in Valley of the Gods is sure to top anyone’s list as one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and remote camping spots you’ll ever experience.
Arch Canyon Overlook, Cedar Mesa / Bears Ears National Monument
Halfway between Blanding and Natural Bridges National Monument, mile marker 102. Adventure takes 2-3 hours.
Book a guide on a clear day to visit Arch Canyon Overlook via Jeep, ATV or Hiking tour. Your guide will take you to view huge monoliths and several Ancestral Pueblo sites and cliff dwellings. As you stand 1,000 feet (304.8 m) above the canyon base, you can see the red rock walls, greenery, wildlife and arches. There is very rough road, and if you are not going with a guide, high clearance and 4WD are recommended.
Unique guided experiences
San Juan River trip with Wild Expeditions
Adventure takes 6-7 hours.
A float trip on the San Juan River in southeast Utah provides boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, archaeology, history, remarkable geographic features and desert wildlife. Book a trip with Wild Expeditions and sit back and enjoy the scenery and Class II & III rapids while the guide expertly navigates the river. Enjoy several stops at archaeological sites such as River House and the Butler Petroglyph Panel.
Blues to Bears bike-packing trip with Roam Industry
This guided, 3-day/2-night bike-packing trip takes visitors to one of the more remote mountain ranges in the Southwest — the Abajos (or the Blue Mountains). Bike through fir-timbered peaks and drop into a sandstone, red rock desert. This trip traverses through the newly established Bears Ears National Monument.
Monument Valley tour and overnight Hogan experience with Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours
The best way to see Monument Valley, one of the most photographed places on Earth, is in person on a guided tour with Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours. Guides will take visitors to private hidden gems while teaching them about Navajo history and culture in the area. Enjoy this overnight, all-inclusive camping experience in an authentic Hogan in Monument Valley that includes Navajo food, entertainment and multiple tours of Monument Valley.
#RecreateResponsibly in Utah’s Canyon Country
Utah’s Canyon Country is home to many wonderful destinations and experiences. From wide-open spaces to historic neighborhoods, please remember to #RecreateResponsibly. When you visit, follow Leave No Trace and Visit With Respect principles so everyone can have the opportunity for years to come to visit these amazing sights.
- Plan ahead and prepare for your adventures
- Stay on designated trails
- Leave artifacts where you spot them
- Do not enter any archaeological structures
- Do not eat near sites and pack out what you pack in
- Properly dispose of human and pet waste
- Leave historic sites and rock art untouched
- Respect and be aware of wildlife
- Keep dogs on leashes at all times
Questions about planning your trip? Call 800-574-4386.