Monticello Community Guide

Welcome to Monticello, Utah

Nestled at the base of the Abajo Mountains, Monticello is the county seat of San Juan County. At just over 7,000 feet in elevation, Monticello boasts cool temperatures in the summer and recreational opportunities for nearly everyone. The Hideout Golf Course, one of the finest municipal courses in the country, winds its way through the canyons and foothills just below the Abajos. Lloyd’s Lake Recreation Area has just over two miles of improved walking trail where the observant walker may catch a glimpse of blue herons, deer, elk and wild turkeys. The trail supplies one with views to the east of the Colorado Plateau and the peaks of the Abajos to the West. Trout and blue gill in the reservoir will keep the most avid fisherman busy. Located at the crossroads of two major highways, Monticello is the perfect base camp for adventures into the wildest canyons of Canyon Country, and the same historic trails Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch once roamed.

Resident profiles

Kevin Francom & Tyler Hall

Occupation: Kevin - Owner of Monticello Mercantile; Tyler - Owner of Artisan Jewelers; both co-host the ‘Learn How to Prospect for Gold’ Airbnb Experience.

What surprises you about Monticello? Kevin: Peace, I think that visitors will find a great sense of peace here. It is a great place to stop and breathe and find yourself.

Monticello in one word? Kevin: Paradise. Tyler: Adventure!

Best dish in town? Tyler: Blue Mountain Steak from the Granary. Bleu Cheese, sautéed onions, perfectly cooked ribeye, lime rice, it just doesn’t get better than that!

Why do you live in Monticello? Kevin: Because it’s home and there is nowhere else I would rather be. Tyler: Why on earth would I live anywhere else? You tell me where anyone can be more free than in Monticello.

Any advice for a newbie? Tyler: Don’t go to the same places that everyone else goes. They are beautiful but if you really want to experience San Juan County, find a dirt road, make sure you are on public land, which is the majority of what it is around here. I promise that every road leads to somewhere, and I have never been disappointed. Local knowledge can sometimes be helpful, but if you really want to explore, just go explore.

Favorite secret spot? Kevin: Gold mining in the rivers and streams. It is my passion to be outside and enjoy the wonders around us. That is why we created an Airbnb experience to teach people how to prospect for gold. I love to be able to share what I have learned so that other people may enjoy it as a hobby as well.

Diana Galindo-Sherrock

Occupation: Education Technician with the Canyon Country Outdoor Education (CCOE) program. CCOE is a cooperative venture between the National Park Service and the San Juan County school district, grades K-6. “Basically, I’m a teacher ranger and I get to serve the local community by teaching state-approved science curricula on public lands!”

What is your ideal day in Monticello? Exploring the Abajo Mountains with my young daughters, spouse and two very large dogs. We love looking at rocks, sticks and bugs. And of course, a picnic lunch.

What surprises you about Monticello? My mind was blown when I learned that the Abajo Mountains are laccoliths (a sheet-like intrusion that has been injected within or between layers of sedimentary rock)!

Monticello in one word? Alive.

Why do you live in Monticello? I choose to live in Monticello because being so close to nature inspires us and easily facilitates our ability to raise outdoor kids. We also have an incredible community of friends who laugh at all my jokes.

Any advice to a newbie? Out-and-back hikes are not boring. The same place, depending on the light of the time of day, can look so different.

Favorite secret spot? Ha! I don’t hike and tell.

Linda Lewis

Occupation: Partner at Lewis Farms.

What surprises you about Monticello? The friendliness of the people who live here.

Monticello in one word? Inviting.

Best dish in town? The Sweet Sticky Rice & Mango at Ja-Roen Thai Sushi.

Why do you live in Monticello? I was raised on a farm, so I swore I would never marry a farmer. I wanted a husband with a 9-5 job, but instead I married a Monticello farmer who works 5-9 not 9-5! But it’s a great way to raise hard working kids, and Monticello is a good place for them to grow up. There’s a feeling of community here. We choose to live here.

Any advice to a newbie? Get involved, it’s the best way in the world to make friends. Make yourself useful. There’s always a service project going on, and that’s a great way to ingrain yourself in the community.

Favorite secret spot? My family calls it the Old Dairy Hike — it’s a trail to an old dairy corral up on the Abajo Mountains that starts at the base of the old ski lift. The hike isn’t too long, so it’s the perfect length for families.

Tim & Sidney Young

Occupation: Tim - Pharmacist/Mayor; both - Owners of Main Street Drug & Boutique.

Why do you live in Monticello? Monticello is in the middle of nowhere and in the middle of everywhere! It’s close to Canyonlands, Moab, Colorado, Monument Valley, Cedar Breaks, the Abajo and La Sal Mountains, and our favorite...Lake Powell!

What is your ideal day in Monticello? Either get in the Jeep and go exploring or jump in the boat and play at Lake Powell!

What surprises you about Monticello? The people here are very friendly and very proud of where they live. We all live here because we love it.

Monticello in one word? Inthemiddleofeverythingcool.

Best dish in town? The yellow curry at Ja-Roen Thai Sushi.

Any advice to a newbie? Ask a local for advice on something cool to see.

Favorite secret spot? It’s not a secret but Lake Powell is the best place on earth and there is a secret place in every canyon!

Dining

Wagon Wheel Pizza

Wagon Wheel Pizza has been a Monticello landmark for more than 30 years. Susie Peebles started hand-tossing the business in 1984. Her insistence on creating their pizza from scratch and making it fresh has been the main ingredient why the Wagon Wheel Pizza is the longest-running restaurant in San Juan County.

Wagon Wheel Pizza, 156 South Main Street, 435-587-2766

Unique cocktails

Owner Ben Breedlove has a knack for developing unique cocktails that incorporate local ingredients and elements. Two of his most popular creations are ‘A Walk in the Woods’, which includes Breckenridge juniper rich gin infused with local pine and a hint of citrus, honey, nuts, and house-grown fresh mint, and ‘Gun Smoke’, which is crafted with peach pecan whisky, laced with citrus and bitters, then smoked to perfection with cinnamon bark in their house-made drink smoker.

Granary Bar & Grill, 64 South 300 East, 435-587-2597

Authentic Thai and sushi

It can be hard to find authentic Thai and Sushi in the Four Corners Region, but surprisingly both can be found at Ja-Roen! Ja-Roen offers a wide variety of curries, noodles, entrees, soups, and salads, as well as beautiful and creative Japanese sushi rolls. Owner, Sam, recommends Pad Ka Praow — minced chicken, bell peppers, onion, green beans, and basil leaves. If you’re in the mood for sushi, try the Red Dragon Roll.

Ja-Roen Thai Sushi, 380 S. Main Street, 435-587-4000

Sit down to a cowboy dinner

This resort and restaurant have been in the same family for three generations with each generation contributing to the recipes which are currently served. Western atmosphere with hearty, home-cooked food, dinners come with salad and all the fixin’s, traditional cowboy beans, thick buttery garlic toast, potatoes, and choice of high quality meat- chicken, pork, elk, salmon, lobster, or steak. End the meal with Fruit Crisp or a slice of Grandma’s blue-ribbon winning Lemon Meringue Pie, reintroduced to the menu by current owner, BobbyJane Gregory. Grandma would be proud.

Linecamp Steakhouse, 8 miles N of Monticello on Hwy 191, 435-587-2351

Dining options

Lodging

Get off the grid

This original homestead was established back in the late 1890’s. Refurbishing of the old homestead and the addition of other buildings began in 2002, making 3 Step Hideaway the treasure it is today. Enjoy exploring the wide-open spaces found in Lisbon Valley and beyond. Surrounded on three sides by pristine BLM land, you’ll find off-road trails in abundance right out the front door.

3 Step Hideaway, 2430 Lisbon Valley Rd, 435-249-5567

Perfect for family reunions and groups

Located just a few miles south of Monticello, Canyonlands Guest Ranch can accommodate from 2 to 60 people. 12 cabins of varying sizes are available to rent together or separate. Find peace and solitude while relaxing on the patios or hiking to nearby petroglyph panels and archaeological sites.

Canyonlands Guest Ranch, 6198 US Hwy 191, 435-220-1050

Stay in a 1930’s flour mill

The Monticello Flour Mill was built in 1933 and operated for 30 years before closing in 1963. In 1985 the building was converted into a bed and breakfast, but much of the machinery was kept and the B&B was designed around it. The 3-story building features 7 rooms with private baths as well as a sitting room with fire place, a theater room, a library, and the Granary Bar & Grill, which is located inside one of the old grain silos.

Grist Mill Inn, 64 South 300 East, 435-587-2597

Experience the Old West

In the family for multiple generations, this location has an immense amount of history associated with it. Wagon teams would stop here to equip their wagons with Roughlocks — a type of braking system to control the speed of downhill wagons. Countless westerns were filmed in the surrounding area and the hosts will show you relics of this history. Stay in the western-style rooms above the restaurant, or have the Grandparents’ cabin all to yourself.

Roughlock Resort, 7980 US Hwy 191 (8 miles N of Monticello), 435-587-2351

Lodging options

North Country: Base Camp, Hidden Oaks Lodge, Moab Guest Ranch, Coyote Cabins, Pack Creek Ranch, St. Danes Cabins, Wolf Springs Ranch.

Shopping

Authentic Native American jewelry, arts, & crafts

Owner, Jim McCarthy is proud to offer unique and high quality art from Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni artists. Featuring contemporary and traditional jewelry, handmade pottery, painted deer skins, carved Lakota Shaman Staff and Dance Sticks, and an additional room full of antique and vintage items.

Abajo Trading Post, 164 N. Main St, Monticello, 435-587-2339

Where local art meets the Wild West

A uniquely curated gift shop featuring locally handcrafted jewelry and handmade leather goods by owners Melinda & Adam Redd, and a variety of art showcasing the talents of over 30 local, Native American & regional artisans. A wide selection of fair trade items, Utah souvenirs, decor, chocolate, and seasonal local honey round out their offerings.

Jackalope Trading Company, 188 S. Main Street, 435-459-1107

Eclectic boutique

Half pharmacy, half gift shop, visitors and first-time local customers are often surprised to find such a wide selection of home décor, clothing, jewelry, and gifts in a small-town shop! Whether you’re looking for a Monticello souvenir to take back home or farmhouse style décor for your home, Main Street Drug & Boutique has got you covered!

Main Street Drug & Boutique, 140 S. Main Street, 435-587-2302

Local authors & regional reads

Best known for publishing the San Juan Record newspaper every week since 1915, the San Juan Record office also runs a bookstore with the largest selection of books on Southeastern Utah available in the area. Take home one of their calendars which is packed full of photos of San Juan County, all taken by local residents!

San Juan Record Bookstore, 49 S. Main Street, 435-587-2277

Shopping options

Activities and resources

Explore the night sky at Canyon Country Discovery Center

San Juan County, Utah is home to some of the darkest night skies in the country with five Dark Sky Parks. Canyon Country Discovery Center hosts dark sky programs throughout the year. Regularly scheduled Star Parties offer visitors the opportunity to view the night sky through the permanently mounted 14” Meade telescope in their observatory.

1117 North Main Street, Monticello, 435-587-2156

Hike to Chesler Park in the Needles District of Canyonlands

This hike is a great introduction to the diverse landscape of Canyonlands National Park. Spectacular panoramic views of the namesake Cedar Mesa Sandstone spires that Needles was named after seem endless. This 5.8 mile round trip hike begins over sandstone and crosses through canyons, washes, and a couple narrow joints (similar to slots) before reaching Chesler Park. This diverse hike won’t disappoint!

35 miles W of US-191 (50 miles/1 hour NW of Monticello)

Needles Overlook

Needles Overlook, a rock cliff 1,600 feet above the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, offers nearly 360-degree views of the sandstone formations lining the horizon. Located one hour northwest of Monticello, the views at Needles Overlook are just as spectacular as Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point State Park but without the crowds or entrance fees.

20 miles N of Monticello & 23 miles W on Hwy 133 (1 hour/43 miles NW of Monticello)

Indian Creek Unit of Bears Ears National Monument

Drive Scenic Byway 211 through Indian Creek to the border of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock to view one of the largest petroglyph panels in the country where more than 2,000 years worth of petroglyphs representing Archaic, Ancestral Puebloan, Fremont, Navajo, and Anglo cultures are showcased. Indian Creek is also a world renowned rock climbing destination.

14 miles N of Monticello on Hwy 191 & 13 miles W on Hwy 211 (30 min/27 mi NW of Monticello)

Fun things to do in Monticello and beyond

• Canyon Country Discovery Center: Hands-on learning center with exhibit rotunda, climbing wall, observatory, and nature trails. 435-587-2156, ccdiscovery.org
• Hideout Golf Course: Established in 2001, the Hideout Golf Course has become one of Utah’s most popular golf courses and consistently makes Golfweek’s list of the best municipal courses in the country. Sitting at just over 7,000ft, the Hideout also holds the title of the highest elevation course in the state! 435-226-1292, hideoutgolf.com
• Play with alpacas at Peter Springs Alpaca Ranch: Join Dorothy Padilla on her Airbnb Experience and interact with her alpacas as you learn how to walk them on a lead, enjoy feeding them pellets, and if you’re lucky, there might be a baby alpaca to bottle feed! 435-419-0750, airbnb.com/experiences/220103
• Cross country ski or snowshoe on groomed trails: 6 miles of groomed cross country ski and snowshoe trails located at Dalton Springs Winter Recreation Area, just 5 miles west of Monticello.
• Silver Queen Mine Miniature Golf Course: Black light miniature golf located inside the Monticello Mercantile.
• Mountain bike the Abajo Mountains: An hour south and 3000 feet higher in elevation than Moab, the Abajo Mountains, just minutes from Monticello, boast a mix of single track and two track on trails without the crowds. Robertson’s Pasture, Bulldog, Shay Ridge, and Wagon Wheel, to name a few. Stop by Roam Industry for maps, shuttles, guided rides, rentals, and gear.
• Horseback riding: A variety of multi-use trails can be accessed only minutes from Monticello on the Abajo Mountains in the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
• Millsite/Lloyd’s Lake: Walking and biking trails on the south end of Monticello. Fishing dock, pavilion, volleyball court, and picnic facilities at Lloyd’s Lake.
• Big 4 Tractor at the Monticello Visitor Center: Monticello’s Big 4 Tractor is one of only a few still in existence today! Restored by local volunteers, the Big 4 can be seen year-round at the Monticello Visitor Center, and each July it makes an appearance in the Monticello Pioneer Day Parade!
• Pioneer Park: Explore this park containing replicas of historic Monticello buildings.
• Scenic drive — Hart’s Point Road to Hwy 211: This back road to Canyonlands and Indian Creek offers access to Lloyd’s, Monticello, and Foy Lakes, as well as Dalton Springs and Buckboard Campgrounds — all located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
• Newspaper Rock / Indian Creek Unit of Bears Ears National Monument: A 200 sq/ft petroglyph panel showcasing more than 2,000 years worth of petroglyphs.
• Camping in the Abajo Mountains: Two primitive USFS campgrounds are located in the Abajos within minutes of Monticello; Dalton Springs — 5 miles, and Buckboard — 6.5 miles. Dispersed camping is also available throughout the Manti-La Sal National Forest allowing campers easy access to 4WD, ATV, fishing, hunting, hiking, etc.
• Climbing in Indian Creek: Known for its sandstone crack climbing, Indian Creek is a world-renowned rock climbing destination located in the northern unit of Bears Ears National Monument.
• Spring/summer swimming at Indian Creek Falls: A great place to cool off in late spring/early summer! Located past Hamburger Rock Campground on Lockhart Basin Rd approximately 17 miles past Newspaper Rock.
• ATV Hook & Ladder: A maze of trails with unprecedented views of the La Sal Mountains and the back side of Wilson Arch, as well as red rock fins, canyons, and overlooks.
• Snowshoe/ski to a hut to spend the night in the Abajo Mountains: Stay in a Tiny Home located at 8,900 feet at the Buckboard Campground, then cross country ski the groomed trails in solitude. And at over 10,000 feet in elevation, spend the night in the Bothy Wagon Roam Industry has just below Abajo peak. This is ideal for a backcountry skiing experience.
• 4x4 in Canyonlands: Approximately 50 miles of challenging backcountry roads in the Needles District lead to campsites, trailheads, and many natural and cultural features. (Permits required for some roads.)
• Learn about the Colorado Plateau or try the climbing wall at Canyon Country Discovery Center: Developed for culturally diverse audiences, the campus allows children and adults to explore and discover the natural history, landscapes, people, places, land use, energy, astronomy, water, and climate of the Colorado Plateau.
• Try your hand at gold prospecting: Join locals Kevin Francom & Tyler Hall on their Airbnb Experience, ‘Learn How to Prospect for Gold’ and learn gold panning and sluicing techniques. Your gold will then be put into a complimentary pendant at Artisan Jewelers in Monticello. airbnb.com/experiences/214354
• Experience Monticello’s Pioneer Day Celebration in late July: Monticello’s biggest event of the year! Join locals for a small town celebration including a parade, vendor and food booths, games, tractor pull, fireworks, and more!

Featured events

Pioneer Day (late July)

Monticello’s biggest event of the year! This family-friendly celebration includes live music & outdoor movie at Veteran’s Park, 5K & Fun Run, Blue Mountain Invitational Fast Pitch Softball Tournament, Lion’s Club Breakfast, Parade, Vendor & Food booths, Tractor Pull, Fireworks Show, and more!

San Juan County Fair (beginning of August)

Join San Juan County residents for a full week of fun at the fair! Events include Rodeos, Livestock Shows, Mud Bog, Country Music Concert, Family Games, Exhibits, Mud Volleyball, Tasters Table, Talent Find, and Children’s Fair with games & activities.

San Juan Stampede Pro Rodeo (mid-June)

Since 2017 the San Juan Stampede has been bringing professional rodeo athletes from all over the country to entertain the crowds in Monticello. This 3-day event is packed full with Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding.

San Juan County calendar

Visitor centers and information

Visitor information is available from the national, state, and tribal parks. Visitor centers in Blanding, Bluff, and Monticello are stocked with brochures, maps, books, videos, and mementos. The centers are staffed by knowledgeable local residents who will assist with information to make your visit exceptional.

Questions about planning your trip? Call 800-574-4386.