A two-day road trip along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway in Utah’s Canyon Country. Day 1 runs from Monument Valley to Bluff; Day 2 runs from Bluff to Natural Bridges National Monument, past Ancestral Pueblo sites, petroglyphs and museums.
The itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route and distance | Stops, in order |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Monument Valley to Bluff: 77 miles (123.92 km), about 2.5 hours of driving | Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, Valley of the Gods, Sand Island Petroglyphs, the historic town of Bluff |
| Day 2 | Bluff to Natural Bridges National Monument: 134 miles (215.65 km), about 3.25 hours of driving | Hovenweep National Monument, Butler Wash Cliff Dwellings, Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Comb Ridge, Mule Canyon, Natural Bridges National Monument |
Day 1: Monument Valley to Bluff
Distance: 77 miles (123.92 km) / 2.5 hours driving time.
Monument Valley
Start your day in Monument Valley by taking in the sunrise, then schedule a tour with one of the many tour companies in the valley. Tours highlight the Navajo culture and history of the area, as well as Monument Valley’s many appearances in films, particularly the John Wayne/John Ford Western movies. Finish off your visit with a stop at the local gift shops, vendor village or vendor booths for handmade jewelry and artwork.
Goosenecks State Park
This breathtaking overlook on the San Juan River highlights the largest entrenched river meander in North America. From the overlook, visitors can see where the river twists and turns through the ‘goosenecks’ as it flows toward Lake Powell, traveling over 6 miles (9.66 km) while advancing west just 1 mile (1.61 km).
Valley of the Gods
Often described as a ‘miniature’ version of Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods is arguably, equally spectacular. What Valley of the Gods may lack when it comes to the size and volume of its free-standing monoliths, spires, and fins, it makes up for with solitude. It would be a rare occurrence to pass through Monument Valley without seeing another visitor, but at Valley of the Gods, it’s sometimes possible to have the whole place to yourself to explore and enjoy!
Sand Island Petroglyphs
View this easily-accessible petroglyph panel with images ranging from 800 to 2,500 years old. Images represented on the panel include Kokopelli, the humpbacked flute player of ancient Pueblo mythology. Picnic areas, campsites, and a boat ramp are also provided at Sand Island.
Historic town of Bluff
Your visit to Bluff is not complete without a stop at the Bluff Fort — a free museum and Visitor Center with replica cabins and buildings telling the story of the Mormon pioneers who settled there in 1880. Be sure to check out the Co-op store for area information, gifts & souvenirs, and delicious, homemade baked goods and soft-serve ice cream!
Take a self-guided tour through the Bluff Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bluff Historic District is made up of 20 stops including historic homes, the Bluff Fort, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Mission, and the town cemetery among others.
Day 2: Bluff to Natural Bridges National Monument
Distance: 134 miles (215.65 km) / 3.25 hours driving time.
Hovenweep National Monument
Built between A.D. 1200 and 1300, Hovenweep was once home to over 2,500 people. Explore the variety of unique structures at the six prehistoric villages that make up Hovenweep National Monument. Hikes from the Visitor Center range from a 300-yard (274.32 m) paved walk to the Stronghold House, to a 1.5-mile (2.41 km) loop trail that takes visitors past structures in and along Little Ruin Canyon such as Hovenweep Castle, Square Tower, Hovenweep House and Twin Towers. Ranger-led Dark Sky Astronomy Programs are offered spring through fall, weather permitting. Call ahead for details.
Butler Wash Cliff Dwellings
A spectacular cliff dwelling located on the east side of Comb Ridge, which was built and occupied by the Ancestral Pueblo people around A.D. 1200. While parts of the site have been stabilized and reconstructed, most of it is still how it was found in the 1800s. The site includes habitation, storage, and ceremonial structures, including four kivas. The trail to the overlook is 1-mile (1.61 km) round trip and takes approximately .5 hrs.
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
This world-class museum is a hidden gem in the Four Corners Region. As a federal, archeological repository, the museum is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Ancestral Pueblo artifacts in the Four Corners Region. It’s also home of Edge of the Cedars Pueblo, a one-thousand-year-old Pueblo village site, which is located behind the museum. The park hosts special exhibits, lectures and programs throughout the year.
Comb Ridge
This serrated sandstone ridge is a geologic monocline that begins in the Abajo (Blue) Mountains to the north and ends near Kayenta, Arizona 80 miles (128.75 km) to the south. Unpaved roads lead to scenic areas, archaeological sites, and primitive camping areas.
Mule Canyon Kiva
Mule Canyon is an Ancestral Pueblo site located along Hwy 95. This site includes above ground and underground dwellings including a kiva and a tower which have been stabilized.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument was declared Utah’s first National Monument in 1908. At Natural Bridges, visitors can view three natural bridges (Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu) from overlooks along Bridge View Drive, a paved 9-mile (14.48 km) loop road, or by short hikes from each trailhead. For those who are looking for a longer hike, an 8.6-mile (13.84 km) loop trail will take you past and/or under all three bridges. Ranger-led Dark Sky Astronomy Programs are offered spring through fall. Call ahead for details.
#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.