11/5/26 Updates:

Navajo Nation Parks & Monuments:

11/3/26 Updates:

PARK CLOSURES: 

 

Map: Utah Navajo Health System, Inc.

 

 

Monday, November 2, 2026 UPDATE:

Due to flooding and washouts across San Juan County, several key highways are closed. If you must travel, please use the alternate routes below:

HIGHWAY CLOSURES:
• US-163 (Comb Wash Bridge): CLOSED between Bluff and Mexican Hat
• UT-162 near Bluff: CLOSED from MP 0 to MP 2
• UT-162 Bridge near Montezuma Creek: CLOSED at MP 13 due to water over the road

OFFICIAL DETOUR ROUTES:
TO MEXICAN HAT
Take US-191 South, head west on UT-95, then take UT-261 South via the Moki Dugway to US-163 South.

*Moki Dugway has 3 miles of steep (10% grade), unpaved gravel switchbacks. Trailers and RVs are not recommended on this road.

TO MONTEZUMA CREEK
Take US-191 South to the base of White Mesa hill, then take UT-262 East and South straight into Montezuma Creek.

**Never drive across floodwater or around barricades. Check live road updates at udottraffic.utah.gov and call 911 for emergencies. 

If you are currently traveling in the area, and have additional questions, please call our visitor information line at: 800-574-4386
 

 

RECOVERY UNDERWAY AS SAN JUAN COUNTY, UTAH FLOODWATERS RECEDE

Bluff Area Open to Respectful Visitation 

October 26, 2026 

Media Contacts:

 

Bluff, Utah — Representatives from the Town of Bluff, San Juan County, Business Owners of Bluff (BOB) issued a joint statement regarding the flood affecting communities across the county:

 

Over the week of October 19th, the greater Four Corners region and San Juan County, Utah received unprecedented amounts of precipitation resulting in a significant flood event along the San Juan River and its tributaries. While the waters damaged and destroyed structures in Bluff and surrounding communities, thanks to the coordinated efforts of local first-responders and dozens of volunteers, southern San Juan County residents remained informed and safe during this historic flood.

 

Support Community Relief Efforts 

As residents begin the daunting task of surveying the damage, we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from neighboring communities and those across the state of Utah. While we continue work to determine specific needs, those wishing to support recovery efforts in Bluff and the surrounding area can make a monetary donation to the Bluff Community Foundation’s Flood Relief Fund. The fund will directly support displaced residents with unrestricted financial support they can use to address their most pressing needs, including temporary housing, personal necessities, food, cleaning and building supplies, and more. Contributions can be made at: www.BluffCommunityFoundation.org/relief 

 

Respectful Visitation Welcome, Bluff is Open 

While parts of Bluff were evacuated Sunday night, the evacuation order was lifted early Monday morning. Bluff businesses, most of which were untouched by floodwaters, are ready to welcome guests to our hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

 

For those wishing to visit the greater Bluff region, we ask that you do so respectfully, and keep the following information in mind:

 

Public Guidance & Visitor Recommendations

  1. Check road & weather conditions: Always verify route statuses and closures via official resources like Utah Department of Transportation before traveling. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads, active wash crossings, or muddy, unpaved desert roads.
  2. Respect local first-responders & emergency teams: Local emergency personnel are prioritizing active disaster response, shelter operations, and community needs. Stay clear of flooded or damaged areas to keep emergency routes open and avoid straining local resources.
  3. Visit with respect & minimize impact: Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, sticking to established trails, protecting delicate soil crusts, and respecting sacred cultural sites across public and Tribal lands.

 

Upcoming Events in San Juan County, Utah 

Bears Ears Marathon | November 7  | More information: www.bearsearsmarathon.com

Race with views of Bears Ears National Monument, Monument Valley, Ship Rock, The Sleeping Ute, Comb Ridge, and the Abajo Mountains. Gradually dropping more than 1,700 net feet over 26.2 miles, the Bears Ears Marathon course is designed to be a fast, point-to-point, scenic race. As a USATF certified course, that means becoming Boston Qualified just got easier.

 

Bluff Dark Sky Festival | November 13-14  | More information: www.bluffutah.org/bluff-dark-sky-festival

Bluff is Utah’s newest International Dark Sky Community, and this November 13-14, we proudly celebrate our extraordinary night skies at the Bluff Dark Sky Festival. Join Western and Indigenous astronomers, a Navajo storyteller and sky enthusiasts for a weekend of stargazing, cultural traditions, and family-friendly activities that reveal how the stars connect us all.

 

As you plan your visit, check local websites including BluffUtah.org and UtahsCanyonCountry.com for local attraction and business information. 

 

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- CLOSURES -

ROAD CLOSURES: 

 

PARK CLOSURES: 

 

Sand Island Recreation Area and the San Juan River:

Due to recent floodings, a temporary closure order is in effect for Sand Island Campground, Sand Island Boat Ramp, Mexican Hat Boat Ramp, and all other BLM-administered lands within the floodplain of the San Juan River between Sand Island Boat Ramp and Mexican Hat Boat Ramp. (Updated 11/2/26)

If you are planning to visit San Juan County, UT and have additional questions, please call San Juan County Visitor Services at: 800-574-4386