You might not be familiar with the name, but the dramatic scenery of San Juan County in America’s southwest is easily recognizable as the backdrop to countless iconic movies. Lovers of Westerns will remember John Wayne horseback riding over its desert landscape in Stagecoach, while Utah’s Canyon Country has also provided the setting for blockbusters such as Easy Rider and Forrest Gump.
Today, its uncrowded national parks, stunning monuments and ancient archaeological sites are a draw for tourists keen to explore the great outdoors while learning more about its rich Native American culture.
Not-to-be missed is Monument Valley with its iconic sandstone buttes, a feature of many Wild West movies. Visitors can take guided jeep tours of this Navajo Tribal Park, led by Native American Navajo guides, such as Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours, who will share stories about the area's cultural and historical significance.
For a deep dive into America’s ancient culture, visitors should make a stop at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, which is built on the site of a prehistoric agricultural village in an area that was home to Ancestral Puebloans, Navajo, and Utes.
Just north of Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park provides breathtaking views of the meandering San Juan River, carving deep canyons over millions of years. Valley of the Gods is a hidden gem with scenic dirt roads snaking through red rock formations.
Another highlight is Bears Ears National Monument, a vast protected area with stunning rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and cliff dwellings left behind by Ancestral Puebloans. Include a stop too at Newspaper Rock which is covered in 650 petroglyphs.
Natural Bridges National Monument features impressive stone arches and scenic trails, making it a great stop for photography and exploration.
For adventure seekers, Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District offers rugged hiking trails through towering rock spires.
Hiking and rafting are two popular activities, with indigenous guides, such as Ancient Wayves. A popular hike is along a creek bed to the spectacular archaeological site, House On Fire, which is not far from the trailhead.
Another fun activity is to head to Four Corners Monument, a unique spot where you can stand in four states at the same time: Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.
Managed by the Navajo Nation, this is also a great place to buy authentic handcrafted Navajo jewelry and crafts as well as traditional Native American food.
Stargazers will also revel in the fact that San Juan county is home to five Dark Sky Parks, the highest concentration of anywhere in the world: Natural Bridges, the first designated International Dark Sky Park; Hovenweep; Canyonlands; Goosenecks and Rainbow Bridge.
Accommodation in San Juan County tends to be cheaper than in other parts of Utah, so visitors can upgrade to resort-style properties for the same price as they’d pay for more basic accommodation elsewhere. Good examples are Bluff Dwellings Resort and Desert Rose Inn.
However, there are options to suit all pockets, from rustic lodges to modern hotels. Visitors can stay in traditional Navajo-run accommodation, unique desert yurts, or well-equipped campsites for back-to-nature experience.
Learn more about San Juan County with Travel Gossip's Take 5 training video here.
For more information, go to Utah's Canyon Country.
