Mexican Hat, Utah

The dirt road loop is relatively smooth and can be driven on by just about any car, campervan, or RV. However, check the weather beforehand because some areas can become flooded after rain and will be a difficult mud crossing. It can be driven in either direction. One entrance is off Highway 163,...

In the days of Utah's Wild West gold rush (circa 1890s), a man named Henry Honaker decided to build a supply route from the San Juan River to the cliffs tops, roughly 1200 feet, above. The roughly hewn trail that Henry built; aptly named the ‘Honaker Trail’ was to act as a supply route for the go...

Muley Point on the southern end of the Cedar Mesa is one of the finest camping (and car camping) sites in North America, towering some 2400' above the San Juan River Canyon (and The Goosenecks State Park) looking south directly into the northern mouth of Monument Valley. It is a breathtakingly be...

Located near the southern border of the state, Goosenecks State Park is a small slice of Grand Canyon views in Utah. The park overlooks the meanders of the San Juan River, and canyons that have eroded over the millennia. This park is great for anyone hoping to learn about geology, get far away fr...

For a small entrance fee of $5, you have the chance to photograph a beautiful canyon view without having to hike miles and days to get to it. Enjoy this rare luxury! There is a pavilion with a picnic table for dinner while you wait for the sunset, and there are also bathrooms if you need them. ...

One of the many wonderful hidden gems in Utah (so just tell you close friends about it).Kane Gulch is located four miles south of the Highway 95/Highway 261 junction. At the Kane Gulch ranger station you will be able to use restrooms, overnight park your vehicle, pick up permits, and purchase are...

Bears Ears National Monument is a truly special place. We voyaged willingly on a journey of discovery into the roots of who we are as human beings, and we were not disappointed: the ruins accessible in the canyons brought tears to our eyes. While Bears Ears used to receive just 9,000 visitors ann...

Natural Bridges National Monument is one of Utah's many geologic wonders. While this monument is primarily known for its bridges, it also has an impressive collection of cliff dwellings known as Horse Collar Ruin. The dwellings have passed the test of time after being abandoned by native people m...

When facing The View from the parking lot, Wildcat Trail is off to the left where the campground is located. It's a 3.2 mile, self-guided loop that takes you around the West Mitten Butte. If you're hiking during the summer be sure to go early and bring a lot of water. You're fully exposed on t...

Other than the spectacular landscape, the park really doesn't possess any of the attributes one would associate with the "wild west." Rather, an introduction to the Navajo culture is what awaits visitors. Located on the Navajo Reservation, a vast parcel of land spanning portions of Western New Me...

Be ready to embark on this 17 mile monumental scenic drive. The loop includes 11 numbered viewpoints and you can expect to spend between 2-4 hours in the park. For the best experience, check park hours and arrive early before the 15 mph traffic begins to stack up.  You will find the beginning of ...

...Who doesn't enjoy short hikes to beautiful landscapes?! I know I do when I'm pressed for time! This 0.6 out and back hike will lead you to an arch that doesn't get as much recognition due to it being directly across the street from Monument Valley Road taking you into the park. The hike starts...

Hidden in Moqui Canyon is an ancient petroglyph site, with pictures of animals such as bighorn sheep. The long, shallow alcove hosting the petroglyphs was once an Ancestral Pueblo dwelling. 

The Ancestral Puebloan Ruins found up Forgotten Canyon can only be described as awe inspiring and humbling. The small adobe brick homes are known as the Defiance House. It is believed that there were a couple of families (15-20 people) who dwelled in these homes circa 1200 A.D. These ruins can ...

Hovenweep National Monument consists of 5 separate units which were once Ancestral Puebloan communities. The main trail, Little Ruin Canyon, starts from the Visitor Center and is the only unit that has paved access. Don't let the dirt-clay roads keep you from the other units though, they are not ...

The Needles District of Canyonlands receives 6 times as many backpackers as its more popular neighbor across the Colorado River, Island in the Sky. The Needles has an excellent trail network that is incredibly diverse, featuring amazing rock features as well as grassy meadows and savannahs.  Whil...