The Monument Valley to Bluff Scenic Byway carries travelers through one of the American Southwest’s most dramatic landscapes, where towering sandstone buttes, vast desert plains, and ancient geological formations create a scene that feels almost otherworldly. This Utah State Scenic Byway traces a path through the heart of Navajo Nation land before arriving in the historic pioneer town of Bluff along the San Juan River.

Along the way, expect sweeping views of red rock mesas rising from the desert floor, the iconic silhouettes of Monument Valley’s mitten buttes, and the rugged canyons carved by centuries of wind and water. Key stops include the Valley of the Gods, a quieter alternative to Monument Valley where a dirt loop road winds among isolated buttes and spires, and the Moki Dugway, a breathtaking series of unpaved switchbacks carved into the face of Cedar Mesa.

Bluff itself offers river trips on the San Juan, access to Butler Wash ruins, and a welcoming base for exploring Bears Ears National Monument.

Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for this drive. Allow at least half a day to soak in the views and make unhurried stops along the way.

Explore Nearby

• Yuba State Park — State Park in Utah
• Willard Bay State Park — State Park in Utah
• Fishlake National Forest — National Forest in Utah
• Dixie National Forest — National Forest in Utah
• Wildcat Hills Designated Routes — Public Land in Utah