Moki Dugway Utah – A Backroad Scenic Byway with a History of Gods and Men

Moki Dugway is a 3-mile (4.8 km) long switchback dirt road located in southeastern Utah, United States. The road ascends 1,200 feet (366 m) from the valley floor to Cedar Mesa above San Juan River. Moki Dugway provides access to Muley Point, one of the overlooks of Canyonlands National Park and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

The drive up Moki Dugway is not for the faint of heart – it’s steep, with sharp turns and drop-offs. But the views from the top are more than worth it.

What is the Moki Dugway?

The Moki Dugway Utah is a historical road which was built in the early 1900s by Spanish explorers. The road was carved into the face of a cliff on Cedar Mesa and provided stunning views of some of Utah’s most beautiful scenery.

The Moki Dugway has a 1,200 foot rise in elevation as it winds its way from near the Valley of the Gods to the top of Cedar Mesa. The road is narrow and has a 10% grade.

The road is only accessible by passenger cars and is only recommended for vehicles less than 28 feet and 10,000 pounds. The Moki Dugway is a scenic but can be a dangerous road with a history of accidents and fatalities.

How do you get to Moki Dugway?

Moki Dugway is a 3-mile long, unpaved road that provides stunning views of Utah’s scenery. Constructed in the 1950s to transport uranium ore, it winds its way up a steep cliff and is located just northwest of Valley of the Gods. To get to Moki Dugway, take US Highway 163 and Utah Highway 95 via UT-261.

• Quick Tip: The best place to stop for photos is near the top of the Dugway, where most of our photos were taken.

The Moki Dugway is a dangerous place to drive in the rain and snow.

This road is no more dangerous to travel than most other high-mountain roads, but it is still important to exercise caution. If you take your time and drive safely, you will be able to enjoy the scenic views without incident. That said, driving on the Moki Dugway Utah in the rain and snow can be dangerous if you are not careful.

It is important to know the road conditions on the Moki Dugway before heading out, as this unpaved and switchback road can be closed at any time due to snow.

Knowing the conditions helps travelers plan their journey along this spectacular winding road, which offers breathtaking views and provides a challenging off-road driving experience.

What Is the History of The Moki Dugway?

The Moki Dugway is a scenic byway located in Utah that has a rich history dating back to the Spanish explorers. The byway was named after the Puebloan people who were mistakenly called Moqui by the Spanish.

The Moki Dugway was used to transporting uranium between mines in Fry Canyon and Halchita and is now mostly used by tourists. The byway offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and is a popular destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Utah.

History buffs may be interested in learning that this stretch of highway was constructed in 1958 as part of The Trail of Ancients, featuring multiple archeological sites and unique geological formations.

What are the points of interest along the way?

1. Utah’s Windiest Road (3 Miles of Switchbacks)

Exploring the Moki Dugway Utah is an unforgettable experience. The winding, graded dirt switchback road connects Utah Highway 95 with US Highway 163, and is carved into the face of the cliff edge of Cedar Mesa. This three-mile stretch has 335m (1100 ft) of unpaved but well-graded switchbacks and offers spectacular views along the way.

Along this journey are a number of points of interest for travelers to enjoy.

Muley Point, located at the top of Cedar Mesa, provides stunning overlooks from its 1200 ft elevation and features a stunning view into Monument Valley Tribal Park as well as some petroglyphs left by ancient cultures in nearby cliff sides.

In addition to this breathtaking viewpoint, visitors can also explore nearby Goosenecks State Park where they can wander through rugged sandstone formations or take a relaxing hike along trails that wind beneath mesas and over washes throughout the park.

Finally, after exploring these incredible sights travelers should make sure to stop in Mexican Hat before heading back down Moki Dugway for some delicious local fare before finishing their adventure.

2. Muley Point

Muley Point is an impressive geological formation located in Utah that includes a natural arch. It is included as a point of interest because of its unique features and stunning views of Monument Valley, the Valley of the Gods, and more. Visitors can enjoy camping as well as take photographs or watch a sunset at Muley Point.

3. Valley of the Gods

The Valley of the Gods is an area of scenic beauty located in southeastern Utah. It is popular among photographers and sightseers due to its unique sandstone formations, towers, and mesas. The landscape also features a variety of wildlife, providing visitors with ample opportunities for animal spotting.

Accessing the Valley can be done by car or on foot depending on the season and weekend availability; however, it should be noted that roads are dirt so passenger vehicles should take caution when driving there. Additionally, visitors should allow two hours or more to travel through the area if they want to get a thorough look at all that it has to offer.

The Valley of the Gods is a BLM area which is popular with boondockers for camping. See: Valley of the Gods: A Monumental Utah Adventure for more information.

4. Top 10 Slot Canyons in Utah

Slot canyons in Utah are special for a variety of reasons. One is the unique landscape and views that they offer.

The Goosenecks State Park is one spot to explore slot canyons without the crowds found at other popular tourist destinations like Bryce Canyon.

Slot canyons are also special because of their geology and biodiversity, providing great opportunities for hiking, caving, fishing, and rock climbing. Visitors have the chance to explore these areas on their own as well, not needing to worry about huge crowds or tourist traps. There are visitor centers which will provide more information on the different types of slot canyon tours that can be taken as well.

5. Anasazi Ruin near Bluff, Utah

The Anasazi Ruin near Bluff, Utah is an important archaeological site of great significance as it contains evidence of ancient American cultures. The site has been found to contain artifacts from the Puebloan people, which date back to a period over two thousand years ago. As such, it provides insight into these ancient cultures and is essential for studying them. It is also an important part of the history of Utah and its residents.

What activities can you do while at Muley Point?

1. Enjoy the scenic overlook of the Valley of the Gods.

The Valley of the Gods is an area in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, part of the U.S. National Park Service. It can be seen from Muley Point Overlook and offers stunning views of gorgeous landscapes. The Valley of the Gods is a great destination for those looking to take in breathtaking views and explore nature’s beauty.

2. Take a three mile series of switchbacks drive

A switchback drive is a winding route that follows a steep grade, making it an exciting experience for drivers. The Mogi Dugway in Utah offers such a drive, with the 10% grade switchbacks taking you through stunning valleys and scenic views. It is part of Route 261 Mokee Dugway and can be accessed via this route to reach the Muley Point lookout point. Along the way, you can expect breathtaking views that will make the journey worthwhile.

3. Explore the nearby city of Mexican Hat

Visitors to Mexican Hat can enjoy a range of activities, from admiring the stunning views of Monument Valley from Muley Point camping site to exploring the nearby bathrooms and paying an entrance fee. The area also provides plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, dining and more.

4. Go boondocking

Boondocking is an increasingly popular activity for RV owners who want to explore off-the-grid destinations. It involves parking an RV on the side of a road without hookups, allowing people to avoid the noise and chaos of cities while getting closer to nature.

The Valley of the Gods is a BLM area which is popular with boondockers for camping. See: Valley of the Gods: A Monumental Utah Adventure for more information.

5. Visit Lake Powell

Lake Powell is an important part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and it provides a stunning backdrop for Muley Point. Located in southern Utah, Lake Powell was created by damming the Colorado River in 1963. Spanning over 186 miles, this man-made reservoir has become an iconic symbol of American West culture. From Muley Point, visitors can admire sweeping views of the lake’s glimmering blue waters and its magnificent red-rock formations.

6. Go on slot canyon hikes

Slot canyon hikes are a popular activity to do while at Muley Point because of its red pinnacles and surreal landscape, lack of tourists and the diversity of terrain, great views for fall colors and Goosenecks State Park. Additionally, kids love going on slot canyon hikes as it provides an opportunity to learn about Utah’s history and culture. There are many activities available at Muley Point throughout the year that range from tours to visitor centers to videos.

7. Explore Anasazi Ruin near Bluff, Utah

The Anasazi Ruin is an ancient Native American settlement situated in Southeastern Utah. It contains the remains of a small village, with structures such as pithouses, kivas and rock art. The site is especially interesting because once every 11 years it is completely eclipsed by the sun – providing visitors with an incredible view of a unique celestial event. Exploring this ruin provides insight into how people lived thousands of years ago and it’s also a great opportunity to admire the amazing natural beauty surrounding the area.

Final Thoughts

For the outdoor enthusiast, Moki Dugway is one of the most beautiful and historic places in Utah. With its rich history and stunning views from the top, this place is a must-see for anyone visiting Utah.

Happy Trails,

Exploring Utah – Scenic Drive: Moki Dugway (2020)

Watch on YouTube | Channel: DNA Ventures

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