Phoenix to Monument Valley: Exploring Utah's Historic Sites
Uncover the history of Utah's canyon country and desert southwest.
Southeastern Utah is unique in that much of it seems as raw, natural and unspoiled as it did hundreds of years ago. You can share the same reverence for these places as the first pre-historic inhabitants and the modern-day Native Nations as you embark on this six-day road trip to the Monument Valley region.
Heading north, you can live like the pioneers who settled at Bluff Fort. Or imagine what life was like farming in desert country at the well-preserved Gifford Homestead. Explore an ancient Ancestral Pueblo village or take a Jeep tour through the majestic Navajo lands of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Then, explore the ruins of an ancient Fremont Indian village rich with pictographs, petroglyphs and well-preserved artifacts.
On the final leg of your journey, follow the route of pioneer explorers as you drive Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Afterwards, discover the wildlife that have long inhabited the Paunsaugunt Plateau, then see them for yourself as you explore Bryce Canyon National Park. This road trip is all about celebrating Utah's open spaces as they are, and as they have been for years.
Start: Drive roughly five hours northeast from Phoenix to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
End: Kanab, a charming city in Southwestern Utah.
Hours of Driving: 18+ hours, including the commute to and from Phoenix.
Places to Stay & Local Guides: Monument Valley is only the first stop of many. This road trip will lead you through many of Utah’s best historic sites. While you may want to spend a few nights camping under the stars, there are many nearby towns with wonderful lodging options, including Bluff, Monticello, Boulder, Escalante, Torrey and Bryce Canyon City. Also, be sure to make advance reservations with local tour guides in order to make the most of your road trip.
Phoenix to Monument Valley
322 Miles
Day one starts at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an iconic symbol of the American West and the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation. You’ll start with a hike along the Wildcat Trail to see some of the most famous rock buttes in the park. From there, take a drive up to Newspaper Rock in the Indian Creek Unit of Bears Ears National Monument to see one of the most impressive petroglyph sites in the West. Bears Ears is certainly deserving of a trip all its own, so feel free to add a day or two to your road trip to explore it further. Otherwise, continue onwards to experience the deep cultural history of the Four Corners Area.
Overnight in Bluff, Mexican Hat or Monticello, or at Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley
Monument Valley to Bluff
55 Miles
Day two starts with a guided Jeep tour through Monument Valley to cover more ground and see some of the area’s most popular historic sites. From there, it’s on to the quaint and charming town of Bluff. Here you’ll see the unruly route that Mormon pioneers traveled across at the Bluff Fort Historic Site. Don’t miss the petroglyphs and a chance to see the San Juan River at Sand Island.
Overnight in Bluff, Mexican Hat or Monticello, or at Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley
Monument Valley to Boulder
235 Miles
After a few days exploring Monument Valley, it’s time to head northwest to Capitol Reef National Park. Here, stark monoliths of red rock stand watch over twisting canyons. As you gaze upon Capitol Reef’s petroglyphs, consider how the early indigenous people and 19th century pioneers navigated this land. Nearby, the lush orchards and Gifford Homestead are both surviving testaments to the hardy settlers of the scenic valley. After some time rejuvenating in the orchards, head onwards to Anasazi State Park Museum in Boulder to further discover the region’s ancient lifestyle.
Boulder to Escalante
98 Miles
Now it’s time to continue Scenic Byway 12 to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The first stop is a hike to a literal desert oasis — Lower or Upper Calf Creek Falls. It’s no wonder ancient people traveled through and left their mark on the canyon walls. Afterwards, reward yourself with a drink and a treat from Kiva Koffeehouse, a soulful favorite with magnificent canyon views. Next, having already seen Bluff, you’ll traverse some of the dramatic terrain that kept the early pioneer expedition in check. Stop at fascinating sites like Devils Garden and Peek-a-Boo Canyon or, with a high-clearance vehicle and the right conditions, drive the full 62 miles to where the road descends to present-day Lake Powell.
Escalante to Bryce Canyon
131 Miles
A short drive from Escalante, day five of your road trip explores the Bryce Canyon region. First stop is the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum, where you’ll find a snapshot of the Paunsaugunt Plateau region’s fauna. Then, a morning in Bryce Canyon National Park can bridge the gap between museum exhibits and your own wildlife viewing memories. After a day rambling through Bryce Canyon it’s onto the charming town of Kanab. As the day comes to an end, drive south on Utah’s Heritage Highway, U.S. 89, to enjoy an evening meal in Kanab.
Overnight in Kanab
Kanab to Phoenix
350 Miles
Before heading back to Phoenix, take some time to enjoy a Kanab activity of your choice (Read: "15 Must-do Adventures in Kanab"). Volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as a way to give back and enjoy the uplift that comes from getting to know rescued cats, dogs, horses and birds. Or try sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. You might even enjoy a stop by the Little Hollywood Museum to learn more about the area’s cinematic past.
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