b"The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, which manages the SCENIC DRIVES NEAR Consider driving this beautiful, lonely loop butpark, share this message with MONUMENT VALLEY not in a large RV or with a trailer. Stay away aftervisitors: The Navajo people have a The Bluff Scenic Byway is drivable year-roundheavy rains. Valley of the Gods is also a very good and runs between Bluff and Monument Valleyplace to camp if you are entirely self-sufficient.custom that has endured. Whenever along Highway 163. This stretch of road on U.S.There are no established campgrounds and novisitors come they are always treated 163 is beautiful on a grand scale. Rather thanfacilities, but there are plenty of places to camp inas honored guests. They are offered narrow canyons and steep, confining barrier reefs,the wild. It is incredibly quiet, and watching theshelter, warmth, and nourishment so U.S. 163 traverses land that is broad, open, andmoon rise here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.windswept. It is hot at the height of summer in thisthey can continue with their journey. corner of the state but otherwise, no real seasonalThe Moki Dugway is located on UT261, justThe same hospitality we offer to you, distinctions can be made, and driving poses nonorthwest of the Valley of the Gods, and offersand we hope that you have a safe impediments for any sort of vehicle. superior scenery and views but is not for the faint of heart. Sheer 1100-foot drop-offs with 10-percentand pleasant visit to our land.Bluff is a peaceful place whose largest attractiongrades make for a jaw-dropping and heart- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Parkis San Juan River excursions. The town has a nicepounding experience. 435-727-5870little historic loop on the right just as you enter the town. The Bluff City Historical PreservationForrest Gump Point or Forrest Gump Hill, alsoNavajoNationParks.orgAssociation publishes an excellent tour brochureon U.S. 163, is certainly one of the most popular describing historical houses and other sites inand recognizable views in the U.S. and you willAvoid taking pictures of people or Bluff with a guide to nearby rock art sites. Dontlikely find some tourists waiting for you to drive miss the Twin Rocks Cafe, incredibly situated justby to be able to stand in the middle of the roadevents unless you have permission. underneath a couple of rock spires. and take the iconic picture. In the morning, theAct respectfully at all times but sunlight brightens the landscape and, if you arriveparticularly at important sites or Its about 16 miles from Bluff to the easternearly, you will find even fewer cars along theburial grounds. Don't remove pottery entrance of the Valley of the Gods, a highlyway. In the afternoon or late evening, the profile recommended side trip. Valley of the Gods is likeof Monument Valley will be in the shade, whichor other artifacts you may find.a miniature version of Monument Valley withoutmakes it less photogenic.people. Its mesas and spires are formed of the same Cedar Mesa sandstone as the somewhat larger formations at Monument Valley. The 17-mile loop drive on the mostly good dirt roadis suitable for all but the most low-slung passenger vehicles in good weather. ArizonaRealCountry.com April 2022 25"