Valley of the Gods — BLM Dispersed Camping

Valley of the Gods is a smaller, quieter cousin of Monument Valley, with sandstone towers, buttes, and pinnacles rising out of red desert. A 17-mile gravel road runs through it between US-163 and Utah SR-261. Camping is free and dispersed on BLM land. Pick a pull-out off the road, set up, and enjoy the quiet and the stars. There are no developed sites, no water, no toilets, and no trash service. Bring all your water and pack out everything, human waste included.

The road is usually passable for a high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions, but it turns slick and impassable when wet. The clay here has stranded plenty of rigs. Washboard and a few washed-out dips are standard. Summer is hot and shadeless, and the shoulder seasons are best. Cell service is nonexistent in most of the valley. Check BLM Monticello Field Office for current conditions and fire restrictions before you go, and verify stay limits. Have a dirty day.

Monument Valley vibes without the crowds.