Moki Dugway
Cliff-carved switchbacks to canyon country
Moki Dugway stands as one of the most dramatic road engineering feats in the American Southwest—three miles of unpaved switchbacks carved directly into the face of Cedar Mesa’s 1,200-foot cliff. Originally blasted by uranium miners in 1958 to access the remote canyons below, this white-knuckle descent drops through a series of impossibly tight hairpin turns with nothing but air and ancient Navajo sandstone between you and the valley floor. The name comes from the Hopi word ‘Moki,’ referring to the ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited these canyons.
Any vehicle can technically make this drive, but large RVs and those afraid of heights should think twice—there are no guardrails and the outside edge drops straight down. The graded gravel surface stays in decent shape, though heavy rains can create washouts. Summer heat makes the metal guardrails too hot to touch, while winter ice can make the grade treacherous. The payoff is massive: panoramic views across Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, and the Goosenecks of the San Juan River. At the bottom, you’re positioned to explore some of Utah’s most remote and spectacular canyon country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 3 mi / 4.8 km |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6200 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle (not recommended for large RVs) |
| Nearest town | Mexican Hat, Utah |
| Land manager | Utah Department of Transportation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can I drive Moki Dugway in a stock sedan or do I need 4WD?
Any vehicle can handle Moki Dugway - it's gravel but well-maintained by UDOT. Large RVs and trailers should avoid it due to tight switchbacks and steep grades.
Is Moki Dugway safe to drive in winter or after storms?
Best avoided November through February when snow and ice make the unguarded switchbacks dangerous. Check conditions after summer storms as flash flooding can wash out sections.
Do I need permits or pay fees to drive Moki Dugway?
No permits or fees required - it's a public road maintained by Utah DOT. Just drive carefully and yield to uphill traffic on the narrow sections.
What's the scariest part of driving down Moki Dugway?
The initial switchbacks dropping off Cedar Mesa have no guardrails with 1,000+ foot drops just feet from your tires. Take it slow and don't look down if you're afraid of heights.
Are there places to camp near Moki Dugway without driving far?
Plenty of dispersed camping on top of Cedar Mesa before the descent, and more spots in Valley of the Gods at the bottom. No cell service to call for help if you get stuck.