If the road-less-traveled is your middle name, I’ve got the perfect day-long itinerary for you in Valley of the Gods and Bluff. It’s full of epic scenery, history, and a chance to connect with Mother Nature like never before. Within the vast expanse of southern Utah, it’s a quieter untouched, quieter cousin of Monument Valley; see Pro Tips below for the differences between them.
Beneath a deep blue sky canvas, this secluded valley harbors sandstone behemoths, rising from the desert floor, carving out a divine skyline. Unspoiled by commercialization, it promises a day of solitude and a soulful connection with nature’s raw grandeur.
As dawn breaks, get to the precipice of a majestic overlook. As the sun ascends, you journey deeper into the valley. Solitude accompanies. Break your day with homegrown eateries in humble Bluff. Catch the mellow hues of dusk and a blanket of countless stars in the desert night sky.
Twin Rocks Café, Navajo Twins Drive, Bluff, UT, USA
Valley of the Gods Road, Mexican Hat, UT, USA
Cedar Shack Cafe, U.S. 191, Bluff, UT, USA
Moki Dugway, Utah, USA
Bluff Fort, Black Locust Avenue, Bluff, UT, USA
Canyon Smokehouse, Main Street, Bluff, UT, USA
Comb Ridge Eat and Drink, Main Street, Bluff, UT, USA
Duke's, W Main St, Bluff, UT, USA
Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa, U.S. 191, Bluff, UT, USA
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins, Main Street, Bluff, UT, USA
Bears Ears Visitor Center, W Main St, Bluff, UT, USA
Butler Wash Ruins Trailhead, Utah, USA
Before Breakfast in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Rise & Shine
Set your alarm early. It’s worth it. And bring a tumbler of hot coffee. Drive into the valley and start your day from any precipice in the heart of the Valley of the Gods. Actually, anywhere in the vast expanse will do. The sunrise here is a work of art. The sky turns a paler shade of black-purple-blue with each passing minute. Red rocks light up like fiery giants against a dawn sky. Epic IG. Soaked it in. Head back for an early breakfast or start offroading on the 17-mile loop drive. It’s all dirt roads and no cell service here, so make sure you’re prepped with water, food, sunscreen, and gas.
Best Places for Breakfast in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Important things to know about the dining scene in Bluff: Options are super limited and opening times and days change seasonally. Unless you are entirely eating from a cooler that you stocked before driving into Bluff, look up all the dining websites below and map out your meals. And even then, be prepared to change it up. When you get to town, you’ll find places closed that are supposed to be open.
Twin Rocks Cafe
Twin Rocks Café is a breakfast haven beneath the iconic sandstone formation it’s named after. With a menu rich in Southwest-inspired options, it serves hearty classics like pancakes and bacon, and local favorites such as Navajo Fry Bread. The homely decor, with panoramic window views, adds to the charm of this much-loved diner.
Twin Rocks Trading Post
After breakfast, mosey next door to the trading post. Let’s call it what it is: a museum, not just something “filled with local art and crafts.” The spirit of the Southwest comes alive here — in the form of handcrafted Navajo art. This family-run establishment showcases exquisite traditional weavings, pottery, and baskets, as well as intricate silver jewelry. Chat up the knowledgeable staff who will share stories about the local artisans. Even non-shoppers will be amazed.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Valley of the Gods Loop
Set off on the 17-mile self-guided tour through the heart of the Valley of the Gods. Every curve and straightaway reveals awe-inspiring sandstone formations. The red monoliths and towering pinnacles, undisturbed by crowds, create a spectacle of solitude. The canvas is quite exquisite. I like to drive to the end and return the same way, as the return always looks different. There aren’t designated trails here but stop anywhere. Take in the silence. Walk. Unfold a chair and feel the stillness. Just remember to respect the landscape and leave no trace.
Best Places for Lunch in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Cedar Shack Cafe
Cedar Shack Café, a Bluff staple known for its satisfying and home-style dishes, is located at Bluff Dwellings. And fortunately, it keeps pretty regular hours — open daily from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm. Look for classics like juicy burgers and robust salads and local staples like Navajo tacos, which speak of the area’s cultural heritage.
Twin Rocks Café
This Southwest diner offers a blend of American classics and Navajo-inspired dishes, each heartily satisfying. Try the Navajo Taco or a juicy Twin Rocks Burger or a classic BLT. The café’s relaxed vibe and friendly service add to the charm.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Moki Dugway
A marvel of engineering, the Moki Dugway is a staggering, gravelly route that winds its way through the towering cliffs of Cedar Mesa. As you ascend the steep switchbacks, be prepared for jaw-dropping views of the Valley of the Gods, the distant Monument Valley, and the deep blue expanse of the sky. Navigating this challenging and exhilarating path is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking panoramas that attest to the raw and dramatic beauty of southern Utah.
Bluff Fort
Step back in time at the Bluff Fort Historic Site, a well-preserved pioneer settlement in Bluff. Walk amongst the authentic log cabins, peek into a covered wagon, and explore remarkable pioneer artifacts. Engaging exhibits and passionate volunteers breathe life into the history, narrating tales of the 19th-century pioneers who carved out an existence in this harsh desert terrain. Yes, Native Americans carved out an existence well before them.
From the gift shop, I had some amazing, hot-out-of-the-oven bread on my last visit.
Butler Wash Ruins
To add a different depth to your day, take a short drive to the rugged landscape at Butler Wash Indian Ruins. This 2.5-mile round-trip trail brings you face-to-face with well-preserved, awesome Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The moderate hike, with intricate rock art, should take about one to two hours, leaving enough time to absorb the ancient wonder. Feel the whispers of a civilization long past echoing through the silence.
Best Places for Dinner in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Options are limited, so while I call out two favorites below, I gotta also mention Canyon Smokehouse. Sometimes it’s open at 2 pm, sometimes at 4:30 pm, and sometimes it’s closed all day.
Comb Ridge Eat and Drink
The beloved local bistro of Comb Ridge, tucked into a historic building, serves up sumptuous sandwiches, salads, and more. Don’t miss their green chile cheeseburger or the signature Comb Ridge sandwich. The relaxing patio is like the icing on the cake. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible — and have an impressive selection of craft beers and wines.
Best Places to Stay in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Bluff Dwellings Resort
Bluff Dwellings Resort, tucked up against spectacular cliffs and with top-notch service, is a haven of relaxation. Its architecture, reminiscent of ancient dwellings, adds to its charm. The rooms are tastefully decorated with Native American art and the resort also offers a pool, outdoor fire pits, a fitness center, and a spa.
Desert Rose Resort and Cabins
Desert Rose Resort and Cabins is another great choice. The resort offers spacious cabins and rooms, all equipped with modern amenities. The rustic charm blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The property also features an indoor pool and a hot tub and outdoor fire pits.
After Dark in Valley of the Gods & Bluff
Stargazing
Although it’s not an official Dark Sky Park, it should be IMO. Far from city lights, and close to isolation (aks zero light pollution), Valley of the Gods offers a spectacular setting for stargazing. Let the cosmos amaze you. Grab a blanket and your favorite beverage, and lie back to watch the greatest show in the universe: a million twinkling stars.
Bonus Pro Tips
How is Valley of the Gods different from Monument Valley?
They have striking similarities in their majestic red rock formations and breathtaking vistas. However, there are notable differences.
- Location: Valley of the Gods is situated in southeastern Utah, approximately 30 miles north of Monument Valley, which straddles the border between Utah and Arizona. While both are located on the Colorado Plateau, their distinct geographical positions contribute to their individual characteristics.
- Size and Scale: Monument Valley is larger and more expansive than Valley of the Gods, with its iconic sandstone formations rising up to 1,000 feet above the desert floor. Valley of the Gods boasts smaller-scale formations — though they are equally impressive.
- Accessibility and Development: Monument Valley is more well-known and more developed in terms of infrastructure and visitor amenities. It is part of the Navajo Nation Tribal Park, which requires an entrance fee and offers guided tours. Valley of the Gods, on the other hand, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is more remote and less developed, providing a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Solitude and Seclusion: Valley of the Gods offers a more serene, secluded atmosphere for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature. Monument Valley is busier, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Cultural Significance: Both landscapes are rich in Native American history and hold cultural and spiritual significance. Monument Valley, in particular, is deeply connected to the Navajo people, their traditions, and their stories. While Valley of the Gods is also steeped in Native American history, its cultural connections are comparatively less prominent.
Stop into the Bears Ears Visitor Center for special talks, hiking details, and more historical context.
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