The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Valley of the Gods is full of sandstone pinnacles and structures as well as other fascinating geological formations. The monoliths here have slowly been eroded by the weather and wind for thousands of years. The 17-mile San Juan County Road #242 runs through the area and consists mostly of gravel and clay. The Valley of the Gods is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization that oversees almost 22.8 million acres of public land in Utah. Visitors are welcome to hike, view the wildlife, climb and ride ATVs. While there are several car camps available, campfires are not permitted.
Capitol Reef National Park is only around three hours north while Mesa Verde National Park is two hours east. The Valley of the Gods is near both the Bears Ears National Monument and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. One of the biggest local communities can be found in the city of Blanding, which has a population of 3,375. Along with plenty of stores, lodges and camping options, Blanding is also home to an exciting Dinosaur Museum with life-sized models.
This kid-friendly trail is great for hiking, birding and walking. While exploring the path, you'll pass an old cow camp where you can rest and enjoy the sights. To hike Cedar Mesa, you'll need to pay for a day hiking pass.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 3.9 miles
While you're free to hike this path, many visitors choose to tackle the rough terrain with an off-roading vehicle. There's very little shade, making water and sunscreen a must. You don't want to miss the astounding views of nearby Lake Powell.
Intensity: Hard
Length: 49.2 miles
The San Juan River to the west is known to offer some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the country. Summer fly fishing is locally popular as it's easy to catch the rainbow and brown trout as they dart for insects. The San Juan River also gives you the chance to float, tube, kayak and canoe when the water levels are high enough.
Experienced climbers are encouraged to try and tackle the loose-rock climbing routes available in the Valley of the Gods. For an easier experience, you can climb the nearby Mexican Hat in Monument Valley. The Robbins Route, for example, has a 5.6 rating and consists of a brief 40-foot pitch. While many of the paths are natural with no bolts, you'll find one bolt ladder here. Avoid climbing after a recent rain as you can easily damage the Moab rock formations.
The consistently warm environment provides the perfect home for mule deer, kangaroo rats, desert bighorn sheep, desert rabbits and various lizards and snakes. Some of the local birds include canyon wrens, scrub jays, vultures, warblers, titmice and swifts. While black bears and mountain lions do frequent the area, spotting them is uncommon.
You'll find picnic tables at the Natural Bridges Overflow Camp and the Comb Wash Dispersed Campground. You can also picnic at any of the car camps around the Valley of the Gods. No matter where you plan your meals, be sure to fully clean up after your group before continuing your BLM adventure.
The Valley of the Gods is untouched by any nearby light or city pollution. You'll have the chance to see countless more stars than in areas like Monument Valley. Climb up one of the many sandstone ridges for the best views of the unobstructed sky. Be sure to bring a star guide and your portable telescope along with your camping equipment.
There are no established campgrounds within the Valley of the Gods. However, you can pull up to one of the dispersed camping sites or park your RV alongside San Juan County Road #242. Nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds such as the Sand Island Recreation Area offer inexpensive campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, boat launches and other basic amenities. This 27-site camping area is open all yearlong and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping at a standard site here costs $15 a night.
Up near Blanding, Blue Mountain RV and Trading is right off of Highway 191. They have back-in and pull-through RV sites that come with full hookups. You're sure to love the free Wi-Fi, modern showers and laundry facilities. RV camping rates start as low as $45 nightly. Consider staying at Blanding's Sunset Campground for easy access to the historic Anasazi State Park Museum. Several of the sites can fit motorhomes up to 60 feet long. While there is great cellphone service, this campground doesn't offer hookups or amenities.
As you search for BLM camping near me, don't forget to consider Bureau of Land Management free camping options like the Comb Wash Dispersed Camp. This camping area comes with limited amenities and is up near the South Mule Canyon Trailhead. You can also tent or car camp in the Valley of the Gods as long as you use a previously impacted site.
Dispersed campers should be aware that you're allowed to camp in one spot for up to 14 days in a 28-day period. You'll then have to move at least 25 miles away from your site to continue camping. It's best to bring along more water than you think you'll need. Invest in a large bottle that can carry at least 5 to 7 gallons. Along with water, be sure to pack cooking gear, bug spray, paper maps and guidebooks. Bringing an off-roading vehicle can lessen your weight load and give you access to more of the stunning Utah wilderness. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Minimize your impact on the environment by traveling in a single-file line on durable surfaces. When hiking, camping and climbing, pack out all trash, debris and human waste. Additionally, strive to avoid any small hills or ranges dotted with white or black peaks. These patches of soil are called cryptobiotic crusts, and they contain nutrients and bacteria vital to the desert's flora and wildlife. As always, practice the "Leave No Trace" guideline on your way out.
From Bluff, drive 15 miles west on U.S. Highway 163 to reach Mexican Hat. You'll then travel about 10 miles northeast on Utah Highway 261 until you see San Juan County Road #242. You'll find the Valley of the Gods at 365 North Main, Monticello, UT 84535.
Ready to visit Valley of the Gods? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
