Drives Utah Moab and Utah's Canyon Country
US-163: Bluff to Monument Valley
US 163, US 191 · Bluff → Monument Valley
The drive
US 163 runs southwest from Bluff, crosses the San Juan River at Mexican Hat, and heads across the desert toward Monument Valley. Along the way are Valley of the Gods and the long straight at Forrest Gump Point, where the road runs toward the buttes. The drive ends at the Goulding's turnoff. It is 44.9 miles and about 50 minutes, with mostly gentle curves.
The scenery does the work here rather than the bends. Driving this direction, the buttes grow ahead of you.
The Navajo Tribal Park's 17-mile valley loop is a separate, unpaved road with its own fee.
Along the way
- Bluff
- Mexican Hat
- Forrest Gump Point
- Monument Valley (Goulding's turnoff)
Good to know
- The Navajo Nation Parks page lists an entrance fee for the tribal park of $15 per vehicle, and says the valley loop road has reopened.
- The tribal park lists motorcycles as not allowed on the valley loop because of rough terrain and deep sand.
- Park hours change by season, so check the Navajo Nation Parks page before heading in.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Navajo Nation Parks: Monument Valley.
Questions about this drive
How long is US 163 from Bluff to Monument Valley?
US 163 on this route is 44.9 miles and takes about 50 minutes.
Is US 163 twisty?
No. It has mostly gentle curves, and the draw is the view of the buttes.
Is there a fee to drive the loop in Monument Valley?
The driving on US 163 is free, but the Navajo Nation Parks page lists a tribal park entrance fee of $15 per vehicle.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.