Quick Facts:
Location: Cedar Mesa, Mexican Hat, Utah
Coordinates: 37.27152783295158, -109.93999013879892
Length: 3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 1,200’
Dog Friendly: Yes
Introduction:
If you’ve ever wanted to drive a road that feels more like a dare, Moki Dugway is your ticket. Tucked into the edge of Cedar Mesa in southeastern Utah, this gravel road climbs over 1,200 feet in just three miles, snaking its way up sheer sandstone cliffs with zero guardrails. It’s short, sharp, and totally unforgettable.
Getting There:
You’ll find Moki Dugway along Utah Highway 261, about 24 miles north of Mexican Hat. If you’re coming from Monument Valley, it’s just under an hour’s drive. Look for the sign that says “Impassable When Wet”they’re not kidding. The road starts paved but turns to gravel as you begin the climb up the mesa.
Two-wheel drive vehicles can usually make it, but for off-roaders, this is pure joy. A high-clearance vehicle gives you confidence, and four-wheel drive makes the descent feel like a controlled thrill rather than a white-knuckle slide.
Landscape Description:
The road zigzags up a cliff with sweeping views of Valley of the Gods and the distant spires of Monument Valley. Red rock formations stretch for miles. The air is dry, clean, and smells like sagebrush and dust. At the top, Cedar Mesa opens up like a secret, wide, flat, and ancient, with junipers and stories carved in stone.
Sunrise and sunset here hit different. Shadows stretch forever, and the sky goes pink and orange behind jagged silhouettes.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
Moki Dugway is only about 3 miles long, but don’t let the length fool you. The gravel surface is graded but can be rough in spots. There are sharp switchbacks and steep drop-offs, definitely not for the nervous or distracted. There are no guardrails, so keep your eyes on the road and don’t try to selfie while driving.
In dry conditions, it’s manageable for most vehicles, but after rain, it can turn slick and dangerous fast. Cell signal is spotty, so download your maps ahead of time and let someone know your plans.
Dog Friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome. Just keep them leashed if you stop to take in the view. The drop-offs are no joke, and the road gets dusty, so bring water and don’t leave them in the car for long. It gets hot out here quickly, especially in summer.
Park Rules and Regulations:
Moki Dugway is public and free to access, but it’s maintained by the Utah Department of Transportation. No permits needed, but pack out everything you pack in. Stay on the road, off-roading beyond the trail is strictly forbidden to protect the fragile desert landscape. Fires aren’t allowed, and camping is not permitted directly on the Dugway. You’ll find campgrounds nearby, like Valley of the Gods and Goosenecks State Park.
Other Drives Nearby:
If you’re not ready to call it a day after Moki Dugway, head to Muley Point Road at the top of the mesa. It’s a dirt road that leads to a killer overlook of the San Juan River. Or drive through Valley of the Gods, a 17-mile dirt loop that’s like Monument Valley’s cooler, less crowded cousin.
Non-Driving Attractions:
Just a short drive south, Goosenecks State Park offers unreal views of the San Juan River’s winding curves. For a deeper cultural hit, stop by Bluff Fort in the town of Bluff or visit the Navajo-operated trading posts in Monument Valley.
There’s also Natural Bridges National Monument to the north if you want to see some of the oldest natural arches in North America without the Moab crowds.
Accommodations: Where To Set Up Basecamp
Goulding’s Lodge – Monument Valley
Goulding’s Lodge is a classic stay with unbeatable views of Monument Valley’s iconic buttes. The rooms and casitas are cozy, and many come with balconies where you can watch the red rocks glow at sunrise and sunset. The property also has a pool, museum, trading post, and even tours that take you deep into Navajo Nation lands. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and scenery all in one spot.
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins – Bluff, Utah
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is a hidden gem in Bluff, surrounded by quiet desert landscapes and star-filled night skies. The rustic-chic cabins and lodge rooms offer comfort with a Southwestern flair, and the indoor pool and fitness center make it easy to relax after a day of adventure. With close access to Bears Ears National Monument and Valley of the Gods, it’s a serene base for exploring some of Utah’s most stunning hidden corners.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall are prime. March through May and September through early November offer cooler temps and clearer skies. Summer can be blazing hot and dangerous for pets and people alike. Winter brings snow and mud, which can make the Dugway sketchy or even closed.
Support the Adventure
To make your walls less boring, check out my photography portfolio and bring a piece of the wild and my story into your home.
If you’d like to fuel future adventures, you can donate a coffee on Ko-Fi. Every cup keeps me chasing sunrises and stories.
When you shop using my affiliate links, every click helps support this blog at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep Unicorn Adventure alive and kicking while I keep exploring.
Subscribe to my mailing list for future updates, new stories, and behind-the-scenes adventures.
Stay connected with me on Instagram and Facebook for more photos and daily inspiration.
Thanks for being part of the journey, Unicorn Squadron!
