We like to plan outings to out-of-the-way sites and spend a few days exploring the area. We’ve done this with Vernal, Delta, and Moab. After our trip to Moab over Spring Break, we decided we missed a lot of activities in the southeast corner of the state, so we planned a separate trip to Blanding this summer.
We found a lot of great adventures that seem to be relatively unknown. Just click on any link to read more about each stop. I’ll start with our big day making “the loop” because it turned out to be a particularly well-planned day. We made 8 stops and saw a lot of amazing things.
Blanding Visitor Center
At 8:00 we stopped at the Blanding Visitor’s Center for information on some of the sites we’d be seeing. There is a small museum in the Visitor Center, and we got a lot of questions answered at this stop. Then we headed south to Bluff.
Fort Bluff
Fort Bluff got a nice new makeover and was a highlight of our trip to this area. We learned about the incredible Hole in the Wall descent of the Pioneers and strolled through the dozen or so cabins in this rebuilt pioneer town. Plan to spend 2-3 hours in Fort Bluff. You won’t be disappointed!
Valley of the Gods
To the west of Fort Bluff, we turned up a washboard road to the Valley of the Gods. This is a 17 mile loop that takes you past towering stone structures. It’s sort of like Monument Valley’s little brother.
Mexican Hat
At around 1 pm we decided to double back toward Bluff and pick up lunch in Mexican Hat. (Don’t plan on Wendy’s or McDonald’s. The choices are limited.) The actual Mexican Hat is pretty cool, though. I’m a little surprised someone hasn’t climbed up there and tipped it off. (Don’t even think about it!)
Goosenecks State Park
A short distance up the road is Goosenecks State Park. You have to stop here if you drive by. It’ll only take $2 and about 20 minutes, but it is amazing how the river isn’t smart enough to just go straight. I mean, come on . . .
Moki Dugway
After Goosenecks, we drove up the Moki Dugway. This is one of the most unique stretches of road in America. It is sort of like Hole in the Rock for cars. We wound and twisted our way up the cliff face on a narrow steep gravel road. This was one of our favorite adventures near Blanding.
Muley Point Road
Right at the top of the Moki Dugway is Muley Point Road. It is about 4 miles out to the overlook, but they are 4 rough miles. We made it in our van, but we took it very slowly. You arrive at a wide open vista that overlooks Monument Valley far to the south.
Natural Bridges National Monument
At around 3 pm we reached our final destination, Natural Bridges National Monument. There are four short hikes, and we did 3 of the 4. We had dinner in the car and stayed late for the stargazing tour which started at 9:30. Then we headed back to Blanding. It was the perfect day!
Other Stops near Blanding
We stopped at the following places on our other days in Blanding. There was so much to see and do in this area of Utah.
Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument is an amazing look into the past. Plan to spend half a day hiking and driving to 800 year old stone structures built in groups along the canyon walls.
Dinosaur Museum in Blanding
The Dinosaur Museum in Blanding is a really cool stop. They have unique artifacts like 3 trees that are 250 million years old (and petrified) of which there are only 6 in the world and dinosaur skin imprints. My favorite section was the movie tributes, though. An entire wing is dedicated to campy dinosaur movies that were popular in the 50s and 60s.
Edge of the Cedars State Park
Edge of the Cedars State Park is right in Blanding. We had so much fun at this state park with the friendly rangers. They let our youngest do the Junior Ranger program. Our boys loved the ruins, especially the kiva that they could climb down into.
Nation’s Natural Bridge
Nation’s Natural Bridge is just on the outskirts of Blanding. You can see the natural bridge across the canyon from the side of the road. There are people who say they hike down the canyon and back up to get closer to the natural bridge, but we decided that wasn’t for our family. This bridge isn’t quite as spectacular as the ones in Natural Bridges National Monument, but still a fun, easy stop near Blanding.
West Water Ruins
The West Water Ruins are just down the road from Nation’s Natural Bridge. The ruins aren’t as large as at Hovenweep, but we enjoyed looking across the canyon at these small structures. There are quite a few kivas, and some stairs. Some people venture across the canyon, but we wouldn’t recommend it for safety reasons for you as hikers, as well as for the preservation of the ruins.
Monument Valley
This might be a bit of a drive from Blanding, but it is one of the most iconic spots in the southwest. It is just outside the Utah border and part of the Navajo Nation. We had such a great few hours in Monument Valley.
Plan a trip to Blanding. It’s out of the way, not too touristy, and there is plenty to do.
Did you stay in one place? Motel or camp?
We stayed in a motel in Blanding for the entire time we were there.
How long of a stay do you recommend to see the banding and 4 corners area? I read all the info you gave on what to do in Blanding and nearby but I am uncertain on how many days we need at a leisurely pace.
We spent 4 days in the Blanding area, but didn’t go to 4 corners or Monument Valley on this trip. So you probably want another day or two for those things. We are also not great at leisurely pace. 😉 We like to squeeze in as much as possibly, but I would say 4-5 days would work to fit it all in. If you are doing less, then maybe fewer days.