Muley Point, Utah Guide
If there's one spot that showcases some of the best that the Utah desert has to offer, it's Muley Point. Vast canyons, fiery, sandstone cliffs, valleys of towering rock monoliths, and an endless desert horizon are just a few of the things that make up this view. From the top of Cedar Mesa, past the San Juan River, into Monument Valley and then the northern border of Arizona, Muley Point just might have it all.
When to Visit
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Expect extreme heat in the summer, milder springs and falls, and cooler winters. There's virtually no shade here either, so be prepared. While the five mile dirt road to Muley Point is in good condition, expect some bumps along the way, especially at some of the earlier pull offs before the main view. If it's rained recently, it's likely to make the road more difficult to navigate.
How to Get There
At the top of the Moki Dugway (part of Utah State Route 291) is the unmarked road to Muley Point. If you've just traveled up the Dugway, it will be the first road on the left. Take the road five miles until it ends for the main view at Muley Point, though there are several other pull offs along the way with great views as well. Once you've passed a sign for the Glen Canyon Natioanl Recreation Area, you'll know you're getting close. There's a small, informal parking area near the cliff's edge and viewpoint.
Muley Point
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Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Distance: 5 mile dirt road.
Travelers won't find trails up here, though you're free to walk and explore as you please; what they will find though is one of the most spectacular views in the entire southwestern United States. While not properly marked, Muley Point Road is just at the top of the Moki Dugway. Look for a sign that reads: "Vehicle Travel on Designated Roads Only. Road Impassable When Wet."
The start of the road to Muley Point.
From here it's simply enjoying the drive; the closer you get, there will be a handful of pull offs where you can spot the goosenecked canyons of the San Juan River below. Free camping is allowed up here at these pull offs, though it should be noted that there are no facilities of any kind. It's also worth noting that the terrain around these pull offs is much bumpier and rockier than the main road, so if you're not in a 4x4 and you're looking to camp up here, it might be best to just proceed to the end of the road and the main viewpoint.
Parking area, dispersed camping, and the grand view from Muley Point.
UAS operated outside NPS border.
It takes maybe 15 minutes to drive the five miles to Muley Point, where you'll find a clearing for parking. Exit your vehicle and approach the cliff's edges (carefully!) for a view like no other:
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Hi there, I'm Dan: videographer, travel-addict, and beer-lover. I left corporate life behind to start my own video business and travel the world. Want to know more about me and Dan Treks?
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Muley Point at sunrise.
You could sit up here all day and constantly discover something new. The first thing you're likely to notice are the massive canyons created by the San Juan River below--look at the roads near the rim as a tool for scaling how high up you are, and how big everything is. If you've been to Goosenecks State Park already, you're now getting an even wider view of the river. Far off in the distance are the distinct buttes of Monument Valley, which while quite massive, look tiny from Muley Point. Beyond that is the northern edge of the Utah-Arizona border.
The San Juan River, responsible for these canyons, is barely visible below.
Monument Valley and its famous red rocks are easily spotted from Muley Point.
Panoramic view of Muley Point at sunrise.
Arrive just before sunrise or sunset for a spectacular show, where golden hour causes the red rocks to glow. If you're camping up here, it's considered dispersed, so while there's no designated sites, you're free to set up your own site, while following the rules of "leave no trace." I'm not sure you could pick a better base for a few days of adventuring in San Juan County, there's tons to do and see. If you're just arriving to the top of Cedar Mesa, you might want to continue your journey by heading northwards to another hidden gem in the region: Natural Bridges National Monument.
Owachomo Bridge in Natural Bridges National Monument.