San Juan County

Utah

Trail to rainbow bridge, accessible by backpacking trip or boat ride from lake Powell resort marina.
Trail to rainbow bridge, accessible by backpacking trip or boat ride from lake Powell resort marina.
Normally I try to plan a general idea of what to do on a trip, but during the trip be up for spontaneity. After leaving Arches I decided to not go up to the expressway and back down to Goblin Valley State Park; instead I retraced part of my trip so I could stop by Arches National Monument and take HY-95. I am so very glad I did. It was by far the best stretch of road on my trip. I was stopping every few miles to get out and enjoy the view. From here I was able to get a complete 360 degree view of The sierra mountains and tributaries of Glenn Canyon. To give perspective; it was supposed to be a 4 hour drive that day. I started around 8 AM. I didn't get to Goblin Valley until 7 PM. This is a spectacular drive and one you should definitely plan to use as a way of connecting destinations on your trip.
This spot is called the House on Fire ruins in Mule Canyon, Utah. You can see exactly how it got the name! The ruins are from Ancestral Puebloan people who lived here over 700 years ago. Not only is a great spot for photos, it's rarely crowded because it's off the beaten path! #history #utah
World's largest natural bridge - worth the all day boat ride!

Popular cities in San Juan County

Arches National Park showing desert views
Moab
Known for Nature, Natural parks and Rivers
This eastern Utah city with two national parks on its doorstep is a magnet for hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Reasons to visit

  • Arches National Park Visitor Center
  • Dead Horse Point State Park
  • Island in the Sky Visitor Center
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Valley of the Dust Gods
Bluff
Known for Dining, Friendly people and Monuments
Get away to Bluff! Enjoy the monuments, natural setting and sightseeing.

Reasons to visit

  • Bluff Fort
  • Comb Ridge
  • Twin Rocks
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So far from anything, so hard to get to, but so worth it. The local Navajo Guides with Jeeps for hire will laugh when you say you're thinking of doing this 17-mile loop through the most famous buttes of Monument Valley in a small car, but go ahead and do it. Carefully. We saved $170 and were able to maneuver through the gulleys and rocks just fine. Driving ourselves enabled us to decide how long to spend at each spot, and whether to keep driving or get out and hike at our whim. Take water and lunch! #Navajo #MonumentValley #Arizona #landscape
Oljato-Monument Valley
Known for Monuments, Deserts and Scenery
Experience romantic Oljato-Monument Valley: its monuments, desert views, sunrises and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
  • Oljato-Monument Valley
  • John Ford Point
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Monticello showing heritage architecture, a memorial and a garden
Monticello
Known for Friendly people, Nature and Excursions
Exceptional rock formations and cave carvings of animals and humans dating back thousands of years are part of what makes this town unforgettable.

Reasons to visit

  • Hole N The Rock
  • Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument
  • Big Spring Canyon Overlook
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The Hite Crossing Bridge is an arch bridge that carries Utah State Route 95 across the Colorado River northwest of Blanding, Utah, United States
Blanding
Known for Excursions, Monuments and Nature
Get away to quaint Blanding! Enjoy the museums, hiking and gardens.

Reasons to visit

  • Edge of the Cedars State Park
  • Dinosaur Museum
  • Mule Canyon Ruins
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Painted Hills near Mexican Hat #adventure #hiking #colorful #beautiful #nature #wow #roadtrip
Mexican Hat
Known for Natural parks
Explore Mexican Hat: its parks and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Valley of the Gods
  • Mexican Hat Rock
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
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