Cool find while in the Valley marveling at the landscape…read more Came upon this small cabin full of Hollywood Lore. Mr. John Wayne's cabin while filming his and John Fords Westerns. Come inside, don't expect a big cabin. What it does contain is photographs, movie lore and a room full of Western artifacts from several westerns John Wayne was involved in. It's a little hidden but as soon as you see the cabin 'you've found it'!! Bathrooms and a nice little theater are adjacent. Lots of parking.

It's a small cabin. It is the size of a small bedroom. It is one room. Inside, it has pictures of…read moreJohn Wayne and movies. The other side has one small twin bed and a stove. It has a glass window that you can see the stuff inside. The cabin is cozy and simple. This attraction is located inside another business. You have to drive towards the back of this hotel to see it. It is also located next to this beautiful, huge rock formation. It was worth it for me. I was a fan of John Wayne.

This is one of the West's most famous rock art sites, with a high density of petroglyphs. It was…read morebreath-taking as this is a massive expanse of rock all covered in etchings that are as old as 2,000 years ago. It had me contemplating our current existence and what things would look like 2,000 years from now. It was right off the road with a small parking lot with vault toilets. I came during the off season so the lot was empty, but it gets busy enough that there are traffic signs preventing people from parking on the road. Free to park and walk on the sidewalk to the cliff face.

NOTE: This petroglyph wall is not located in Monticello, but outside of town about 30 minutes. It's…read moreon Highway 211, on your way from US-191 into the Needles District of Canyonlands. I fixed the pin drop marker here on Yelp, but these things can be finicky. It's marked and on the side of the road, but GPS crowds can set to: 37.9879209, -109.5188924. Man, I really love this spot. I mean, it's a nice little get-out-and-stretch and won't take you more than a few minutes, but it's a nice roadside pull-off when you're already off and rolling on adventure. I first visited in 2005 or so and was struck by just how prolific all the petroglyphs are. Sometimes you only see a few in one place, but here at Newspaper Rock, it's plastered with characters. Pull off the highway, park, and walk up the paved path. It'll take you less than two minutes, so almost anyone from grandma to the little ones can make it. There's a small fence at the base of the rock to keep you from touching the panel, but you get a front row seat to the artwork. This is very near a campground, but there is a small toilet facility here so you can hit that up before you get into the park, or out to Lockhart, or wherever your travels are taking you. Note that this is not the only panel in the area. If you keep driving, pay attention to the cliffs and the walls around you--you can spy a few characters. But they're sparse, and in comparison to this amazing display, they may barely register. That's what makes this mysterious spot (but why were ancient inhabitants all tagging it???) so wonderful.

This is a cool little place to check out. If you have been on the road for a while need a walk and…read moresee something then pavement then stop and check out some history.

Three stars for some ambivalence here... The house tour is fascinating, super unique, with 5,000…read moresquare feet of living space with a ton of original furniture, fixtures, home decor and objects in general to look at. Most of it was HAND BUILT by the owners many decades ago. Really cool! But twelve actual minutes to run through it? Really? The docent was nice enough but obviously doesn't care about his job. It was almost funny how he was moving us through as fast as the candy on Lucy's conveyer belt. I reluctantly recommend the tour because the house/history is amazing, but the tour itself desperately needs a new guide and at least double the time to enjoy it. The girl at the front that sold the tickets was a delight: she enthusiastically answered our questions and actually seemed to enjoy engaging with guests.

We arrived at the end of the day on Sunday. The Ranger recommended the circle hike but directed us…read moreto go to the south first. Great hike and ruins are amazing!

There are so many structures standing here! The loop hike was well marked, with the first portion…read more(going counterclockwise) taking you past the structures along the rim of the canyon, and the second portion descending and ascending the canyon back to the visitor center. I liked how you could get up close to the structures and see them in detail - no entering or touching though! Some were build right on the edge. I wonder how they manage to design them and maintain them on such a precarious position. The visitor center has helpful NPS rangers and a small gift shop. There are some displays, but the best part is to go out and explore! The bathrooms are also nice with running water.

I didn't even know this place was a thing until I was mapping out our Spring Break road trip! It…read morejust so happened we were going to be driving right by here, so we decided to make a stop. My oldest had just recently watched the movie, so she remembered the scene. They have signs to clearly mark where to stop based on the movie. And there is parking available along the road in several spots so you can stop and take your photos. There are also some vendors with booths selling items for the Navajo Nation. It was VERY windy when we were there. Also, be careful with all the cars driving through.

As someone who really loves Forrest Gump, this spot was one of the must visit places on my road…read moretrip. It was actually one of the locations I was most excited to cross off my to do list and it did not disappoint. Standing on the exact stretch of road where that iconic scene was filmed feels surreal, like stepping into the movie for a moment. Even with the cloudy weather, the view of Monument Valley in the distance is unreal. There's something so peaceful and cinematic about the whole area, it almost makes you forget you're literally standing in the middle of the highway. It's a quick stop but it carries a lot of meaning if you grew up loving the film. A simple spot, but one that hits hard if Forrest Gump has a place in your heart. I'm really glad I made the drive.

Reading blogs online made my scared to do this drive. But after telling my husband about it there…read morewas no turning back. It was so much FUN. And in decent weather, it was easy in our SUV. We saw an RV coming down the pass which looked ridiculous and scary but we had a blast!!!

Moki Dugway for those who are possibly wondering exactly what is a Moki Dugway....it's…read moresimple....this is a very short, yet windy and steep uphill drive for 3 miles and 1200 feet reaching the top of Cedar Mesa. So what makes it so special??? Well, for me, it was just the drive. For the 3 miles, it's on dirt road. The speed limit and it's posted is 5 MPH. Yes...go slow and take your time. I have a fear of heights so driving up...on the right hand side is the view of the surrounding desert area of Southeastern, Utah. And the drive up wasn't anything difficult or dangerous, but from time to time I had to sort of move over towards the left of the road just in case, lol...to be safe. That's all. But...I came here to Moki Dugway in early afternoon right after I completed exploring Valley of the Gods. And I'd basically say Valley of the Gods is a miniature version (or even on the same level) as highly acclaimed Monument Valley! I exited Valley of the Gods on the west side along Highway 261 and literally the start to Moki Dugway was like 1 - 2 miles down the road. There really weren't any official signs saying this was Moki Dugway, but signs were posted that you'll be driving uphill on a much elevated degree along a dirt road for the next few miles. So...you'll know you're on Moki Dugway when you see it. I found there to be plenty of little roadside pullovers to stop, get out of my car and not only appreciate the fresh air, but the scenic and wide open views among the heart of the desert of secluded Mexican Hat, Utah. And...I drove Moki Dugway up to the top of Cedar Mesa and didn't stop from there. Combined with Moki Dugway was heading to Muley Point. To arrive at Muley Point I made a left onto the first road at the top of the Dugway. There wasn't a sign for Muley Point. You just have to trust that it'll be the immediate first left up at the top. Then...it's an easy 5 mile drive along a gravel road to the overlook. Once again...there weren't any signs for Muley Point when I arrived...but I knew what it was because there was no road left to drive. From there, I exited my car and headed to see what Muley point was all about. Just a few extra points...there were posted signs at the start of Moki Dugway that no RV's were allowed to drive up it. And I can understand that. They're just too big. Also, my basic mid-sized car had no issues traversing it. When I visited here in early afternoon back in September....the good news about witnessing Moki Dugway is that I had the sun facing my back so my photographs came out nice, clear and vibrant. I'd recommend coming here in the afternoon instead of possibly fighting the sun in morning time. Some may think that Moki Dugway and Muley Point are completely remote, yet that's not true. I actually started my day hanging out at Goosenecks State Park nearby...then drove 17 mile Valley of the Gods for a few hours and ultimately headed towards Bluff, Utah and Natural Bridges National Monument the following day. Also, when I did drive up...maybe I passed just a few cars headed in the opposite down the Dugway. Point is...it's not a crowded landmark. I had cell phone reception from time to time from what I remember. Lastly I'd say about 3/4's of the way to the top of Moki Dugway, I found the best opportunities to pull my car off to the side, step out and grab good pictures. So, as you'd expect the higher I went and definitely towards the top of Cedar Mesa...were the ideal views and opportunities for photos. Although Moki Dugway wasn't 5 stars for me...(I mean the views were good, not totally off the charts) it was still certainly worthwhile to come drive it while I was in the area. Combined with other attractions around Mexican Hat, I'm a fan of it.

Simply amazing. I would stop by the visitor center and museum first before exploring the pueblos…read moreand other locations that make up this national monument. The visitor center and museum have a lot of artifacts and information about how scientists research the artifacts and structures of the Pueblo peoples. It helps put into context the other sites that are part of this national monument. It kind of made me feel like an archaeologist when I identified some potsherds later on my hikes and could identify which Pueblo Era they came from. Definitely worth a stop!

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Visitor Center are a worthwhile destination or a…read moreshort diversion, if you are in SW Colorado. Inside, there are educational movies about the history of the Puebloan Indians who inhabited the plains 1200 years ago, and then suddenly left about 1300. There are numerous exhibits about these people, their tools, their cooking implements, their arrow heads, basketry, housing, etc. It is well laid out and then there are descriptions of several deserted Pueblos within an hour or two of the visitor center. Your national park pass will get you entrance, or a small fee if you don't have one. With the Federal workforce cuts, staffing is minimal, so be patient and respect the work these Rangers do for us every day. Wish I had visited this site before I went to Mesa Verde National Park last year as it added an additional perspective to the way some of our SW native Indians lived.

Truly a "bucket list" type of trip Everyone needs to experience the White Rim trail once in their…read morelife. I had to reserve the camp sites months in advance. So worth it though. Besides a permit you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle with decent clearance. The trail is right around 100 miles long and most of it is slow technical driving. If you get easily scared from drop offs or narrow shelf type roads you won't enjoy this trail. My biggest fear as the driver wasn't the drop offs but on coming traffic. There are spots where the trail is so narrow you'd have to back up a ways to find a spot where both vehicles could squeeze by each other. I camped at Murphy A, and Taylor sites. Murphy A had an amazing view. Each site has a pit toilet and that's it. If you come in the spring make sure to check the Green River flows. Part of the trail was flooded but passable.

Great off-roading along the rim of the canyons with epic views of the green river, Musselman arch…read moreand Schafer trail switchbacks. Had a blast driving a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon over two days with a backcountry permit for candlestick campsite. The hogs hill and hardscrabble hills were a fun challenge in low 4 gear. Trip of a lifetime and great memories to match the views.

Awesome place. This structure is protected under a metal canopy to prevent erosion and to allow…read moreguests to safely enter the structure. It may feel odd that the government allows people to enter without supervision, but I guess if you're that much of an enthusiast to drive out here, you know to respect the site and leave it as it is. It isn't well marked that you can enter the structure, but there are signs inside saying what to do in case of thunderstorms so it's clear you're supposed to enter. The great kiva nearby has signs to keep off. There are picnic tables right off the parking lot, and vault toilets.

When you visit Mesa Verde, one of the big highlights and an absolute must-dos are the guided tours…read moreof the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people, built around 800 years ago and are still so wonderfully preserved. Cliff Palace is one of the four locations you can book a guided tour for, and it was such an incredible experience. Our guide, Sachil, clearly had so much passion for the culture and all the dwellings - such great knowledge. In comparison to Balcony House, this tour is physically much easier to do, and the tour group is larger in comparison. Even though you can't walk through the dwellings like you do with Balcony House, you do get to walk up close to Cliff Palace, and it's much easier to take in the craftsmanship here. While we liked Balcony House a bit more, Cliff Palace was still such a treasure that we would come back and visit again. We hiked on a June afternoon - so while it was hot outside, we were walking in shade nearly the entire time. But still make sure to bring plenty of water because it was still hot. Tours can be booked up to 14 days in advance for $8/ticket. Definitely book at 14 days out if you can to ensure you get the best tour time. I booked 13 days out and a lot of the tour times were already sold out. Would definitely recommend taking this tour on your visit. It provides so much cultural appreciation, that it really brings up the trip to Mesa Verde.

Our tour guide was very young and seemed nervous. Her knowledge about the cliff palace wasn't great…read moreand she didn't have answers to most questions. However, the tour was required to see the Pueblo up close, so it was worth it.