Torrey, Utah to Monument Valley

We did this in reverse (MV to Torrey) in 2014.

From Hanksville to Blanding is absolutely gorgeous, but I don't think we saw 6 cars in that whole drive. It is 142 miles WITHOUT GAS STOPS to Blanding. Blanding will be about 4 miles out of your way, but you have to go there for gas. In 2014 I think we saw one gas station open between Blanding and Monument Valley. Saw lots of abandoned buildings that used to be gas stations.

The overlook at the river crossing at Hite is well worth it. There is a picnic table pavilion up there, and when you drive up the gravel road to it you will discover a paved airplane runway up there. We just parked on the runway while we ate a snack and enjoyed the view --- I figured if planes wanted to land they would fly over and blow the horn. :)

There is literally nothing (but beauty) from Hanksville to Blanding. There is a very scenic rest stop to get out and stretch. If you have an extra day, stay in Blanding (nice RV park) and visit Natural Bridges. It is worth it. You would also drive right by the House on Fire Ruin . A little hard to find, but pretty neat. Only about a 1 mile hike to the ruin and we didn't see one other person in or out.

trailertraveler wrote:

Jbrowland wrote:
...anything cool to stop and do for a rest break in between that you guys like? I see Magic Bus, Hite Overlook, Natural Bridges NM, and Moki Dugway. Any thoughts on these?...After that, on to Sedona for 5 days in Cottonwood...

Goblin Valley State Park is not too far North of Hanksville on UT-24.

In the Sedona/Cottonwood area we enjoyed Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well National Monuments, Tuzigoot National Monument, Palatki and Honaki Ruins, V-Bar-V Heritage Site, Verde Canyon Railroad, Fort Verde State Park, Cathedral Rock, Gold King Mine, and Jerome State Historic Park and the town of Jerome.

Thanks! All on the list except Palatki Ruins. I’ll have to look that one up.

Jbrowland wrote:
...anything cool to stop and do for a rest break in between that you guys like? I see Magic Bus, Hite Overlook, Natural Bridges NM, and Moki Dugway. Any thoughts on these?...After that, on to Sedona for 5 days in Cottonwood...

Goblin Valley State Park is not too far North of Hanksville on UT-24.

In the Sedona/Cottonwood area we enjoyed Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well National Monuments, Tuzigoot National Monument, Palatki and Honaki Ruins, V-Bar-V Heritage Site, Verde Canyon Railroad, Fort Verde State Park, Cathedral Rock, Gold King Mine, and Jerome State Historic Park and the town of Jerome.

Jbrowland wrote:
Thanks ya'll.

Jason

Enjoy the trip! Utah is the most amazing in the lower 48 in my humble opinion.

Thanks ya'll.

Jason

Jbrowland,
BE SURE to go to the Navajo Tribal Park. Take the 17 mile self guided or take their tour vehicle, of the Monument Valley where the John Wayne movies was made. The park has a RV park and vistor center.

Shortly after crossing from Utah into Az you take a road to the LEFT.
The vistor center is just down the road.

The tour is AWESOME!!!

just go east to Hanksville and south on 95 to 191. It's a good road and scenic, too.

GordonThree wrote:
By the way, the Rim Rock restaurant in Torrey does great pizzas and has a fantastic view from the patio dining area.

I can't wait! :)

Nice video! Really enjoyable. Thanks for that. Remote for sure. I think I counted about six cars and two bikes the whole time.