shieldsadvert

I am trying to decide how long to spend doing the photo sites and which ones are best around Bluff and Blanding. Initial thought is to do Montezuma Canyon and 3 Kivas in the afternoon coming from Monument Valley and then possible Mule Canyon (House on Fire) and Fallen Roof Ruin plus another site the following day. Does anyone have experience or suggestions on these sites (or others in the area) and how accessible they are?

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

There are literally hundreds of Native American ruins to see in the area....Google "Butler Wash" for tons of info on this area. I would not miss "Valley of the Gods" when you leave MV...14 mile drive that is every bit as splendid as MV...plan on 1/2 day here for photography. House on Fire is an easy hike but plan on two hours minimum to enjoy the sights. Fallen Roof is a little tricky to get to and a longer hike and scramble...plan on half a day and plenty of water/snacks. Also, it is about an hours drive to the trailhead from HonF. Of the two, House on Fire is the one not to miss.

If you are coming up Muley Twist from MV and Vof the G's, which is a magnificent drive, stop at the Ranger Visitor Center before you get to Hwy. 95...lots of free info and maps of the area. Some of the hikes are difficult, talk to the rangers about your time and what to see.

Also, consider Hovenweep for marvelous Native American ruins. It is about one hour out of Bluff on paved roads and well worth a layover to see. A nice, family friendly hike with lots of ruins...plan on three hours at this site. For some reason, this is a mostly overlooked gem by tourists...nice visitor center and picnic area. Google for info and maps of the ruins.

shieldsadvert

Thanks very much for your very helpful information. We will be coming up from MV in mid-afternoon and have been told that Valley of the Gods is a bit difficult to navigate with a passenger car and perhaps a bit redundant after the 4-hour sunrise tour in MV so maybe House on Fire would be a better choice at sunset? The next day we could do either Edge of the Cedars Museum and Tower House (or Hovenweep) then Butler Wash on the way to Escalente that evening 5 hour drive). Does that sound like a good agenda?
I'm trying to put a bit of variety into the trip and, after Indian-guided tours of Canyon de Chelly and MV and wonder if we'll be a bit "Indian Ruined" out?
Thanks again,
Bill

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

V of the G's is not difficult for a passenger car, although my wife may not agree with me! This last time we went in our Subaru Outback and it was a piece of cake. There are a few short, moderately rough, rocky spots...pick your spots and go for it!! BTW, about two months back I did a post of V of the G's with several photos, from our January trip. And, it is less than an hour drive from MV.

Anyhow, I don't want to over-sell but if this is the only trip you will probably make in this area...BTW, Edge of Cedars has the largest and BEST selection of Native American pottery dating back hundreds of years...a marvelous display!!

Jim

Your agenda sounds good to me with great sights for lasting memories!!

shieldsadvert

Jim,
Thanks again.
Bill