Monument Valley
Photo: Domenico Convertini · CC BY-SA 2.0

Moab to Monument Valley Road Trip

South on US-191 through Bluff and Mexican Hat, with stops at Goosenecks and the Valley of the Gods.

Distance
150 mi 241 km
Drive time
2 hr 45 min
Suggested
1 day
Gas, one way
~$19
Halfway
Blanding, UT
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Route map

Start / endStopsHalfway

Moab to Monument Valley: the drive

The drive from Moab to Monument Valley covers 150 miles (241 km) and takes about 2 hr 45 min without stops, mostly on US-191 and US-163.

It's an easy drive that leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Allow about 3 hr 30 min with breaks.

We found 5 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Bluff and Goosenecks State Park.

Main roadsApprox. miles
US-191104
US-16341
Before you go: Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park with its own entrance fee; America the Beautiful passes are not accepted.

Best time to go: March to May and September to November; sunrise and sunset are the money shots.

Best stops between Moab and Monument Valley

Before you leave Moab

  1. 1

    Arches National Park

    half day+~18 min detour

    Over 2,000 natural stone arches, including Delicate Arch at the end of a 3-mile round-trip hike.

    Arches National Park
    Photo: Palacemusic · CC BY-SA 3.0
  2. 2

    Canyonlands: Island in the Sky

    half day~61 min detour

    A mesa-top district with Mesa Arch at sunrise and Grand View Point looking 1,000 feet down to the White Rim.

    Canyonlands: Island in the Sky
    Photo: au_ears · CC BY-SA 2.0
  3. 3

    Dead Horse Point State Park

    1–2 hrs~44 min detour

    A gooseneck of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below, and arguably the best sunset point near Moab.

    Dead Horse Point State Park
    Photo: Mike Nielsen · CC BY-SA 2.0
  1. 4

    Bluff

    Mile 1001 hrOn the route

    A tiny pioneer town with a reconstructed 1880 fort and good cafes, plus access to Valley of the Gods and Bears Ears.

    Bluff
    Photo: François5000 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Near Monument Valley

  1. 5

    Goosenecks State Park

    30 min3 mi from the route

    The San Juan River carves tight entrenched meanders 1,000 feet below a simple overlook near Mexican Hat.

    Goosenecks State Park
    Photo: Chesley Chen · CC BY-SA 3.0

Where to stay in Kayenta

The sandstone buttes of every Western movie, run by the Navajo Nation, with a 17-mile dirt loop drive. Kayenta is the closest town with lodging. Rooms near national parks sell out in peak season, so book early.

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Renting a car for this trip

Most travelers fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (nearest major) (GJT) and pick up a car there. Booking a round trip from the same airport is usually much cheaper than a one-way rental. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.

Need a car?

Rental cars at GJT

Compare prices from major and local agencies at Grand Junction Regional Airport (nearest major) in one search.

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Free cancellation on most bookings.

Trip cost calculator

Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Moab to Monument Valley:

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Default prices are rough averages for planning only. Check live rates with the hotel and car rental links on this page.

Moab to Monument Valley road trip FAQ

How long is the drive from Moab to Monument Valley?

About 2 hr 45 min without stops for 150 miles via US-191 and US-163. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 3 hr 30 min.

What is the halfway point between Moab and Monument Valley?

Blanding, UT is about halfway, roughly 75 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.

Can you drive from Moab to Monument Valley in one day?

Yes. At 2 hr 45 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.

What are the best stops between Moab and Monument Valley?

Top stops include Bluff and Goosenecks State Park. See the full list with detour times above.

How much does gas cost from Moab to Monument Valley?

About $19 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.

When is the best time to visit Monument Valley?

March to May and September to November; sunrise and sunset are the money shots.

Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.

Related road trips

Hotels in KayentaRental cars