Bluff Isn't Bluffing: 3 Southeastern Utah Sights That'll Have You Straight Flushed

Make Bluff your headquarters for a high-stakes tour of the Utah quadrant of Four Corners.

Wind and water spent millions of years sculpting Bluff, Utah. It was first settled by Native Americans who were later joined by Latter-day Saint pioneers, and now it’s the gateway to some of Utah’s most famous rock formations and viewpoints. If its scenery looks like something you’d see in a movie, that’s because dozens have been filmed there — but it’s way better in person.

Book a room in one of Bluff's unique lodging properties, enjoy a meal in town, check out historic Bluff Fort and then be sure to make your way to these three places for photo ops, oohs and ahhs:

Valley of the Gods

If Monument Valley had a little brother (some might say a better looking, easier to get along with little brother), Valley of the Gods would be him. This backcountry area contains many of the same enormous desert buttes as its more famous sibling, and can be accessed via a 17-mile dirt and gravel road. Make sure you have plenty of gasoline, water and snacks, as there are no services. Take your time and take a break to explore the surrounding backcountry, just make sure you stay on-trail when possible.

Directions from Bluff

• Take US-191 South for 4.3 miles
• Continue onto US-163 for 12.4 miles
• Turn right onto Valley of the Gods road for 3.7 miles

Monument Valley

This transplanted piece of Mars is home to the giant red-rock towers you’ve seen in a hundred movies. You know, the ones that cowboys ride by and somehow gawk at? The minimalism on display in Monument Valley is stunning and timeless. It’s Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah.” It’s Andy Warhol’s “Banana.” It’s a white T-shirt and jeans.

Stop at the Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center for info, guides and permits, then hike, ride or drive between East and West Mittens, Elephant Butte, The Three Sisters and Rain God Mesa. If you want to do more than just gawk, take a tour with a local Navajo guide and learn about the area's ancient and modern inhabitants.

Directions from Bluff

• Take US-191 South for 4.3 miles
• Continue onto US-163 for 41 miles

Muley Point

There are a lot of iconic viewpoints in Utah, but trust us when we say this might be the best. (We said might; please forgive us if you have a different favorite, because we probably love it, too.) Here’s all you need to know: You can stand in one spot and see the San Juan River cutting goosenecks in the foreground, Monument Valley’s gorgeous backside in the distant southwest and the edge of Valley of the Gods to the east.

The trip from Bluff to Muley Point also includes the Moki Dugway, an iconic series of steep switchbacks that climbs 1,200 feet in 3 miles. Wide open desert scenery and an unforgettable experience are your reward, but those afraid of heights might want to close their eyes. Unless, ya know, they're driving.

Directions from Bluff

• Take US-191 South for 4.3 miles
• Turn left onto US-163 South for 16.6 miles
• Turn right onto UT-261 for 9.6 miles (includes the Moki Dugway)
• Turn left onto Muley Point Road for 5 miles
• Park in the designated lot and walk southeast to the view point