The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition)
The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Goosenecks State Park Loop A Short 15-Mile Detour With Top Photography Spots
Goosenecks State Park, a Utah highlight, showcases the San Juan River carving its way through canyons nearly 1,000 feet deep. This detour, a mere 15 miles from Monument Valley, presents a looped path ideal for photographers chasing distinctive landscape images, especially when the light is soft during sunrise and sunset. This less travelled location adds to the Grand Circle trip, offering respite from typical crowds and a chance to experience the stark natural beauty. With proximity to places like the Valley of the Gods and Antelope Canyon, it can serve as a practical base to check out the American Southwest's varied scenery. Whether it's the possibility of free camping or just soaking in the views, Goosenecks State Park offers significant geological perspective and stunning vistas worth seeing.
Goosenecks State Park, a detour just shy of 15 miles from the main drag, presents a worthwhile stop to witness the San Juan River's handiwork. Over eons, the river has etched out deeply meandering gorges, exposing a 300 million year old geological story. The loop trail provides near-360 degree views of these twists and turns, particularly striking during sunrise and sunset when the canyon walls take on a heightened palette.
At around 4,500 feet elevation, the park’s climate contrasts to lower desert landscapes, allowing one to see variations in the local plant and animal life. The clear desert air on most days allows for sight lines exceeding 100 miles, giving views towards Monument Valley and the La Sal Mountains, a boon for landscape photographers. It’s a compact area, only 1,000 acres, yet features some impressive geological oddities. The San Juan river’s flow, which flows to the Colorado River eventually, demonstrates water system connections.
Located close to the Navajo Nation, it presents an opportunity to perhaps explore the local culture and food. Facilities at the park are basic, so visitors need to bring their own resources. With temperatures that can range from over 90°F in the summer to below freezing in winter, packing accordingly is necessary. Those keen on photography, particularly long-exposure shots of water, will find the park's topography advantageous. The interplay of light with the water’s movement against the canyon walls can yield surprisingly pleasing images.
What else is in this post?
- The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Goosenecks State Park Loop A Short 15-Mile Detour With Top Photography Spots
- The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Mexican Hat River Access Point Winter Camping at $15 per Night
- The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Natural Bridges National Monument Dark Sky Programs Every Friday at 7 PM
- The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Muley Point Overlook Free Primitive Camping With 270-Degree Desert Views
- The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Valley of the Gods 17-Mile Scenic Drive Winter Access Without Permit
- The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Grand Gulch Primitive Area Cedar Mesa Day Hikes Between $5-$10 per Person
- The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Goblin Valley State Park Winter Full Moon Hikes Through February 2025
The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Mexican Hat River Access Point Winter Camping at $15 per Night
The Mexican Hat River Access Point provides a budget-friendly winter camping option at $15 nightly, drawing in travelers seeking affordability and natural beauty. Situated near the San Juan River, and close to Bears Ears National Monument, this area grants views of the Valley of the Gods. Camping locations vary from spots accessible by most cars to areas needing more capable off-road vehicles. Nearby, the famous Mexican Hat rock provides hiking and 360 degree vistas. The area, although remote, also opens doors to locations such as Goosenecks State Park and Muley Point, each presenting stunning scenery. While alcohol is allowed, be mindful that it's not a typical campsite, expect limited facilities and a more rugged setting, so be prepared.
The Mexican Hat area, and its river access point, offers a rather basic, but perhaps appealing, winter camping option at $15 per night. This location, close to the San Juan River, provides more than just a spot to park - it's a launching point for exploring an unusual landscape. The geological formations around Mexican Hat, shaped over eons, add an unexpected dimension. While not a "destination," its affordability draws those looking for a more spartan experience. The fact that it is outside the Navajo Nation means it's subject to different rules about what is allowed at campsites, something that may be of interest.
This area also provides a unique experience compared to most conventional campgrounds; it's about being immersed in nature without many comforts. With little light pollution, those that are interested can enjoy remarkable views of the night sky with constellations and even, if weather allows, the Milky Way clearly visible. Its position near the San Juan River offers some winter activity options for water sports enthusiasts, but the river is cold during this time of year. Local wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds, might be spotted in the area during colder months.
The general area offers an opportunity to possibly explore the culture of the nearby Navajo Nation which can provide additional insight to the region's history. Keep in mind this is a location where temperatures fluctuate greatly, ranging from below freezing at night to the mid-60s during the day. It is also an area used historically by Native Americans and settlers alike, showing ancient migration and usage of these landscapes. The surrounding roads are part of scenic byways that connects several attractions and landscapes. Photographically the mix of the red and orange colored sandstone and the flowing river offer some unique visual opportunities, especially during morning and evenings.
The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Natural Bridges National Monument Dark Sky Programs Every Friday at 7 PM
Natural Bridges National Monument, a certified International Dark Sky Park, offers a weekly opportunity to gaze at the stars. Every Friday at 7 PM, visitors can attend Dark Sky Programs, where ranger-led presentations showcase the park’s remarkable night sky. Free from substantial light interference, the location offers a great space for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts alike. The focus here is on learning about the wonders of the night and about reducing light pollution impacts. The programs are usually near the Visitor Center, so easy to access after a day exploring the area. Beyond the Friday night event, you can also catch similar sky-focused programs Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Those adding the Natural Bridges stop as part of their grand circle adventure will get an additional perspective on the region by seeing it after the sun sets, contrasting the red rock canyons by day and star-filled skies at night.
Natural Bridges National Monument runs Dark Sky Programs each Friday at 7 PM, allowing visitors to delve into stargazing and the study of the heavens. These programs highlight the park's exceptional lack of light pollution, presenting an ideal spot for observing the night sky. The monument is officially a certified International Dark Sky Park - a distinction that puts it in the upper tier of viewing locations.
Natural Bridges' low ambient light allows for clear views of deep-sky objects and planets. Its geographical isolation plays a crucial role here, coupled with its very low artificial light impact. This designation, awarded more than a decade ago, helps keep light pollution at bay, and allows visitors to glimpse a sky akin to those observed by past generations. Additionally, the area around Natural Bridges has a rich historical background, with Ancestral Puebloan structures nearby. The presence of rock art and ruins within the monument indicates a cultural connection to the night sky by indigenous peoples and reveals the significance they attributed to celestial events. The geology itself is noteworthy, with the three natural bridges carved out over millennia by water erosion. This is an educational landscape in itself, offering some clues to the earth's history and its natural processes.
Stargazing here provides a chance to witness the sky's changes with the seasons, as different constellations and astronomical events become visible, enriching each viewing experience. Often, these programs highlight specific astronomical events like meteor showers - events that can transform one’s views of the cosmic landscape, and make this a place that is sought out by many enthusiasts. The desert's high elevation also provides an environment that allows some unique flora and fauna to thrive, a welcome, yet subtle, contrast to the celestial backdrop, for those paying attention. There is also an historical dimension to it, where ancient cultures including the Navajo and Hopi used the stars for navigation and their unique interpretation of the night sky offers different insights. With support and recognition from NASA, the location serves as both a research site and a space for educating the public on astronomical concepts. Photography here allows one to capture the interplay between celestial phenomena and the natural bridges. The monument's dark skies, together with the unusual rock formations, is a playground for the astrophotographers.
The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Muley Point Overlook Free Primitive Camping With 270-Degree Desert Views
Muley Point Overlook, part of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, offers a compelling proposition for those seeking a unique and free camping experience. The reward for navigating the access road (a 5-mile dirt track) is a campsite with an expansive 270-degree desert view from its 6,343 feet perch. This is a place where you'll see the San Juan River and Monument Valley spread out below. This vista is a welcome contrast to busier locations. The appeal here is less about comfort and more about embracing the raw and isolated landscape and is really one for the independent traveller. Keep in mind there is a bit of a cliff edge to watch out for, but that’s the price of spectacular views and open skies on your Grand Circle exploration between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon. The solitude and the minimal distractions it provides make it a great place to disconnect.
Muley Point Overlook provides free primitive camping perched at over 6,000 feet in the Bears Ears area. This elevation grants views that span the breadth of the region, including distant Monument Valley's iconic buttes, and downward to the canyons carved into the landscape. With 270 degrees of unobstructed view, you can capture the surrounding landscape, a mix of red rock and arid vegetation. This view is a photographers playground. The formations found here are rooted in Jurassic times, a visual timeline of geological changes.
Being a dark sky location allows for prime nighttime stargazing and astrophotography opportunities. Minimal ambient light allows for an unobstructed view of the night sky. Unlike formal campgrounds, Muley Point offers free primitive camping, with no infrastructure. The weather here can be extreme, with warm daytime and below-freezing nights. This requires appropriate planning.
This overlook connects to several little known trails, offering further access to more of the region's unusual geology, away from crowds. The history here also has layers, with Native American rock art hinting at how ancient cultures saw this area. Wildlife like deer, coyotes, and diverse birds can be found if you pay attention to your surroundings.
Access to Muley Point may present challenges. The access is by way of unpaved roads which might necessitate high-clearance vehicles. This challenge reduces visitor density, contributing to a more remote, quiet feel to this location.
The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Valley of the Gods 17-Mile Scenic Drive Winter Access Without Permit
The Valley of the Gods, tucked away in Utah, offers a 17-mile scenic drive accessible to all without any permit hassles, which is a plus during the winter months. In contrast to the nearby Monument Valley, managed by tribal authorities, the Valley of the Gods is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, leading to fewer access issues. The red rock formations here, even with a potential snow cover, offer an impressive visual show. Do note that winter road conditions can change quickly, and checking weather before heading out is always a good move. The Valley of the Gods is a solid addition to a Grand Circle road trip providing landscape photography possibilities, away from many tourists and offering that "hidden gem" feel.
The Valley of the Gods, situated in southeastern Utah, is carved from the Cedar Mesa sandstone, a formation dating back 150 million years to the Jurassic period. The dramatic landscape, punctuated by buttes and mesas, reveals the effects of differential erosion over eons. Softer rock strata erode quicker than their harder counterparts, creating visually distinct features that showcase the interplay of time and geological processes. Unlike some of the region's other well-known spots, this 17-mile loop allows for free winter access without any permit which may present an option for those keen to avoid additional expenses and regulations often associated with more regulated areas.
The remote location combined with minimal artificial light provides excellent conditions for viewing the night sky. Here one can view the Milky Way, and makes the area a potentially good location for astrophotography. Sitting at roughly 5,000 feet above sea level, it's not unusual to see temperatures fluctuating significantly between daytime and nighttime, with freezing conditions at night during the winter months, and rather mild day times during the winter months.
While exploring the landscape, one might be interested in the area's cultural background. The Valley is adjacent to historic lands used by Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation. Traces of ancient trails and rock art can still be found in nearby places. It serves as a link to both geological processes and human history of the area.
Keep in mind, though, this is not a place with formal services or amenities, and should be seen more as a rugged experience for self-sufficient explorers. The lack of infrastructure requires planning ahead for those looking to camp in the area. The area’s landscapes and unique conditions do present photographic opportunities that, during sunrise and sunset, and offer constantly changing perspectives that are attractive for photographers. In addition one might spot a variety of local creatures from coyotes and desert rabbits to the birds that have become adapted to the local arid climate. Additionally the area provides free primitive camping which can present an option for those watching their budget. These qualities when considered jointly provide a unique blend of experience that balances adventure, photography and also cost effectiveness.
The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Grand Gulch Primitive Area Cedar Mesa Day Hikes Between $5-$10 per Person
Day hikes in the Grand Gulch Primitive Area, located within Cedar Mesa, are a compelling option for budget-conscious travelers. Permits, generally costing between $2 and $5 per person for a day, unlock access to a vast network of trails. This area stands out for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and rock art, providing an authentic and affordable historical experience. The canyons’ labyrinthine structure ensures a quiet, more reflective experience for hikers seeking natural immersion. These trails are perfect for seeing landmarks like Jail House Ruin, which underscores the cultural significance of the area, offering an experience that goes beyond merely sightseeing. When combined with the other, better-known stops of the Grand Circle route, these hikes add some depth and variation for a more rounded exploration of the Southwest’s hidden history.
The Grand Gulch Primitive Area on Cedar Mesa provides accessible hiking for those curious about this specific geological location, with day use permits in the range of $5-$10 a person. The canyons, carved into the landscape, hold the remains of an ancient civilization, including cliff dwellings and rock art, providing hints of a past existence. Popular day trails allow those curious to explore both the geological and historical aspects of this location. Permit fees are quite affordable, allowing visitors to experience the area without breaking the bank.
This section of the American Southwest has numerous cultural and historical stories to share. The area showcases petroglyphs and pictographs, left behind by people who lived here more than 700 years ago. These images on stone tell of their history, and help one appreciate the deep connection they had to the landscape and sky. The trails throughout this area vary from easy to challenging, allowing visitors to pick based on their preferences and skill levels.
The Grand Gulch canyons, at times narrow, and the cliffs above tell a story of the power of erosion, while the rock formations show the passage of geological time. The area's rugged beauty offers a contrast to more accessible landscapes, and requires careful route planning. The presence of natural water sources are a reminder of the importance of local ecosystems, in this relatively arid area. These springs provide essential water for wildlife and make this area not only historically intriguing but also ecologically interesting.
Given its isolated nature, this location offers very little in the way of light pollution. This lack of artificial lighting means it is also an option for stargazing, offering those interested views of night skies which are not visible in more crowded and populated parts of the world. The trails, some following old indigenous paths, show the movements of people that lived here a long time ago, adding a human aspect to the geology. Ancient human footprints, are evidence of the earliest people in this region. The archaeological sites found here are protected for future generations, something that anyone exploring this area must remember.
The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route Lesser-Known Stops Between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon (Winter 2025 Edition) - Goblin Valley State Park Winter Full Moon Hikes Through February 2025
Goblin Valley State Park offers a series of guided Winter Full Moon Hikes throughout February 2025, presenting an unusual opportunity to experience the park's unusual rock formations under the light of the moon. These excursions, led by park rangers, shed light on the natural history of the area and the animals that are active during the night. Those that are interested might find the hike to Goblin's Lair, a large rock cave formation, a rewarding challenge. The winter season here provides a quieter, more reflective experience, especially compared to the crowds that descend during other times of the year. For those following the Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Route, this is one of those often-overlooked places that adds something unique between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon, presenting yet another take on the area’s desert landscapes. The park asks for a small entry fee, and there are multiple trails available for hikers of different skill levels, thus making it a more accessible winter option for visitors.
Goblin Valley State Park hosts full moon hikes through February 2025, offering an interesting perspective on the park's unique geography, by letting visitors see the hoodoos, not just with the sun, but also under the light of the moon. This can alter the way these geological features present themselves.
The formations themselves are made of Entrada Sandstone, roughly 150 million years old. Formed during the Jurassic period, these rocks show evidence of ancient seas and deserts that impacted the region’s long term development. These full moon hikes highlight an additional layer to the geological narrative.
Keep in mind that winter temperatures can drop quite a lot, down to 20°F during the night in contrast to the daytime which can hit 50°F, so suitable winter clothing should be a prerequisite for these kinds of hikes. That temperature variation, and some other specific characteristics of the area, makes the landscape also potentially relevant for astrobiological research. This area, despite being terrestrial, has been used by scientists to try to understand how some life forms may adapt to severe conditions, somewhat akin to conditions one might see on other planets.
Due to its location and minimal light pollution, it also provides rather dark skies which present an unexpected opportunity, for both astrophotography and stargazing. These hikes provide a unique overlap of observing lunar landscapes and the deep sky. The region around Goblin Valley has some significance for Native American groups, like the Ute and Paiute peoples, who hold a reverence for the land and its history. Evidence of their history, in form of rock art, can be found throughout the region.
There are many different plant species that are adapted to this harsh area, over 200 types which showcase nature’s ability to diversify. It is a worthwhile aspect to keep an eye on, even though these desert environments may not be obvious to some. Goblin Valley itself is rather small, only about 3,600 acres in area, and allows visitors to cover it within a few hours during a hike. Because of this compactness, nighttime explorations become more viable.
Night photography is obviously enhanced due to the way the moon illuminates these hoodoos. By using long-exposure, details emerge that are usually unseen by the naked eye. Wildlife, from birds and coyotes, may also be more visible in the winter season due to the lack of other visitors, creating interesting contrasts.