ocated northeast of Mexican Hat, Utah, southeast of Cedar Mesa and north of the San Juan River west of Comb Ridge, the Valley of the Gods is a geologic masterpiece with dramatic red-rock monuments that rise sharply from the valley floor. The monuments, or monoliths, are made of Cedar Mesa Sandstone dating back 250 million years. These freestanding sandstone buttes and spires have served as the backdrop for many cowboy and western films and the valley is a photographer’s paradise. Rock climbers seek out the summits of these treasured monuments.
With scenery comparable to the nearby Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, it views alone make the valley worthy of protection, not to mention its recreational and cultural values. The Valley of the Gods is considered sacred to the Navajo, who interpret the giant sandstone monuments as ancient Navajo warriors frozen in stone – and time. There is a 17-mile scenic, unpaved loop drive through the Valley of the Gods and the nearby Moki Dugway is a thrilling climb from the valley floor to the mesa top, which offers a breathtaking view of the Valley.
