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Southeast Utah is famous for being known as the Wild West of the intermountains. Cowboys and Indians were prominent in this region of the state. This area is filled with rich history, ancient ruins and landscapes that are out of this world.
To truly understand the Wild West, I highly recommend hitting the road and dedicating three days to exploring the red dunes of Southeast Utah.
Southeast Utah is home to numerous national parks, monuments and scenic byways.
Utah is every outdoor enthusiast’s favorite playground. There is always something to do when in the Beehive State. But if you are new to the scene, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do when visiting or traveling around Utah, in general.
I’m here to help you not feel that way. Welcome to my guide to traveling in Utah. In this post, I will give you tips and advice on how you can travel across Southeast Utah within a 3-day span.
What places to visit in Southeast Utah?
Similar to a scene out of Dune, Southeast Utah’s desert backdrop and red rock jungles lead you to believe you are visiting a planet out of this world.
Southeast Utah is famously known for multiple places such as:
- Arches National Park
- Bear’s Ears National Monument
- Canyonlands National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients
- Four Corners
- Fry Canyon
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Mexican Hat
- Montezuma’s Creek
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Valley of the Gods
Now you must be thinking, WOAH that is A LOT, how will I ever find time to see all of this? Well, worry not, because I am here to tell you that most of these all can be seen within a three-day span! All you need is a lil’ dash of structure, discipline and gas money.
If you decide to immerse yourself in the scene, culture and history of Southeast Utah, here is my personal guide for a perfect three-day road trip.
Planning for a 3-day road trip
When it comes to planning, my partner and I are notorious for packing as little as possible and winging most of our trips, (We really love letting jesus take the wheel).
My advice for this three-day road trip is pack as light as possible and to stock up on your parent’s pantry or dollar store treats to sustain your journey. Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, you just need to be smart. You can have the taste for champagne and pay for it as if it’s a clearance section vodka.
What do I pack for a road trip?
When it comes to traveling, I am very low-maintenance. I am a firm believer in the motto, party now and maybe have a couple regrets later. So with that I tend to pack light, but don’t get me wrong, I also pack smart.
If you are planning on going on a road trip yet are completely broke, here is my list of musts to take along:
- Cell phone chargers + portable chargers/adapters/usb
- Banger Spotify playlist
- Bug spray
- Body wipes
- Garbage bags
- Lip balm
- Protein (nuts, beans, beef jerky)
- Sleeping bag
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Toilet paper
- Travel pillow and Blanket
- Ziploc bags
The itinerary
Once you have gathered your packing essentials, you now ready to take on the Wild West. Now, you maybe wondering, where do I start? Well we start with laying out the itinerary for day one, of course! Here is a downloadable map of the area we will be traveling through, and the google maps of our route, just for your convenience ☺️
Day 1: Rich history
📍 Bears Ears National Monument
⏰ 6:00 – 7:00 a.m.
Your first day will consist of embodying the environment and the past that walked on the very earth you are driving on. I recommend listening to the podcast Changing Woman during this time. It is a short six-part series that dives into the brief history of the Diné Bikéyah (The Navajo people).
Why is Bears Ears important?
Bears Ears National Monument is 1,351,849 acres of public land that Natives can trace ancestral roots back to. The area is littered with over 100,000 archaeological sites and remains sacred to their community to this day.
Since the road trip starts at Bears Ears National Monument, I highly recommend giving the show a listen as it will connect you with the land and spirits that once lived in that very area.
To prepare yourself for this Wild West journey, I suggest waking up as early as possible. When it comes to road trips, the motto the early bird gets the worm, rings true. Always wake up early and always beat the sun. I personally recommend just driving through the area and taking in the history, as there is more to do and take in at other destinations on the trip.
📍 Natural Bridges National Monument & Fry Canyon
⏰ 8:00 – 1:00 p.m.
After driving through Bears Ears National Monument, you will then hit Natural Bridges National Monument. This will take you about 40 minutes.
Is there any place similar to Arches National Park?
Natural Bridges is a similar park to Arches National Park. And in my opinion deserves so much more recognition. This hidden gem is never crowded and has multiple hikes that are just as awesome as Arches. At this park, you will encounter multiple arches and natural land bridges.
When my partner and I hit Natural Bridges National Monument, we hiked down to the first bridge and oh boy, it was the coolest thing I had ever experienced.
Natural Bridges is Utah’s first actual National Monument. What makes the park amazing is the history that it carries. According to the National Park Service, many repeatedly occupied and abandoned Natural Bridges during prehistoric times.
Why is Natural Bridges worth seeing?
Why is Natural Bridges National Monument worth seeing? Well, besides the area being recognized as Utah’s first National Monument, the park holds rich history and get this, ancient ruins.
Historians say, the first documented period in which people were noted to live in the area, dates back to the Archaic period, from the year 7000 BCE (Before Common Era) to 500 CE (Common Era).
And if you hike further down into the park, you will be able to see ancient ruins made of sandstone masonry and mud packed sticks sitting on mesa tops and in alcoves in the cliffs of the park.
According to NPS, the Monument acknowledges various Native American Tribes who have ties to the area, such as: The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, Navajo Nation, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Laguna, Pueblo of Santa Ana, Pueblo of Santa Clara, Pueblo of Zuni, San Juan Southern Paiute, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of Uintah and Ouray Reservation, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
After completing your hike at Natural Bridges, you will then embark on your next journey: Driving through Fry Canyon. This hour drive will fuel your energy for later as it encompasses views out of this world. This is where I highly suggest busting out that banger Spotify playlist.
📍 Valley of the Gods
⏰ 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Valley of the Gods is honestly the same as Monument Valley. This park is littered with towering red rocks that mimic greek gods sitting on their thrones.
I personally favor Valley of the Gods over Monument Valley. Not only does the park has a mystical spin, but the area is also a hidden gem. Not many know of the park. So if you do plan to venture to the valley, it is very likely you will have the area all to yourself.
Valley of the Gods has also been a top pick for a couple of TV shows, the scenic area has appeared in the 1984-1987 CBS show Airwolf and in two episodes of the BBC science fiction TV show Doctor Who.
📍 Gooseneck State Park
⏰ 3:30 – 7:00 p.m.
We all have heard of Dead Horse Point State Park and how iconic the views are, but what if I told you about a park that was three times as better?
Gooseneck State Park is incredible. Again, this park is also one of the places in Utah, that does not get the recognition it truly deserves. It literally has three bends, whereas Dead Horse Point State Park only has one!
If you travel down to Gooseneck State Park I highly advise you stay to watch the sunset here. Nothing beats watching the sunset on the mesas and shades of orange scattering across the river bends.
📍 Mexican Hat
⏰ 7:11 p.m.
Once you have watched the sunset at Gooseneck State Park, you will then take a short journey to the Mexican Hat rock. There are a handful of dispersed camping spots in the area where you can set up. My partner and I managed to find a spot right near the hat, and it was amazing.
The reason I recommended camping in Mexican Hat is because this is where the stars come alive. I remember watching numerous shooting stars when I was there. It was really so magical.
Day 2: It’s sightseeing time
📍 The place where Forrest Gump stops running
⏰ 6:00 – 9:00 a.m.
We will kick off day two with watching the sunrise at Mexican Hat Rock. This scene will also be great for your social media! Once you have finished watching the sunrise, take time for some breakfast and then pack up because your next adventure awaits!
Where did Forrest Gump stop running in Utah?
If you have watched the movie Forrest Gump, this spot will knock your socks right off! Located at US-163 Scenic, Mexican Hat, UT 84531, this is the exact place where actor Tom Hanks, completed his cross-country run across the United States in the film Forrest Gump.
This iconic point is great for pictures as it encompasses a great view of Monument Valley and a vast desert.
📍 Monticello River house
⏰ 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Once you captured some pictures at Forrest Gump Point, you will drive down to Monticello River House. This destination is literally one of my favorites. Why? Because it’s hidden deep inside the desert and hugged tightly by the San Juan River.
When I first came across this spot, I honestly thought I was lost in Petra. I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw cliff dwellings laced into the red rocks.
Utah is a great state that encompasses rich history.
According to historians, Native Americans were known to live in these ancient ruins and spent most of their days hunting and gathering in the area.
📍Hovenweep National Monument, Montezuma Creek & Canyons of the Ancients
⏰ 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
After spending some time hanging out at the Monticello River House, you will then get rolling to Montezuma Creek Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The views at these three locations are surreal.
Who is Montezuma and why is he important?
Montezuma is a famous Aztec Emperor from Mexico. He is famously known for his dramatic confrontation with the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and for his high demands for human sacrifices.
According to San Juan country mythology, this Utah creek was named after Montezuma because it is believed that after he was captured by the Spaniards he escaped his captors, was then quickly overtaken in Recapture Wash, and then brought to Montezuma Creek where he was killed.
Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients are spectacular places to take in. These areas are littered with tall ancient ruins. Hovenweep has paved trails that circle all the homes. This is a short hike that is about two miles long.
Canyons of the Ancients also is an amazing experience. When you hit this canyon, you will truly gain a new profound appreciation for the Beehive State.
I never knew Utah had so much history and old remnants of the past until I started spending more of my days outdoors. It is just so cool to find gems like these hidden from a majority of society!
Now you can either camp in any of these areas or you can go straight to day three’s destination and camp there for a quick start on the day.
Day 3: Adventure!
📍 Canyonlands National Park
⏰ 6:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome to Day three! To kick off your last day, I would recommend taking a stroll around Canyonlands National Park and hitting all the viewpoints. This will be a quick stop as most of your day will be spent at Arches National Park.
Canyonlands is Utah’s LARGEST National Park and is also the absolute best place to stargaze, rock climb and daydream.
Is Canyonlands National Park worth seeing?
Canyonlands is definitely worth seeing as it holds views that are to die for. Many who travel to this baby recommend to entering through the Sky district. This district is known to offer many pull outs with stunning views along the paved scenic drive.
📍 Arches National Park
⏰ 11:00 – 5:00 p.m.
If you are traveling to Arches National Park, hiking up to Delicate Arch is a bucket list must! This is where most of your day will be spent.
Arches National Park has a beautiful backdrop that really transports you to the Wild West.
How long of a hike is it to Delicate Arch?
On average, it takes about 2-3 hours to hike up to Delicate Arch. The 3-mile round trip hike is accompanied with 480 feet of elevation gain.
When I hiked Delicate Arch earlier this year, I found myself mesmerized by the red rock bowls and towering cliffs. It really made me think deeply about the world and how insanely intricate it is.
Arches National Park is a red rock wonderland. The colors and landscapes transport you to another world entirely.
Many will suggest to stay at Arches National Park for the sunset, but I’m here to tell you that though that scene is cinematic, I have another destination that is even better.
📍 Factory Butte
⏰ 8:00 p.m.
Factory Butte is one of my favorite places in Utah. This place is littered with silver dunes that transports you to a scene out of a fantasy movie.
I highly recommend camping out here, because everything about this area is surreal. I have never witnessed any place remotely close to this mystical area. Not only will this park make you feel like you are on another planet, but you will be completely alone. No one ever visits!
Many who travel to Utah tend to flock to popular parks like Arches, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, and overlook this hidden gem. Factory Butte is a great park to adventure in especially if you are looking for something off the beaten path.
The recreational area was dubbed Factory Butte by early settlers who found the massive towering mesa to resemble a large factory, but in my opinion it looks more like a gloomy castle!
Factory Butte is definitely one part moon, one part mordor.
What is there to do at Factory Butte?
Factory Butte is perfect for dirt biking, photography, endless exploring, camping and stargazing.
Camping out in Factory Butte will honestly be the highlight of your trip, as the sunset here is immaculate and the colors truly do come alive here. Not only that but the stars are crazy bright in this area.
And there you have it! That is how you can travel across Southeast Utah in 3 days! AKA the Wild West! Utah is honestly super abundant in outdoor recreations and they are all so amazing.
It is also so easy to pack a handful of destinations into one short trip, though it may seem daunting and overwhelming, it honestly is not! When I travel, I always have to plan for many destinations in a short amount of time. If you are disciplined and dedicated, your plans will always work out.
If you decide to take on this amazing 3-day road trip, feel free to reach out and I can hook you up with more tips and guidance.
Happy travels!
