ShortStory

The Mighty 5 & Monument Valley Grand Circle

The perfect vacation for taking an in-depth look at the fascinating culture and unique landscape of this destination, this self-drive journey takes in a kaleidoscope of experiences, and a wealth of fascinating locations. We are excited to present your personalized itinerary which we have crafted following your ideas and requirements. Enjoy!

Arches National Park Trails

Moab Fault. As you climb the road into the Park, look down on the highway below. It follows the line of a deep fracture within the earth’s crust: the Moab Fault. This side of the fault went down; the other went up, a displacement of almost 790 meters. As one guide book says, “It’s as though you woke up in a city apartment building one day and found yourself looking into the ground floor of the building across the street, whereas before you’d always looked into the 200th story windows.” Of course, the process wasn’t quite that fast: this displacement took place over more than six million years.

Delicate Arch. If you are short on time (or breath), you can see this arch from a distance at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint, a short walk uphill from the parking lot. A deep canyon separates the viewpoint from the arch itself though, so you will get no closer by this approach. If you wish to walk up to the arch, take the trail that leaves from the historic Wolfe Ranch area. Wolfe Ranch was inhabited by a man who came to the desert to cure his tuberculosis in the late 1800s. The well marked trail will lead past this old ranch, across a small footbridge and up onto the slick rock to access Delicate Arch, one of the most photographed arches in the world. Take plenty of water – at least two liters per person in the summer. The climb is steep (you will gain 480 meters) and there is no shade. This hike, 3 miles/4.8 km, will take between one and three hours roundtrip, depending on your walking speed.

Moki Dugway

The Moki (or Mokee) Dugway it is a graded dirt road that is carved into the cliff edge of Cedar Mesa, with three miles of sharp switchbacks. The road was constructed in 1958, and given the road’s condition, it’s important for drivers to pay close attention as they are navigating their way through it. Caution is advised for motor homes or vehicles pulling trailers. This road is usually open all year, but it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. This route provides breathtaking views of The Valley of the Gods and distant Monument Valley.