A masterpiece of red rock geology awaits visitors at Valley of the Gods in southeast Utah.
The BLM area of towering spires, mesas, and whimsical rock formations is a hidden gem for recreationists and photographers.
Similar to nearby Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation, Valley of the Gods is different in that it is on public land and therefore more accessible.
“It is free and completely open to the public,” said Brian Quigley, a BLM field manager for the area. “The scenic drive through there is spectacular, and dispersed car camping is allowed on side roads.”
The vast desert area is located 15 miles west of Bluff, Utah.
A 17-mile well-maintained dirt road through the valley passes rock formations with names such as Lady in a Tub, Balanced Rock, Castle Butte, and Seven Sailors.
“However it is more fun to make names for yourself based on what you think they look like,” states a BLM sign.
There is some nice hiking on the primitive Lime Creek road, and rock climbing is permitted throughout the BLM area.
The most popular activity is to drive, or bicycle, a 28-mile loop through the valley connecting to Highway 261, and Highway 163. Vehicles must stay on designated routes.
The road is accessible for most passenger cars. However, when wet it quickly becomes impassable even for four-wheel vehicles because the sandstone turns into slippery grease.
“We’ve had quite a few tows out of there so watch the weather,” Quigley said.
The area was once giant sand dune on the edge of a great inland sea during the Permian Age, 250 million years ago. The statuesque formations of Cedar Mesa sandstone were sculpted over millions of years by water erosion, wind, and ice.
The nearby Navajo tribe interprets the rock formations as places of power in which spirits reside.
“These imposing monoliths are Navajo warriors frozen in stone,” writes author Robert S. McPherson. “They are the guardians whose power and strength aid young servicemen going to war.”
The classic Western look of the area attracts film crews for movies, commercials and background shots for a Play Station game.
Especially popular is the annual Bluff Internationl Balloon festival that takes place in Valley of the Gods. The event will take place from January 16-18, 2015.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com