Highway 191 runs straight through Bluff, Utah. As you can see there’s not a lot of traffic on a Tuesday evening.
We almost titled the post Monument Valley, but there was so much more to this stop. We left Hurricane and drove through Monument Valley to Bluff, Utah, where we ran our base of operations for two days. Originally we were going to spend four days in this area, but the heat requires a full hook up RV park, so we can run the air conditioning. We are quickly growing tired of the lack of privacy in the RV Parks and the added expense! It’s a far cry from our wonderful Sedona campsite. The heat also kills the noon to 6pm time frame. It’s just too hot to do much activity except drive around and sight see in air conditioning. The Harris’ can only do so much of that. We’d much rather be actually outside instead of looking through the windshield. So this was a two day stop. It’s too bad because there are a lot of great BLM campgrounds. The best boon docking spot we’ve ever seen may be in the Valley of the Gods. Wow! It’s easy to imagine waking up there every morning.
WARNING: There are a lot of pics, do not start viewing unless you have the time.
The iconic Monument Valley shot looking north.
The same shot looking south.
Monument Valley was everything we hoped it would be.
My girls. That building in the back is an elementary school. I wonder if they are hiring?
Beautiful scenery.
Everywhere you looked it was amazing.
The place we stayed in Bluff. It was one of those deals where the internet pictures were a lot better than reality. There’s definitely no fishing going on any more, the pond is really low. I’d say the place is one step from bankruptcy.
It was a small place with only 14 sites. You can see our Tundra, but only the nose of the Airstream. The 30 amp hook up was probably not quite 30 amps. The AC would run, but not at the same time the water heater was on electric. It was a real downer for a couple of hours until we figured out the problem. Then we were back on top of the world.
Interesting way of handling the interference of the telephone line. Just cut out the middle. The cottonwoods are hardy trees!
What the hell? Slide shows?
The morning sun casting long RV shadows at the Cadillac Ranch.
The dirt road into Valley of the Gods. What a great BLM area.
Can’t wait to come back in cooler weather and boon dock.
We couldn’t believe there were still some Prince’s Plumes.
Toyota Tundra commercial.
Goosenecks State Park.
Very strange place. That’s the San Juan River working it’s way around the Goosenecks.
Mexican Hat, Utah. Now that’s a different name. I wanted to get a picture in front of the Welcome to Mexican Hat sign, but there wasn’t one.
There are huge expanses of slick rock everywhere and no one riding it. Amelia couldn’t hold back any longer. Here she is cruising my bike in flip flops and a straw hat.
Here’s the first dud of the trip, Four Corners. What a rip off. It’s on Navajo land, so they charge $5 per person to enter. Basically you are paying to enter a Navajo flea market. All around the circumference were tables and little shops selling jewelry and junk. Pit toilets, a beat up dirt parking lot. The biggest bummer, which wasn’t stated until you were in the “park,” no dogs at the Four Corners monument. What a bullshit stop.
Bluff sunset.
Now we are off to higher country in Durango for bike rides and breweries, and hopefully cooler weather.
Greg & Amelia's Airstream Adventures 
I would be SUCH a grumpenstein with the heat…I applaud your attempt at lizard life. The pictures are great!
Love to you three!
Mama Jean
Greg & Amelia — I’m Bill Nolte’s mom in Reno and have been following your adventures since April. We’ve been to Bluff many times and were scheduled to be there next week, but canceled when Bill’s dad died last Sunday. We know the owners of the Twin Rocks Trading Post there, one of the best in the Southwest. If it’s so hot, I guess I’m glad we’re still in Reno. Best to you both, Helen Nolte
Life is Good!
Sorry to hear about Nolte,s Dad
Beautiful area, gives you something to plan for when it is cooler. I don’t think I want to know about the SLIDE SHOWS. Ha, ha…
Welcome to my lovely state of Colorado. That Four Corners site is a less-than-ideal entry point but I think you will find the temperatures much more appealing. Save a hot streak. Note mosquitos like the temperature this time of year, too.
Though you don’t normally do this sort of touring, I recommend you check out Chimney Rock “Archaeological Area” on your way to visit us in Pagosa. You have to take a guided hike since it is a national historic site. The guide gives cultural history as you marvel over the idea of the Anastazi’s living up on that narrow ridge.
http://espydurango.com/chimney-rock.html
We had truly amazing Thai food in Durango at http://www.thaipotcafe.com. For more touring tips of the Colorado Southwest…..do a Google search!
I hope we get to see you! Jasmine especially looks forward to seeing Amy..who wouldn’t?
Restaurant revision:
The restaurant is Vietnamese and is called Rice Monkeys – http://www.ricemonkeysdurango.com
I may have been really hungry, but the Saigon Noodle Bowl is out of this world.