The red sandstone buttes of the Colorado Plateau create a stunning backdrop for our visit to Goulding, Utah. Local natural wonders include Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Valley of the Gods, Gooseneck State Park and National Bridges National Monument. Our stay at the Goulding’s RV Park, surrounded by the Monument Valley, was picture perfect.
Key Takeaways:
- Monument Valley Navejo Tribal Park is best viewed from an off-road, high clearance vehicle on the 17-mile tribal loop road
- Valley of the Gods is another rough road experience, but very beautiful
- Sand is in the air – everywhere; sand storms can close roads and obscure visibility, especially late afternoon
- Goulding’s RV Park & Campground is a great Monument Valley Stay to view local attractions
Campground Review:
Goulding’s RV Park & Campground is nestled in Rock Door Canyon with views to Monument Valley. Our site was spacious with full hookups. Like most of the area, wind and sand can be annoying but the park location in the canyon provided some windbreak. Our dogs enjoyed their walks around the park; we did not see a dog park but there were several walking trails accessible from the park. We noticed stray dogs in and around the park, but they were not aggressive.
Goulding’s RV Park
Goulding’s RV Park
Goulding’s RV Park View
What to do:
- Drive the 17-mile tribal loop through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park with clusters of sandstone buttes (Note: this is a dirt and gravel rough road – if you don’t have an off-road vehicle, take a tour)
- Stop at Forrest Gump Hill, the iconic movie scene with Forrest Gump running through Monument Valley; Route 163, Mile 13
- Drive by the Mexican Hat on Highway 63; camping is available here too
- Drive the 17-mile loop through Valley of the Gods off Highway 163 to view sandstone monoliths and pinnacles of Cedar Mesa; great boondocking spot on BLM land
- Drive the Moki Dugway, a narrow two-lane gravel road with numerous switchbacks and 11% grade for great views of the San Juan River Canyon and Valley of the Gods, to the Natural Bridges National Monument
- Visit the Natural Bridges National Monument which features three natural bridges in White Canyon; take the 9-mile scenic drive with overlooks to bridges; hike down to bridges on designated trails (no pets on hiking trails; pets are allowed on paved trails on overlooks)
- Visit Goosenecks State Park, located on a rim of a deep canyon overlook of the San Juan River meander; area includes bathrooms and picnic areas; camping is also available
Monument Valley
Monument Valley
Valley of the Gods
Forrest Gump Hill
Mexican Hat
Kachina Natural Bridge
Natural Bridges
Goosenecks State Park
Chili & Cedar’s Review:
We liked Goulding’s RV Park & Campground. We enjoyed our walks around the park, but the sand was a bit too much! No dog park here but there were trails nearby for longer walks. The local area was great for riding in the Jeep – we saw the rock monuments but too much sand and wind to have the windows down much. We had a short walk at the Natural Bridges National Monument – woof! On to the next stop!