Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
92
There are often crafts demonstrations here, and jewelry, pottery, sand paintings, and
other crafts are for sale, along with T-shirts and other souvenirs. In addition, traditional
Navajo food, such as fry bread, is available, and there's a small visitor center with infor-
mation on visiting the Navajo Nation.
Located a half-mile northwest of US 160, the monument is open daily from 7am to
8pm from June through September and from 8am to 5pm the rest of the year. Entry costs
$3 per person. For information, contact the
Navajo Parks and Recreation Department,
Four Corners Park Manager, P.O. Box 2520, Window Rock, AZ 86515 (
&
928/871-
6647;
www.navajonationparks.org). Allow half an hour.
4
BLUFF: UTAH'S FOUR CORNERS GATEWAY
100 miles S of Moab; 338 miles SE of Salt Lake City
We particularly enjoy the tiny and friendly village of Bluff, which sits near the intersec-
tion of US 191 and US 163, with roads leading off toward all the attractions of the Four
Corners. With a population of about 300, Bluff (elevation 4,320 ft.) is one of those
comfortable little places with most basic services, but not a lot more. Founded by Mor-
mon pioneers in 1880, the town's site had already been home to both Ancestral Puebloan
and Navajo peoples. Local businesses distribute a free historic walking- and biking-tour
guide that shows where ancient rock art and archaeological sites are located, as well as
pointing out the locations of some of Bluff 's handsome stone homes and other historic
sites from the late 19th century.
There is no visitor center in Bluff, but most motels and restaurants have visitor infor-
mation brochure racks. For information on Bluff before you go, see the website for the
Business Owners of Bluff
(www.bluffutah.org). You can also get information on Bluff,
as well as on the other southeast Utah communities of Blanding, Monticello, Mexican
Hat, and Monument Valley, from
Utah's Canyon Country,
P.O. Box 490, Monticello,
UT 84535 (
&
800/574-4386
or 435/587-3235, ext. 4139; www.utahscanyoncountry.
com).
WHITE
WATER RAFTING & OTHER ORGANIZED TOURS
Situated along the San Juan River, Bluff is a center for river rafting.
Wild Rivers Expedi-
tions,
101 Main St. (Box 118), Bluff, UT 84512 (
&
800/422-7654
or 435/672-2244;
www.riversandruins.com), offers river trips on the San Juan that are both fun and educa-
tional. Boaters see dozens of American Indian sites along the river, such as the spectacu-
lar Butler Wash Petroglyph Panel—a 250-yard-long wall of petroglyphs—plus
spectacular rock formations. Trips, offered from March through October, range from a
full day to more than a week, with rates starting at $165 per adult and $123 per child
under 13, including lunch.
To really see the scenery and cultural resources here we suggest a trip with
Far Out
Expeditions
. This local company specializes in hiking tours to the abundant
archaeological sites in the region, offering custom full or half-day hikes or multiday
backpacking trips to the spectacular scenery and fascinating rock art and ruins left by
ancient inhabitants. Rates are based on the number of participants. Far Out Expeditions
also offers lodging: The
Far Out Bunkhouse
is cozy, fun lodging for groups of up to 12
people. Offering two bedrooms—each sleeping up to six, with private bathroom and
shower (only)—there is also a fully equipped kitchen, a screened porch, and a comfortable
6
