Valley of the Gods

[DT6]

Hi,
Has anyone towed their Escape through the entire 17-mile road through Valley of the Gods in southern Utah? I was able to find a few posts where folks state it is a great place, but I cannot find anyone who says they have towed their Escape around the whole circuit. My only concern is the several "washes" that are commonly referenced in several YouTube videos, say that towing a trailer through them can be perilous as you might drag the bottom of your trailer as you go through one. However, I think part of this has to do with longer trailers and RV's, but I cannot be certain.
Thanks.

[padlin]

I parked the camper at Goosenecks State Park and drove thru VOTG and decided against bringing in the trailer. There were a few dips that convinced me, but it was 4 or 5 years ago. Goosenecks is right down the road.

[EdColorado]

The main access highway is US-163. Assuming you are entering VOTG there.
Never took the Escape but a small motor home towing the Jeep. Generally similar overall length.

Right off the highway is a wash/creek. Take a look. If you think you could safely cross, just on the other side and to your right is a large, fairly flat parking/camping area. Unhook there and go exploring with your tow vehicle. Perhaps find a great overnight spot. Most of the really photogenic formations are within perhaps 5 miles of 163 .

With that said, these dirt roads in UT change with the most recent storm. What someone filmed for u-tube last week may not apply today.
If in doubt, I always drop the trailer somewhere then check the road out. Then decide.
The red clay turns to sloppy mud when wet. Stay away if a storm is forecast.

You’ll enjoy the area. It’s just beautiful.

Ed

[Losangeles]

I was there 2 years ago in May.... and due to a 'wash' the unpaved road was blown out so badly in one part there would have been ZERO chance anyone could get thru there towing anything.

But that was 2 years ago.

just a heads up.

[padlin]

Sand Island Campground is also just down 163, you could get a site there for a night to reconnoiter sans trailer.

[davidmurphy02]

Originally Posted by padlin

Sand Island Campground is also just down 163, you could get a site there for a night to reconnoiter sans trailer.

Sand Island is a very nice spot.

[SeldomSeen]

We decided that Goosenecks provided the solitude we were looking for. Suggest you spend the night there, and drive the road first to see what you think! You should be able to spot the 19 in that picture...

[MyronL]

Approaching the Moki Dugway from the south a few years ago I elected to heed the warning signs on the road to not tow a trailer up it, and turned right to tow through the Valley of the Gods.

It was very dry that day, a good thing, but several deep depressions through wash areas still gave me great pause. I well remember one in particular that really came close to a serious hang-up. If there had been any mud-- forgetabout it! Buyer beware... None of these pictures of the trip reflect that.

[DT6]

Thanks for the great references everyone. Excellent tips regarding staying nearby and checking the road with your tow vehicle before trying to bring your trailer through. The pictures everyone provided were nice as well. Thanks again!

[a602pmcc]

Beginning September 15th last year we took a 34-day trip from Tallahassee to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and back. We love Valley of the Gods and boondocked there coming and going driving the entire loop each direction. Here's our rig at the campsite on the way out, followed by a couple of shots of the road, and sunrise the next morning:









We weren't particularly trying to capture pics of the most difficult parts of the road, but maybe they give you a feel. A couple of washes were steep and sandy as were a couple of hills/breakovers, but nothing really very difficult. Note, however, that we do have 4WD and the road was completely dry.

For the conditions when we were there taking the road all the way through gave us no pause whatsoever. Other conditions would doubtless require reassessment.

Paul

[EdColorado]

Originally Posted by DT6

Thanks for the great references everyone. Excellent tips regarding staying nearby and checking the road with your tow vehicle before trying to bring your trailer through. The pictures everyone provided were nice as well. Thanks again!

If you want to stay really close, here is the camping area I talked about earlier. Easy access. Large. Level. Free.

37.238699 -109.814369

Enjoy

Ed

[a602pmcc]

Here are a few more pics to whet your appetite. Our campsite on the way back, a landscape shot, and a wash I hiked with the dogs:

[davidmurphy02]

If you do go to Valley of the Gods be sure to check out The Goosenecks - worth driving out to see it whether or not you camp there. Here's a photo....in case you haven't flipped over to October on this year's Escape calendar yet

[cpaharley2008]

That picture is so clear it almost looks fake, like a model truck and trailer on a movie set, great picture....you say you took it on your phone?

[davidmurphy02]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

That picture is so clear it almost looks fake, like a model truck and trailer on a movie set, great picture....you say you took it on your phone?

Recently I've switched to just using my phone, but that one last year was taken with a traditional camera. Not an SLR, though, a compact digital camera.

[DT6]

Great pictures! I do have the calendar and congratulations on having a photo selected. We have been to Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, and Coral Reef and just absolutely loved the area. Camped at Horse Thief campground on BLM land just north of Dead Horse State Park. Rather plain camping area, but I do a lot of amateur astronomy, so it was great for me - love the dark skies! I could see objects in my small 3-inch refractor that I could never hope to see from home without long exposure astrophotography. BTW - if anyone travels through Torrey, UT we found a nice place to get coffee at a place called the Rabbit Cafe.
There are a lot of good posts on the forum about Zion and Bryce, but VOTG was kind of missing, so this really helps fill-in that hole. Thanks again for all of the great information and pictures.

[davidmurphy02]

Also right in that area, if you drive up the Moki Dugway (without your trailer unless you are really adventurous), turn left at the top and go out to Muley Point. While you're there be sure to crawl out and look over the edge

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by davidmurphy02

...
While you're there be sure to crawl out and look over the edge

Looking at the fracture in the rock - I'll pass, thank you anyway!
--
Alan

[cpaharley2008]

Exactly, that rock could go at any moment, I'll observe from afar.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Exactly, that rock could go at any moment, I'll observe from afar.

I'll observe by looking at a picture!