09/23/2025
If you’re up for an adventure come stay with us and drive Moki Dugway! The views are spectacular!
The Moki Dugway is often called one of the most dangerous roads in Utah—and for good reason. While it’s officially part of Utah State Route 261, the paved highway suddenly disappears into three miles of narrow, unpaved switchbacks that cling to the side of Cedar Mesa. Built in 1958 for massive uranium ore trucks, the road was never designed with tourists, RVs, or nervous drivers in mind. Today, it remains a dirt-and-gravel descent with sheer drop-offs that plunge more than a thousand feet straight down, and no guardrails to catch a mistake.
The dugway’s 10% grade makes it one of the steepest stretches of highway in the state. Drivers face blind corners, hairpin turns, and loose gravel that can shift under tires—especially dangerous after rain or snow. In winter, ice and snow can render the road treacherous, while summer thunderstorms can wash out sections or create mud slicks that strand vehicles. Oversized trucks and trailers have been known to get stuck on the turns, and those who misjudge their speed risk skidding dangerously close to the edge.
Even with these hazards, adventurous travelers keep coming. Part of the thrill lies in the road’s unpredictability. One moment, you’re climbing smoothly along Cedar Mesa; the next, the pavement ends and you’re crawling along a ledge with nothing but blue sky and empty air beside you. Cell service is spotty at best, meaning drivers are largely on their own if something goes wrong. Locals warn that anyone attempting the drive should check weather conditions, avoid it at night, and descend slowly, using low gear to prevent brakes from overheating.
Despite its dangers, the Moki Dugway rewards the brave. The panoramic views from its pullouts are among the most spectacular in the American Southwest: the Valley of the Gods unfurling below, Monument Valley rising in the distance, and the San Juan River snaking through the desert. Still, this is not a road to take lightly. The same rugged beauty that makes it unforgettable also makes it hazardous, demanding both respect and caution from anyone who dares to tackle its winding path.
