Monticello is a small town (pop. 2,400) at the edge of the Abajo Mountains.
At 7,000 feet, it boasts more pleasant summer temperatures than other
communities in southeastern Utah. It serves as a good base for visiting
the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park (45 miles northwest)
and the bordering Abajo Mountains. It is also en route for those traveling
on Hwy 666 to or from Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado (90 miles
southeast).
Monticello is located at the junction of Hwy. 191 and Hwy. 666, about
55 miles south of Moab and 21 miles north of Blanding. View Area Map.
Monticello has a number of motels, a few private campgrounds, several
dining establishments and most other services a traveler might need.
View Larger Map
Scenic drives to consider in the Monticello area are listed below.
Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway
48 miles oneway
3 - 4 hours
The Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway (County Rd. #285, Forest Rd. #079)
climbs onto Elk Ridge near Natural Bridges NM. It also climbs to over
8,700 feet in elevation as it passes through the geologic formations
known as the 'Bears Ears'.
Squaw Flats Scenic Byway
35 miles oneway
1 - 2 hours
The Squaw Flat Scenic Byway (Hwy 211) begins at Hwy 191 about 40 miles
south of Moab, and runs west into the Needles District of Canyonlands
National Park. Along the way is nice red rock scenery, good views south
of the Abajo Mountains and wonderful Newspaper Rock -- a cliff wall
densely covered with Indian petroglyphs.
Tourist destinations to consider near Monticello are listed below.
Click on any name for complete information.
Abajo Mountains
Abajo Mountains are a small range of rounded peaks topping out at 11,362
feet. They have some pleasant scenic drives and hiking. They are relatively
unknown and consequently not too crowded.
Blanding
Population: 3,500
Blanding is a small town of 4,000. It is home to a small state park
featuring ancient Indian artifacts, but serves mostly as a stopping
off point for travelers in the area.
Bluff
Bluff is a tiny community that serves mostly as a base for those running
the San Juan River and traveling in the region.
Canyonlands
National Park
Canyonlands National Park is home to an immense expanse of deep orange-red
canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers and a wonderful array
of superlative red rock formations. In addition to being a feast for
the eyes, it provides great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking,
4wd adventuring, and white water rafting.
Dark Canyon is a beautiful and isolated wilderness/primitive area offering
great backpacking opportunities.
Moab
Population: 4,500
Moab is a small town that makes a terrific destination for those seeking
outdoor recreational activities. It offers numerous great opportunities
for desert mountain biking, hiking and 4wd adventuring. The Colorado
River passes by town with excellent calm water and whitewater options.
And it is just a few minutes from Arches and a short drive from Canyonlands.
The Abajo Mountains, or Blues as they're also referred to, are a small
range topping out at the 11,362 foot Abajo Peak. They are forested with
aspen and fir and in summer provide a good break from the desert conditions
of lower lying areas. There are a couple nice scenic drives through
the range, including one to the top of Abajo Peak. There are also a
decent network of trails through the range for hiking in summer, and
cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. The Abajo Mountains
are not well known and remain relatively uncrowded.
The Abajo Mountains are located just west of Monticello and north of
Blanding in southeastern Utah. View Area Map.
Monticello rich with the history. In the 1800's
so many fugitives escaped to Monticello to hide the law
in the isolated mountains and canyons that it became known as the
Outlaw Trail. Plan your escape and visit Monticello and find a little bit of your own refuge
in Monticello, Utah.
Elevation: 7,069 feet
Topography: Sheltered on the West by the Abajo Mountains or Blue Mountains.
San Juan Mountain, the youngest and steepest range, is etched on the
Eastern horizon. On the Northern side tower the majestic La Sal Mountains.
Taking in the Southeast in Colorado, the Sleeping Ute Mountain looks
over the four corners.
Population: 1,950
Summer: Daytime temperature rarely exceeds 85 degrees and nights are
cool.
Winter: Great mountain snow provides hours of fun and adventure. Days
are cold averaging mid 30's for highs. Evening range in teens to 0
degree temperatures. Mild to moderate wind is not unusual.
Transportation
Major airlines fly into the Grand Junction Colorado Airport. Grand
Junction approximately 2 1/2 hours from Monticello.
United Express flies into Cortez, Colorado and Moab, Utah. Both are
approximately 1 hour away.
