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.
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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.
