Campsite Review: Muley Point - Blanding, UT
Stayed 9/4/20. The views here felt fake, the colors were something of a cross between a painting and a mushroom trip. Except it’s all real! Muley Point is that kind of beautiful. A little info about this place: Muley Point sits above the southeast portion of Glen Canyon on top of Cedar Mesa. Carved out by the San Juan River, the horizon is littered with the beautiful rock formations of Monument Valley. Watching the sunset over the valley felt uniquely spiritual. Plus, the stargazing that followed was stunning. There’s not much else to describe this magical place, words won’t do it enough justice.
Campsite-wise, Muley point is primitive. The layout is straightforward, follow the road back and pick a spot. There are plenty of fire rings to pick from, and they’re spaced out enough Theo could explore without his lead. I have to imagine this campsite never gets really busy, it never felt like it on a Friday. We had company on the point until sunset and by nightfall, there were only 3 of us left.
I would bring a camp stove here if you’re planning on camping in the summer in case of a fire ban, and if you can have a fire definitely bring some wood. There are only small amounts of dry brush on the point and it’s not enough to sustain a proper fire. Come prepared and pack everything out. If we find your litter, we assume you’re a garbage person.
Let this be my one warning to everyone who is scared of heights like me. The Moki Dugway is for real and it’s a little freaky. It technically had two lanes, but it never felt like that if you passed a large rig. It’s a skinny, near 10-mile switchback carved into Cedar Mesa. You’re climbing 1100 feet up the point so it’s going to take you a good 20-30 minutes. I do suppose if you’re keen on flirting with death you could shave some time. I wouldn’t? The drive is part of the Muley Point experience, the views are worth every minute and every ounce of stress. If you’re a careful driver, you’ll be in for an experience of a lifetime.
Access: 4/5
AWD recommended, only accessible from Moki Dugway when dry
Campsite Quality: 5/5
Primitive, fire rings and flat ground
Location: 5/5
BEST of free canyon camping
Noise: 5/5
Expect fellow campers but not busy enough to be loud
Directions
37.235187, -109.992233
Turn onto State Route 261 (SR-261) off of US 163.
Ride SR-261 for almost an hour until you reach the Moki Dugway
Take the Moki Dugway all the way up and get ready to make a left onto Muley Point Rd.
Follow the gravel/washout road back to a campsite you like!
NOTE: These are directions coming south towards Mexican Hat, UT. SR-261 continues on and goes as far as Lake Powell, so coming from the North is possible. Simply follow SR-261 south until Muley Point Rd. and turn right!
