Moki DugwayMay 19, 2007. We stayed in Cottonwood Campground in Bluff, Utah. Several private RV-Parks were available in Bluff. We chose Cottonwood. The others were just as nice. One mile west of town is Sand Island Department of the Interior Campground with no utilites. It was OK as well. Cottonwood was $20 for a FHU site.
Earlier today we visited Mexican Hat and the Great Goosenecks of the San Juan. Now we are about to encounter the famous and exciting Moki Dugway. The "Moki Dugway" what on earth is the "Moki Dugway". I will start by stating that a "dugway" is a means of traversing a steep hillside without sliding down the slope. The Moki Dugway was built by Texas Zinc and Minerals during the uranium boom as a way to accommodate ore trucks. The Moki Dugway is 3.5-miles of graded gravel that climbs the cliff at an 11% grade according to Utah tourist information. I don't know that I can adequately explain the Moki Dugway other than to say that it is an exciting drive 1,000 feet up the side of a sheer cliff involving 10% or 11% grades (depending on the info source) and switch backs on a gravel road. But it is better to show you than tell you. Let's do it!
Approaching the Moki Dugway
As we approach the Moki Dugway we get a panoramic view of the cliff we are about to climb.
Approaching the Moki Dugway
The closer we get to the cliff we are able to see how we are going to attack the ascent.
Moki Dugway
These signs add to the mystery and excitement of the Moki Dugway.
Moki Dugway
Moki Dugway
And finally these signs as we get to the point of no return. We have been warned.
Moki Dugway
Steep grade on Moki Dugway
One long steep grade on the edge with no guard rail.
View from Moki Dugway
Steep grade on Moki Dugway
Steep grades, gravel road and sheer drop offs make this exciting.
Hairpin turn on Miki Dugway
A switchback is around the corner.
View on the Moki Dugway
Moki Dugway switchback
Another switchbac on the Moki Dugway.
Ten-percent grade on Moki Dugway
10% grade on Moki Dugway
10% grade on Moki Dugway
Switchbacks on the Moki Dugway
At one point Joyce was able to snap these incredible shots of where we had just come from. When you see these the Moki Dugway does look impressive.
Switchbacks on the Moki Dugway
Sandstone cliff walls of the Moki Dugway
Both of us thought the road engineers could have removed more of this overhanging rock. Sandstone walls of the Moki Dugway
View of Valley & road approaching the Moki Dugway
If you look closely you can see a switch back in the picture on the right. Needless to say it is a long way to the bottom.
Sign at summit of Moki Dugway
Once at the top this sign provided a little levity to the moment. It seems that the elevation on top of the Moki dugway is 6435 feet.
Never let a "C" student run your country
This is a blow up of one of the bumper stickers adorning the Moki Dugway sign. You can see this bumper sticker on the bottom left of the big Moki Dugway sign.
Switchback on Moki Dugway
How about that switch back far below!
RV at summit of Moki Dugway
We were all surprised when this RV appeared at the summit. The driver jumped out and headed around the RV to this side door. Someone in the crowd opined that the gentleman was probably heading inside to change his shorts. I thought that was funny and probably accurate.
Moki Dugway
At the top there is another sign informing motorist coming from the north that they are about to challenge the Moki Dugway. While at the summit Joyce and I took a side trip out to Muley Point. That excursion was covered in our Goosnecks & Muley Point Travel adventure. Now it is time to head back down the Moki Dugway. Will it be as exciting as the trip up?
Descent of the Moki Dugway
Driving down the Moki Dugway.
10% grade down the Moki Dugway
This is where we are headed and yes, that is a 10% grade if not more.
Switchback on the Moki Dugway
On the right is one of the many switch backs.
10% grade on the Moki Dugway coming out of a switchback
10% grade on the Moki Dugway
Coming around a switch back this is what we are facing. Even in low gear I am having to use brakes to control my speed.
10% grade on the Moki Dugway
Good view of the 10% grade on the Moki Dugway.
Switchback on the Moki Dugway
Incessantly down and always at 10% if not greater.
Switchback with bus on the Moki Dugway
Then down from us we spot this large tour bus headed our way. I couldn't believe it but there it was. Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Joyce assures me they aren't and she begins to wonder if we are both going to fit on the gravel road. I found this wide spot and pulled over.
Tour bus on the Moki Dugway
Tour bus on the Moki Dugway
Look closely at the driver. He is nonchalantly holding a microphone in his right hand while steering with his left hand as if to say "This ain't nothing for a stepper"! Well, I guess I have seen it all. And to think someone said you couldn't take a big rig over the Moki Dugway.
Bottom of the famous Moki Dugway
And for a final bit of excitement. Just think one day this huge boulder is going to roll down on the highway. Do you suppose it will be today? One can't help but think about it when passing.
If you liked this Travel Adventure you might like one of these: Goosenecks on the San Juan River southern Utah Natural Bridges National Monument in southern Utah
Click here for more Utah Travel Adventures
What a day. Does it get any better? Until next time remember how good life is. Mike & Joyce Hendrix
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