The snow-capped peaks of the Abajo Mountains serve as a constant reminder of the natural beauty surrounding the town of Monticello. Its caves and valleys are decorated with fascinating rock art and ruins that provide an insight into the region’s human history. Drive down the 480-mile (770-kilometer) Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway that starts here to experience first-hand the preserved traces of the past.
Once in the town, stop at the Frontier Museum, which lies within a historic wooden barn, to learn about its exceptional history. Its range of prehistoric and vintage artifacts shed light on what life has been like for people in the Great Sage Plain. Walk south for a few minutes to reach the gorgeous Hideout Golf Course, with 18 holes laid out against a backdrop of undulating greenery and dramatic mountains.
Much of the town’s attractions lie in its natural surroundings. Make your way west to Canyonlands National Park, where intriguing rock formations create an otherworldly setting. See the numerous holes that collect water after rainfall at Pothole Point, which is part of a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) looped trail.
Back near Monticello’s northwestern corner, visit the fascinating Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument, comprising caves covered with petroglyphs. Pick out your favorites from the images of humans, animals and other symbols carved about 2,000 years ago. A little east is the iconic Wilson’s Arch, an opening in the sandstone rock face.
Monticello is on the eastern side of Twin Peaks East and West Mountain, in the southeastern corner of Utah. From Salt Lake City, drive southeast for 285 miles (460 kilometers) to arrive in roughly 5 hours.
While you’re in the region, check out other neighboring landmarks such as the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
