We're going to be passing through Monument Valley on our way to Moab in a couple of weeks. While we're in the area, we thought that we might want to visit the Goosenecks of the San Juan. Our route would be 163 out of Monument Valley to the 261 then the 316. We're unsure of the 316 and don't want to run into any problems with the route. We have a 36 foot Monaco Knight with a Honda CR-V for a toad. Is this route OK to drive with the motorhome? If not, is there any place to park the motorhome, unhook, then visit the Goosenecks?
You should have no problems. Roads are all blacktop. It's something to see, DW and I were there a few years ago. Spent night at Gouldings and then went on to Moab from there. We don't have a big rig, just a tow vehicle and small trailers, but it will be easy.
This is a case where the terrain feature of Google Maps should be useful. If you zoom in far enough to see 316 you'll see that it crosses a rather flat area, and is pretty straight. In satellite mode you can see the shape of the parking lot at the Goosenecks overlook (and sharp contrast between the area you just crossed and the San Juan canyon walls).
In this area the main challenging route is 261 north of this junction where it climbs the Mokee Dugway. If you like mountain driving you could take your toad up those switchbacks, and out to Muley Point for a higher view of the Goosenecks. Another side trip is the gravel road through the Valley of the Gods, which starts at the base of Dugway.
U should be ok to the Goosenecks, but DON'T try to take the RV any farther up Rt.261. Look closely at u'r map and u'll see a spot called Moki Dugway. This 2.5 mile streach of 261 becomes a narrow DIRT road with 'Switchbacks' up the side of a cliff. After ya visit the Goosenecks its better to go back to 163 and over to Bluff.
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Quote: U should be ok to the Goosenecks, but DON'T try to take the RV any farther up Rt.261
Agree whole heartedly. I know, someone's gonna say, "Shoot, trucks go up and down it all the time and even 40' Class A's do it." But, I sure wouldn't take my rig up or down, especially down, that road.
With that said, Muley Point is fantastic! Not uncommon for people from all over to have weddings up there.
By the way, if you don't mind roughin' it a little, Goosenecks State Park is an interesting spot for a night or two.
Quote: U should be ok to the Goosenecks, but DON'T try to take the RV any farther up Rt.261
Agree whole heartedly. I know, someone's gonna say, "Shoot, trucks go up and down it all the time and even 40' Class A's do it." But, I sure wouldn't take my rig up or down, especially down, that road.
... Bruce
*I agree with Bruce once again!
How 'bout we let them decide for themselves AFTER they watch this video:
Thanks to all who replied. I was up there about 20+ years ago, but in a small car. Things sure change when you’re 50+ feet long. I did Google it but still wasn’t sure. I know about Muley Point and the road up there (thanks for the Link) and know better than to even think about it. There’s nothing like asking the RV community who have actually been there to give a straight answer. That’s the best thing about this forum. Thanks to all of you folk, looks like we’ll be able to include the Goosenecks on our trip!
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