Near Monticello
Near Monticello
NEAR MONTICELLO: Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, Monticello is the county seat of San Juan. Agriculture and mining have been the economic base since the town was founded 101 years ago. Monticello has a challenging 9 hole golf course, a museum located in city park, restaurants and lodging. The Blue Mountains directly west of town offer hiking, fishing, 4wheeling, snowmobiling, XCountry skiing and several scenic drives. Population: 2,000. Elevation: 7,050.

Abajo (Blue Mountain Drive) - 40 mile scenic drive through the Manti-LaSal National Forest from Monticello to Blanding. The annual July Blue Mountain Bike Chase is partially run on this route. Usually suitable for passenger cars. Ask locally about road conditions. US Forest Service 801-587-2041 or 800-574-4FUN. Allow 2 hours.
Canyon Rims Recreation Area - Features extensive vistas of the region: Needles Overlook; a 1,500 foot high mesa overlooking the Needles area of Canyonlands National Park and Anticline Overlook; a 1,500-2,000 foot high mesa overlooking an anticline formation and the Colorado River. Allow 4 hours for both overlooks. Located 52 miles N. W.
Newspaper Rock - Located in beautiful Indian Creek Canyon, the rock is famous for a large petroglyph panel. No water. The entrance to Canyonlands National Park is down the road 24 miles. 25 miles northwest of Monticello on U-211, 12 miles off US 191. Allow 2 hours.
Needles District - Canyonlands National Park. A visitor center is located at the entrance to this colorful section of the Park which is open year-round. 4wheel drive required for trips to Angel Arch, Druid Arch, Elephant Hill, and others. Entrance fees charged. Year-round camping. Located 14 miles north and 32 miles west of Monticello off of US 191 on U-211. Allow 3 hours. Services available March-Oct. at Needles Outpost close to entrance of Park.