Taos to Orderville: Monument Valley & Scenic Byways Guide

The route from Taos, New Mexico to Orderville, Utah crosses the Continental Divide at 7,800 feet via US-64, then cuts through southern Colorado before entering Utah along US-163. This 550-mile journey passes through three states and two time zones, with a driving time of approximately 8.5 hours without stops. The highway segment after Blanding, Utah follows the exact path used by John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition, but today it delivers travelers past Monument Valley's iconic buttes.

The entire drive uses US-64, US-160, US-163, US-191, and UT-9. How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is essential for this remote stretch, where gas stations are sometimes 70 miles apart. This guide covers the best stops Taos, NM to Orderville, UT, how long to drive Taos, NM to Orderville, UT, and is it worth driving Taos, NM to Orderville, UT? The answer is a definitive yes—for the landscapes alone.

Infrastructure safety: The road is generally good, but watch for wildlife (deer, elk) at dawn/dusk on US-64 and US-191. Construction delays are common on UT-9 near Mt. Carmel. Carry emergency supplies: water, blankets, first aid kit. Service stations are sparse; AAA coverage recommended.

Family and child suitability: Mesa Verde offers Junior Ranger programs (ages 4–12) at the visitor center. Monument Valley's 17-mile dirt loop is bumpy but exciting for kids (4WD recommended). The Edge of the Cedars State Park in Blanding has a kid-friendly museum with hands-on pottery and weaving. For pets, most national parks allow only service animals; however, Goulding's Lodge in Monument Valley is pet-friendly. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campsites like Valley of the Gods are pet-friendly. Every rest stop (especially in Utah) has pet waste stations.

Fatigue management & rest zones: Long stretches without roadside services. Plan breaks every 2 hours at:

• Bloomfield, NM (Coffee Mill Cafe)
• Cortez, CO (City Market for snacks)
• Mexican Hat, UT (Swinging Steakhouse, but check hours)
• Blanding, UT (Blue Mountain stop)
• Glendale, UT (on UT-9, apple orchards)

Fuel stops are critical. The 120-mile gap between Cortez, CO and Mexican Hat, UT (via US-160 and US-163) has only one gas station at Kayenta, AZ. Ensure a full tank before leaving Cortez. Similarly, Mexican Hat to Orderville (260 miles) has fuel at Blanding, Monticello, and Kanab. Plan to refuel at:

• Bloomfield, NM (exit 20 on US-64)
• Cortez, CO (US-160 & Main St)
• Mexican Hat, UT (limited hours)
• Blanding, UT (US-191)
• Kanab, UT (US-89)

Road quality: US-64 from Taos to Bloomfield is curvy mountain two-lane; US-160 across Colorado is well-paved; US-163 from Kayenta to Mexican Hat is smooth but scenic; UT-9 through Zion National Park is winding but maintained. No toll roads. Cell service drops between Bloomfield and Cortez, and again south of Blanding. Download offline maps.

The landscapes shift from Sangre de Cristo peaks to high desert mesas. Key stops include Shiprock, NM—a 1,583-foot volcanic neck sacred to the Navajo; Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO site, cliff dwellings); and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. For local commerce, stop at Goulding's Trading Post (Monument Valley) for authentic Navajo rugs and jewelry. The Four Corners Monument is a quick detour, but expect a fee and crowds.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mesa Verde National Park (world's best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings). Also nearby: Chaco Culture National Historical Park (130 miles south of Bloomfield). Both are well worth a stop for history enthusiasts. Allow 3 hours for Mesa Verde's Chapin Mesa loop.

Climatic conditions: Spring (March–May) brings wind and occasional snow near passes above 7,000 ft. Summer (June–August) sees monsoonal thunderstorms, especially in Monument Valley—flash flood risk in washes. Autumn is ideal, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Winter (December–February) closes some mountain passes; check conditions for US-64 at Palo Flechado Pass (9,000 ft).

Culinary infrastructure: Taos offers New Mexican cuisine (blue corn enchiladas), Cortez has good Southwestern diners, Montezuma Creek has few options, and Orderville has a general store. Best bet: pack a cooler with snacks and water, especially for the remote stretches between Cortez and Blanding. Things to do between Taos, NM and Orderville, UT include the Salmon Ruins (Bloomfield), Edge of the Cedars Museum (Blanding), and the Quail Creek State Park (near Hurricane) for a swim.