USA Franklin Butte

The Valley of the Gods is a smaller, quieter alternative to Monument Valley, offering similar sandstone buttes and vast desert landscapes without the crowds, entrance fees, or access restrictions. Franklin Butte is a sandstone formation that rises alone from the open desert floor, standing out clearly in the wide and open landscape.

The landscape offers a strong sense of space and openness, with countless perspectives along the winding dirt road through the valley. The road is usually quiet and wide enough in places to safely stop and work on compositions directly from the roadside. Don't forget to bring a telephoto lens with you!

Valley of the Gods is accessed via a dirt loop road off US-163, between Mexican Hat and Bluff. The road is unpaved and can be rough or sandy, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. After rain it may become muddy and difficult or impossible to drive. The loop can be driven in either direction, and Castle Butte is visible from several pullouts along the route.