- Locale: Abajo Mountains
- Time: 2 Hours
- Fee: None
Travel along the northwestern flank of the Abajo Mountains for stunning views of Bears Ears National Monument, Shay Mountain, the La Sal Mountains, BLM’s Indian Creek special recreation area and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park at the Harts Draw Overlook (elevation 8,200 feet). In autumn, aspens and maples are blazing flags along the drive. The drive starts in Monticello and finishes at Hwy 211 at the entrance to Indian Creek, where you can take a short side trip to the Newspaper Rock petroglyph panel. The full length of the Harts Draw Road is 42 miles. There are no facilities or water available along Harts Draw Road.
Special Considerations
This is a winding, dirt road that is generally in good condition. The gravel pullout is ADA accessible and does not have bathroom facilities. Be prepared to pack in food and water and pack out trash. Harts Draw is high in elevation and therefore subject to more stormy weather so be prepared for rain and cold.
- Tips For Visiting Here with Respect
Don’t Touch Rock Imagery or Make Your Own
Natural oils on your hands can destroy delicate rock imagery. Vandalism of petroglyphs and pictographs erases stories of early Indigenous peoples and destroys the experience for future visitors.
Stay On Designated Roads
Use existing roads that are approved for use by land managers. Driving off-road can damage fragile archaeology and ecosystems.
Leave Cultural Belongings Where They Are
Cultural belongings such as pottery pieces, flakes and stone tools, corn cobs, and textiles left by early Indigenous peoples are still sacred to Tribes and Pueblos. Ancestral items and historic artifacts help researchers learn about the past. It's illegal to remove such items from public lands.
- Maps and Directions
- Coordinates: 37.910959, -109.485935
- Directions:
From Bluff: Take Hwy 191 N for 46.2 miles through Blanding into Monticello. Turn left on W 200 S. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto Abajo Dr which turns into North Creek/101. Follow this for 8.7 miles to the gravel pullout on your right.
From Blanding: Take Hwy 191 N for 20.3 miles into Monticello. Turn left on W 200 S. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto Abajo Dr which turns into North Creek/101. Follow this for 8.7 miles to the gravel pullout on your right.