Route 163 Scenic Byway : USA Road Trip
US Route 163 is a highway that connects the state of Arizona to the state of Utah. This highway will take you to places very typical of the Wild West. Highway 163 has been featured in many Hollywood movies, especially in the movies starting John Wayne.
This highway links the state of Arizona to Utah and covers the land of crimson sand towers, steep headlands towering red tables and provides an incredible experience to travelers. Do visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (picture shown below) and also travel forward on the 27 miles of dirt road to enjoy breathtaking views of the valley. To emulate John Wayne, visitors can sign up for a horseback ride in the information center of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
You can start your journey in Navajo County, in the state of Arizona. The region is home to many Indigenous peoples of the US. Native American reservations such as Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Navajo Nation and Hopi Indian reservation are all situated in the Navajo County. You can explore the way of life of the Native Americans, along with their culture and food. You will also enjoy the natural beauty of the place. The panoramic view of the Monument Valley will make your trip more enjoyable. If you are lucky, you can also take part in the famous Monument Valley Film Festival that is held every year in Kayenta. Do carry your camera and make sure that you take many pictures to capture the beauty of the place.
What to See
Route 163 is one of the most scenic roads in the US. If you want to live amidst nature, you can camp in many of the places on the way. Apart from the Monument Valley, you can also explore the Valley of the Gods situated in Mexican Hat, which is a census designated place in Utah. The beauty of the landscape, filled with cliffs, rock formations with red mesas etc, will make your trip very interesting. In Valley of the Kings, there are not too many options available for bed and breakfast. It is mostly a deserted place which can offer you with peace and solitude.
If you want to explore more than just the scenic mountains and towns, you can also travel to Grand Canyon in Arizona. The region is the best place in the US to encounter the geological evolution of our planet. The unique shape of the hills and mountains in the Grand Canyon is a result of the Colorado River changing its course over thousands of years. Also, you can visit the ancestral ruins of Native American tribes, which are situated in both the states. You can end you road trip in the scenic San Juan County in Utah.
How about driving along this route then? It's a great route if you love driving and seeing new scenary. Book your Phoenix Airport car hire with us today to start your journey.
| Route Details | |
| Start: | Kayenta, AZ |
| End: | Bluff, UT |
| Distance: | 64 miles |
| Duration: | 5 to 7 Days |
| Best Time: | The best time to visit this part of the world is during the winter months i.e. June to October. |
| Overnight Stay: | Roadside motels can be ideal for night stay. You can also opt for camping in places near the highway. |
| Transport: | The road is not too long and you can easily explore it by a car. Make sure to fill the gas tank before starting the trip. |
| Food: | There are many restaurants on the way, which serve great food. Snacks can be purchased from the gas stations on the way. The local pubs in the cities in Utah and Arizona are also worth exploring. |
| Difficulty: | Even though the road is short, it is not ideal for summer travel as the temperature can be as high as 100° F in some of the places. |
