Moki Dugway - up or down?
 

In September, I'm planning a day tour of a few sights in SE Utah (Edge of Cedars, Bluff, Mexican Hat etc.), starting and ending in Cortez CO. I definitely want to see Muley Point, and that's going to require either a trip up or down the Moki Dugway, or a very long backtrack. If I only want to do the Dugway one way, is it easier/less scary to drive up or drive down?

Driving up, maybe.

I've heard going up is easier. I've gone down a few times and up once. I'd have to say I agree that up is better.

I agree that driving up will be safer and probably easier.

Utahtea

So, is going UP southbound on 261 or northbound?

I should have been more clear. If you're going UP the Moki Dugway, you're going north on 261, heading from Mexican Hat towards Natural Bridges National Monument. Going DOWN, you're going south on 261, towards US 163 and Mexican Hat. Muley Point's access road is at the top of the Dugway.

Thanks for everyone's replies so far. Maybe a question I should have asked in my first post - is Muley Point worth the effort to get there?

Yes you would be going up the dugway if you are heading north from Mexican Hat.

Well I think the Moki dugway is worth taking. Stop at the top at the very small turnoff for a great view and picture opportunity.

I personally don't think Muley Point is worth the time, but I have at least been there once, so I guess I tried it. Haven't felt the need to go again.

Goosenecks on the other IS worth the short detour.

mds,

I've done it multiple times both ways - scenery is better going down - south. If you are a competent driver who can stay on a road, safety really isn't an issue. Go slow whether in a 4x4 or not.

Recommend Valley of the Gods B&B. One of a kind place!

Have fun!

Don't miss Goosenecks of the San Juan, which is right nearby. We went up and down the dugway. We just found Muley Point to be ok. We stayed at Valley of the Gods B&B and enjoyed it.

Only problem going down is if your brakes fail or overheat, so going up is safer. Going down I always just put the vehicle in the lowest or 2nd lowest gear so the brakes aren't working as hard.

Agree with Dayle that scenery is better going down, so long as you are not afraid of heights. People over-react to the 'difficulty' of this road, it's well-graded and offers no problems to passenger vehicles. I think there's a restriction on how large a boat you can tow up it, something like 22 ft, to keep people heading for Lake Powell from trying to pull a big boat up, but this is because of the tight blind switchbacks. No problems for a car.

Muley Point is pretty cool and there are several interesting side canyons at the top with Anasazi ruins if you care to spend some time on the plateau. Grand Gulch is especially nice, and perhaps Natural Bridges National Monument. Fill up the gas tank before heading up, there is no gas on the plateau.

Thanks for elaborating on the condition of the road and the best approach. I've found YouTube videos that do a fair job of showing the road's width.