Where to stay in Monticello and Blanding, Utah

[Judy]

I'm still working on our circle trip to the National Parks in SW Colorado and SE Utah.
We need places to stay near The Needles, Canyonlands and Natural Bridges. I've identified two nearby towns, Monticello and Blanding. Both in Utah. Don't want to spend a lot of $$$$$. Don't want to go without reservations because we'll be traveling in prime season.

In Monticello I've narrowed the lodging choices to the Runnin' Iron Inn (at the Roughlock RV Camp) and the Navajo Trail National 9 Inn. But I can't find enough information to make a decision. Has anyone stayed at either of these or anywhere else? I'd like to hear your opinions and advice.

In Blanding, it's even tougher. I can't find any reviews from my usual sources. Any suggestions there?

 

[DaveNV]

Judy, if you go to Google Maps page (not plain Google) and enter "Blanding, Utah motels" in the search box, it returns a half dozen motels in the area, including another National 9 inn, with map locations highlighted. Might give you some choices to look into.

Dave

 

[Rose Pink]

I can't remember if it was Monticello or Blanding but DH and I stayed overnight in one of those little towns at some motel chain--probably a Super 8 or similar. Personally, I'd opt for staying in Moab. It's only a little further away from Canyonlands Needles and much closer to Arches NP. It has more to do and is a more interesting little town. We love Moab and actually have thought about retiring there.

 

[Judy]

Personally, I'd opt for staying in Moab. It's only a little further away from Canyonlands Needles and much closer to Arches NP. It has more to do and is a more interesting little town. We love Moab and actually have thought about retiring there.

Then I'm happy to tell you that we're planning two nights in Moab to visit Island in the Sky (Canyonlands) and Arches.
We'll be on our way to Durango, so we don't want to backtrack any more than necessary - it'll be a long trip anyway - so we want to spend one night in Monticello to be as near as possible to The Needles (Canyonlands) and then on to Blanding for one night as close as possible to Natural Bridges. From there, we drive to the Wyndham Durango for a week.

 

[Rose Pink]

...Monticello ... Blanding .... From there, we drive to the Wyndham Durango for a week.

I'm sure the Wyndham will be a great treat after the previous two nights.


One of those two little towns, I think it is Blanding but I could be wrong, has a nice Native American museum. It's worth checking out.

There is a switchback road to Island in the Sky that is passable with 4WD if you want some excitement. It drops off on one side. It's been years and years since we took that road and we were with Dan Mick. I'm not sure I'd want to do it on my own but people do. I don't remember there being any tough obstacles on that road such as large rocks or exceptionally rough spots though it was not wise to drive a standard passenger car on it.

Sounds like a great trip you have planned. The area is beautiful and the scenery varies greatly. I second the train trip from Durango to Silverton. We've not taken the train but we've made the drive and stayed overnight in Silverton. I would really like to take the train some day. I hear it is gorgeous in the autumn.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, Utah


Richard

 

[Rose Pink]

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, Utah


Richard

Thanks, Richard. I do believe that is the place.