7.2
PDI
3.2 mi
DISTANCE
1,106 ft
GAINED
6.6 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Kris James, Michigan
INTRO
The Moki Dugway is a 3.2 mile climb on Utah State Route 261 that gains 1,106 ft at a 6.6% average grade, rising from 5,320 ft at the foot of Cedar Mesa to 6,426 ft at the top. The steepest quarter mile averages 9.3%, and the switchbacks themselves are about three miles of graded dirt and gravel.
A “dugway” is a road cut into a hillside, and this one was carved into the cliff edge of Cedar Mesa in 1958 by the Texas Zinc company to haul uranium ore from the Happy Jack mine in Fry Canyon to a mill at Mexican Hat. Today it is part of Utah's Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, with tight switchbacks, no guardrails and traffic that is next to none. DangerousRoads.org calls it “a staggering, graded dirt switchback road carved into the face of the cliff edge of Cedar Mesa.”
Our contributor Kris James of Michigan rode only the ascent, with his girlfriend picking him up at the top: “Had just been graded and was VERY loose gravel in a few sections. This time of year would be extremely hard on a road tire. Amazing switchbacks and great views of the valley below during the entire ride.” Conditions change with the grader's visits and the season, so expect the surface to vary from firm and fast to loose.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The Moki Dugway covers 3.2 miles and gains 1,106 ft at 6.6%, from 5,320 ft to 6,426 ft, with no descending along the way.
The grade is steady rather than savage, but the switchbacks keep it honest on loose gravel. The steepest quarter mile averages 9.3%, the steepest half mile 9.0%, and the steepest mile 8.0%, with the steepest 100 yd pitch reaching 10.1%. Published guides put its steepest pitches at about 10%, which matches what we measure.
Roadway: The Moki Dugway is a dirt and gravel road, with about three miles of graded switchbacks up the face of Cedar Mesa; the approach on SR-261 below it is paved and was repaved by UDOT in 2023. In the dry summer months it is manageable on a road bike with bigger (28-32mm) tires, but a gravel bike or wider tires are the comfortable choice, and fresh grading can leave very loose gravel in places. There are no guardrails, weather changes quickly here, and closures happen, so check the forecast before you ride.
Traffic: Next to none. Expect the occasional sightseeing vehicle, and give cars room on the switchbacks.
Parking: Park at the start of the climb on Valley of the Gods Road, just off Hwy 261 - Map; Street View.
Provisions: None on the climb, and cell service is unreliable. The closest provisions are in Mexican Hat 10 miles south - Route Map. Carry all the water you need.
Gear: The surface is the main consideration: a gravel or all-road bike with 32mm or wider tires makes the loose sections much easier, and the descent over loose gravel calls for good brakes and a cautious pace.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Be sure to stop and enjoy the views at Moki Dugway at mile 3 (Google Map + Reviews; Street View).
The nearby town of Mexican Hat is the base for this area; one of our reviewers recommends stopping there for Navajo food after the climb. At the top of Cedar Mesa, a side road runs about 4 miles to the Muley Point overlook, and Goosenecks State Park is reached on SR-316 off the same highway. The Valley of the Gods Road, where you park, is a scenic backway in its own right.
The area has several other climbs within reach - see other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.
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BRobbins
It's not Alpe d'huez, but then Alpe d'huez isn't the Moki Dugway. It is unique, and well worth doing if you're in the area. Spectacular scenery.
KrisLJames262
Some amazing switchbacks that are extremely scenic. Very loose gravel in Feb 2021. Nice little climb very close to Valley of the Gods. Virtually zero traffic. After the climb stop for some Navajo food in the nearby town of Mexican Hat.
