While traveling through Northern Arizona and Southern Utah I had the chance to explore a few areas. Although none turned out to be good 4x4 trails they were still fun and scenic.
I had heard about a little known treasure called Coal Mine Canyon which is near Tuba City on the Navajo Reservation. I thought I knew where it was but I forgot to bring the topo map I had printed up. We roamed around -probably about 6-8 miles total)- on the soft, silty roads that were barely there looking for it anyway. I'm sure the local Navajo residences who were spread out amongst the low hills were curious about the random Tacoma probing the countryside. I'm pretty sure we found the right canyon, just not the right location. Here's a pic of what we saw:
And here's what we were looking for: Coal Mine Canyon
I heard the Monument Valley loop was easy... and it was very easy. Passenger cars could make it if they drive very slowly and very carefully in some areas, although they wouldn't be doing their cars any favors. The 15 mile trail takes you past a lot of world famous terrain. Some pics...
I was under the impression that the Valley of the Gods was a 4x4 area, but it isn't. The 17 mile trail is graded, and you can't go off it other than the short spurs. This would be a perfect race track and I was overcome with an irresponsible urge to engage in reckless baja-like behavior. Some pics...
