Cortez, Colo to Monument Valley thru Glen Canyon, UT

We got a late start 10:00 a.m. So we headed south on US 160 to Colo 41 West. Turned into UT 162 to Bluff, UT. Turning South on US163 to Mexican Hat where we got gas. Continued on to Monument Valley and Arizona State Line. Turned back around thru Monument Valley. It is amazing how you can see totally diffrent things when you travel both ways! We were advised to take the UT261 North out of Mexican Hat, however no one ever told us that it had 5 miles of dirt road. What a experience that was. White knukles and suction cup ass cheeks & a few choice words and we made it up the most incredible ride/view yet. UT261 up to UT95 West into Natural Bridges National Monument. WOW! Four mile into then a 9 mile loop, amazing! Thanks to Teddy Roosevelt how signed a proclumation for a National Monument. I did not relize that a President can just by himself sign a proclumation for a National Monument unlike the effort it takes to make a National Park. Any way moving on down the road on UT 95 West a every turn or every hill we can upon a different terrain or view. This Scenic Byway is know for being the best in the country. I belive it. Gas at Hite, UT which is at Glenn Canyon Bridge. This gas station is only open from 9 to 4pm however the gas pump stays on for credit cards only 24 hours a day. That was a great thing since it was after 5 and I was near the reserve stage. WOW that was close. Spent the night in Hawkinsville, UT.
See link for pictures of ride

Cortez, Colo thru Monument Valley & Mexiacn Hat