You’re in the middle of nowhere — southern Utah. The desert stretches forever in every direction. No towns. No gas stations. No phone signal. Just red dust, scattered cactus, and this weird feeling that something’s watching you.
Then out of nowhere… the paved highway ends.
And in front of you? A narrow dirt road that zigzags straight up the side of a cliff.
Welcome to Moki Dugway — 3 miles of steep, winding gravel road climbing 1,200 feet up a sandstone wall. It was originally built in the 1950s for uranium trucks during the Cold War.
Now? It’s basically a test of nerves for road trip junkies like me.
3 MILES OF PURE ADRENALINE
There are no guardrails. No pavement. Just loose gravel, insane drop-offs, and blind corners that make your stomach drop.
Driving it honestly feels like heading straight into the sky — and at some points, I had no idea what was around the next turn.
One wrong move and you’re off the edge. No joke.
Locals call it the road to the other side.
Not just for the views though those are jaw-dropping — but because weird stuff happens here. One trucker reportedly vanished in the ’90s. GPS showed him driving the Dugway and then? Nothing.
Signal was later found deep in the canyon. The truck? Never seen again.
STRANGE STORIES & LOCAL LEGENDS
Skinwalker Tracks
According to Navajo legend, this land is home to skinwalkers — shapeshifters that can become animal or people.
Some say they’ve seen strange barefoot prints near the cliff edges — too big, too wide, too wrong. Not human. Not animal. Always at night.
The Phantom Truck
There’s also this story about a uranium truck that crashed here decades ago. Total loss. Everyone onboard died.
But travelers still talk about hearing a truck engine behind them, late at night loud and close — only to look back and see nothing.
I know it sounds crazy but I swear, I heard it too. I thought I was being followed, but I was alone. Completely.
A MYSTERY YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF
At the very top of the Dugway, bolted right into the rock, is this weird steel box. No markings, totally locked.
But at night? A soft, glowing light comes from inside.
No one knows what it is.
Old government equipment? Abandoned tech? Something else?
IF YOU’RE THINKING OF GOING:
Here’s what I learned the hard way:
You need a high-clearance car or 4×4. Don’t risk it in a sedan;
Gas up before you get anywhere near here. Last stops are Bluff or Mexican Hat;
Go during the day — unless you like creepy vibes and total darkness;
No signal, no service — offline maps only;
And definitely bring a camera. The views are unreal — like Mars, or maybe another planet entirely.
What is Moki Dugway?
It’s a steep, unpaved mountain road in southern Utah, carved into a cliffside. It climbs over 1,200 feet in just 3 miles and offers insane desert views — and a serious adrenaline rush.
Is Moki Dugway dangerous?
Yes, especially for inexperienced drivers. There are no guardrails, the road is gravel, and the sharp switchbacks sit right above massive drop-offs.
Are there any ghost stories about it?
Absolutely. Locals talk about a phantom truck that follows drivers at night, and a real case where a trucker vanished without a trace in the ’90s.
What are skinwalkers?
In Navajo legend, skinwalkers are supernatural beings who can shapeshift into animals or people. Some believe they roam this area, especially after dark.
Can I drive Moki Dugway in a normal car?
Technically yes, but it’s risky. It’s much safer (and less stressful) in a high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle, especially if it’s been raining or windy.
