Day 10: Bluff UT to Chambers AZ
Postcard from Chambers, Arizona
Another early morning and I went back to the Route 66 via an enchanting drive on the Scenic Byway 163 which travels through Monument Valley. The national park is still closed due to COVID concerns but the drive is nonetheless incredible.
311 miles later, 50 of which within the Petrified Forest National Park, a bit further west from my motel, and I am back on the Mother road, in Arizona this time.
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I did a couple of miles hike part of which running, to test my Achilles after last month injury. The results are in:
- The tendon is ok
- Running in the desert is a very, very bad idea
Driving from Bluff to Chambers Cheat Sheet
Accommodation in Chambers, AZ
- Days Inn by Wyndham Chambers Near the Petrified Forest East, 33360 I40 and US-191, PO Box 39, Chambers, AZ, 86502. There is literally nothing in Chambers. This motel has a restaurant, a pool which will help give some relief from the heat and it is not too far from the Petrified Forest. A lifesaver.
Where to eat and what to see between Bluff, UT and Chambers, AZ
- Monument Valley When I was there it was sadly still closed due to Covid concerns nevertheless the landscape around the Scenic Byway 163 which travels through Monument Valley is incredible and unforgettable.
- Forrest Gump Point, US-163 Scenic, Mexican Hat, UT 84531 “I had run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours”, “Quiet, quiet! He’s gonna say something!”, “I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now.”
- Petrified Forest National Park a moon-like desolate but breathtaking landscape with petrified logs, and incredible trails.
Driving from Bluff to Chambers FAQ
There are 170 miles from Bluff to Chambers, 210 if you take the Scenic Byway 163 loop through Monument Valley. I drove 311 due to some detours but mostly cause I went back and forward to the Petrified Forest which is 23 miles past Chambers.
The shortest possible route takes about 3 hours, 4 hours if driving the Scenic Byway 163 loop. It took me about 8 hours cause the stop I made on the Scenic Byway 163 and for the short trip to the Petrified Forest.
The best thing about driving all the way from Bluff to Chambers are the marvelous panoramic views and iconic landscapes you see from the Scenic Byway 163.
Obviously Monument Valley is the top attraction around here. About 23 miles past Chambers another point of interest worth visiting is the Petrified Forest.
If you are planning to visit Monument Valley, a 4WD or a midsize SUV are a good choice cause the Monument Valley Scenic Drive is unpaved and it is not recommended for all types of vehicles.
Monument Valley pictures: photos taken from Bluff to Chambers
My itinerary on the Route 66
- Route 66 the ultimate American road trip
- Day 1: Chicago to Springfield
- Day 2: Springfield to Cuba
- Day 3: Cuba to Carthage
- Day 4: Carthage to Oklahoma City
- Day 5: Oklahoma City to Amarillo
- Day 6: Amarillo to Tucumcari
- Day 7: Tucumcari to Santa Fe
- Day 8: Santa Fe to Gallup
- Day 9: Gallup to Bluff
- Day 10: Bluff to Chambers
- Day 11: Chambers to Sedona
- Day 12: Sedona to Kingman
- Day 13: Kingman to Barstow
- Day 14: Barstow to Santa Monica
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