Monument Valley, AZ → Cortez, CO
88 mi · 1h 45m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
Monument Valley
86°
Cortez
80°
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 88 mi · 1h 45m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
86°F, wind 8 mph
Rest Stops
2
Truck svc
Cameras
2 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Love's Travel Stop
- ● Rest Area
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via US-163 → US-160 → US-160 East → US-491
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
US-163 @ Monument Valley Rd, SJ
UT · NB
US-160 - US-160 @US-163
AZ
Rest Stops Along Your Route
2 stops available
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Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Aug 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Aug 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Aug 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Monument Valley, AZ to Cortez, CO covers 88 miles in roughly 1h 45m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 2 live traffic cameras and 2 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
86° / 82°
No precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
83° / 63°
No precip
Sat
Aug 15
86° / 59°
No precip
Sun
Aug 16
86° / 63°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
88° / 68°
No precip
Tue
Aug 18
93° / 69°
No precip
Wed
Aug 19
94° / 71°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, 🌤️ Mainly clear at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Monument Valley, AZ
86°F
Wind: 8 mph
Cortez, CO
80°F
Wind: 8 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Monument Valley, AZ to Cortez, CO
The 88-mile drive from Monument Valley, Arizona to Cortez, Colorado takes approximately 1h 45m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This short route crosses state lines from Arizona into Colorado, connecting Monument Valley and Cortez. At under 100 miles, it's a manageable day trip, but weather conditions can still change between your origin and destination — especially across elevation changes or near large bodies of water.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
- Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.
Best Time to Drive Monument Valley to Cortez
For shorter trips like this 88-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 88 miles, the Monument Valley to Cortez drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Monument Valley to Cortez?
The drive is approximately 88 miles and takes about 1h 45m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Aug 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Monument Valley to Cortez today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Monument Valley to Cortez route?
Yes, there are 2 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 2 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses US-163, US-160. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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