The part of Spanish Valley in San Juan County is surrounded by tall red sandstone mesas and cliffs. Mesas are table-like elevated landforms. Waterways, trails for different user groups and a scenic drive offer additional perspectives. Local history spans an early colonization effort and connections dating to 1878.

Waterways and Restoration

Pack Creek flows through Spanish Valley toward its confluence with the Colorado River. Along Mill Creek, the lowest 3.5 miles run through the valley; these sections carry water year-round. The two waterways can be described using different points of reference: for Pack Creek, the flow toward the Colorado River is relevant; for Mill Creek, it is the length of the lower section and its water flow. Local stream conditions can change.

Restoration work in the lower river sections of Spanish Valley focuses on promoting the regeneration of native plants. At Pack Creek, restoration aims to improve the recovery of vegetation and the habitat associated with it. These goals may evolve as the work is carried out.

Driving and Trails

For the trails, user group is a clear point of comparison. Pipe Dream Access is listed as an approved singletrack trail for cyclists and hikers; Mill Creek Access is listed as an approved singletrack trail for hikers. Redrock is listed as an approved mixed-use trail for equestrians. Pipe Dream therefore names two user groups, while Mill Creek and Redrock each name one. Check current trail conditions before your ride.

A scenic drive along the base of the La Sal Mountains passes through Spanish Valley toward Monticello and Blanding. For this drive, the direction and route through the valley provide the orientation; for the trails, user group and trail type are the deciding factors. The drive and trail selection therefore address different planning questions. If you plan to travel this section, check road conditions separately.

History and Timeline

Listed on the National Register, the Elk Mountain Mission is associated with Spanish Valley and was an early Mormon colonization effort from 1854 to 1855. After a conflict between the mission settlers and the local Ute, the mission was abandoned in September 1855, after four months. The sequence—from the effort to the conflict and then its abandonment—marks a clearly defined historical period.

Both later connections date to 1878, but they concern different topics. Settlers founded the town of Plainsfield in upper Spanish Valley that year. The Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail connects historic sites associated with the 9th Cavalry’s campaign through Spanish Valley in the fall of 1878. The founding of a town and historic sites connected to a campaign thus coincide in the same year, but are not the same event.

Discover more destinations: Blanding, La Sal, Monticello, Oljato-Monument Valley, Mexican Hat.

View the regional travel overview: San Juan County.