Explore the scenic and historic U.S. Route 491, a vital north–south corridor through New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, once known as the infamous “Devil’s Highway.” Discover key stops, attractions, and its transformation from US 666.
U.S. Route 491 (US 491) is a north–south highway running through the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States, specifically traversing New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. It was formerly known as U.S. Route 666, a designation that sparked public controversy due to its association with the “number of the beast.” In 2003, the highway was officially renumbered to US 491, alleviating concerns and frequent sign thefts.
The route begins in Gallup, New Mexico, at an interchange with Interstate 40, and proceeds northward through remote desert landscapes and Native American tribal lands, including significant stretches within the Navajo Nation. It intersects with U.S. Route 64 in Shiprock, a key regional junction, before continuing into Colorado, where it passes through Cortez. It terminates in Monticello, Utah, where it meets U.S. Route 191.
US 491 serves as a vital corridor for rural communities, tourism, and energy development in the region. Travelers can access notable attractions such as Mesa Verde National Park, the Four Corners Monument, and scenic byways like Trail of the Ancients. Despite its modest length, the route plays a crucial role in connecting culturally rich and geographically diverse parts of the American Southwest.
Drive 43 miles south along US Highway 491 from Utah to Cortez, Colorado, passing through Dove Creek, Yellow Jacket, and Lewis in Colorado’s high desert farmland. This quiet, scenic stretch offers access to archaeological sites and panoramic rural views in the heart of…
Take a scenic 17-mile drive down U.S. Route 491 from Monticello, Utah to the Colorado border. Follow this quiet desert highway through wide-open canyonlands, past the Abajo Mountains and toward the distant Sleeping Ute Mountain.