Hate to tell you about one more thing. But, you might want to consider Hoovenweep also. The drive thru V of G is only about 10 miles. It is on a dirt road. I thought Moki Dugway, Goosenecks and Muley Point was more impressive than the V of G. Muley isn't as impressive as Deadhorse Point near Moab. I would say V of G is more impressive if you see it first, before Monument Valley. I think you should catch Natural Bridges on you way down. This will take you down Moki Dugway, right down to Goosenecks. You could then go thru Valley of Gods, then on to Monument Valley. We were able to get a camping cabin there. It was not much, but was somewhere to sleep. There is an impressive arch right behind the cabin that you have to take a short 10 min walk to see.

If you could get a room at V of G, that would be better. You might then want to catch Hoovenweep on your way to Mesa Verde. I would stay in the park at Mesa Verde, if at all possible. The food is good at the Metate Dining Room as someone else stated. Indian tacos are available at a couple of spots in the park as well. The Diner at Monument Valley has good Indian Tacos. Twin Rocks is a good place to eat along the way.

Since you are going to Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde. You might want to get a Park Pass. It will not cover Monument Valley. It would cover Hoovenweep and Natural Bridges.


I have been to all of the places listed within the past two years, with the exception of Hoovenweep. We simply didn't have time to do it. The most impressive to me was Arches followed by Mesa Verde. We saw more of Canyonlands from the air than on the ground, on an incredible flight. We got to see all the highlights that would take weeks to hike to. Angel Arch, Chocolate Drops, Confluence, etc.

Again, consider the canyoneering at Arches, it is fantastic. If you go to Mesa Verde do the Petroglyph Hike. I am for sure going back to Moab sometime. I want to raft Cateract Canyon and do more canyoneering. The drive from Grand Junction to Moab once you get to the river is a pretty scenic drive. You might want to figure in Fisher Towers. Heck, you might just want to stay the entire trip in Moab. LOL. Have fun.

Spirobulldog - you stayed in the cabin in/near Monument Valley? Can you post more details? That sounds ideal for a second trip to MV for me.

We stayed in a camping cabin in Monument Valley Campground. I believe there are two Campgrounds in Monument Valley. The one with the cabins is less scenic. You have to call the campground, not the hotel, for lodging. they have 4 cabins in the campground. they have a stove, refridge and one bed (a queen I believe), then you have to crawl up a ladder for the 2nd bed. The cabins are built like the inside of an RV. now that I am thinking, i think there was a bunk bed there as well, but very thin mattress and you were pretty much sleeping on a board, not springs.

Now these cabins aren't much, but they are ok. You get the keys to the cabin at the campground office, not the hotel. the hotel is very closeby, a little to far to walk to it though. you can find a pic of the outside of the cabin under Mesa Verde there is also pics from 4 corners, Arches, Canyonlands, Durango Train, Goosenecks, Valley of Gods,

http://www.photoworks.com/members/Spirobulldog

cabin was like $60 per night. the bunk bed was uncomfortable, but the top bed and queen bed would pass for a bed in a cheap motel. we couldn't get lodging in the Lodge, so this is the route we went. there is a grocery store nearby as well

Ceb,

The tours do take you in the parts where people aren't allowed to go. Many arches and interesing formations to see. Try one on your next trip. I think the horse ride would be interesting also.

Spiro - thanks for the info! One more question - at the campground, are there regular camp site available as well? In addition to the cabins?

Mike - sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread - hopefully it's info that helps you!!!

Yes, many. I would go for the campground that is close to the monuments if you are going to RV/Trailor/Tent camp. The campground I am talking about is ok if the other is not available and it does have the cabins.

Thanks again. Okay, just looked at your pics - GREAT quality, by the way - and I am going again and going on the tours. Those arches and holes and stuff are awesome. Totally missed that.

Glad you told me!