How long is the drive from Monument Valley back to Las Vegas. I am planning a whole day to drive back and stop and see some sights. By the way what sights would you recommend.

Thanks,

Paul

According to www.maps.yahoo.com its about 402.4 miles and 6 hours 11 min. driving time. That's from Kayenta to vegas. Kayenta is close to the park entrance.Paul

Sorry forgot the second part of your question. Sights to see.Try to drive to Lake Powell and then through Zion Nat.park on to Interstate 15 all the way to Vegas.

You have several choices for driving back to Las Vegas from Monument Valley.

Most scenic route would be to take Hwy 163 south, the Hwy 98 into Page, AZ. You will see Lake Powell at Glen Canyon National Recreationa Area as you drive by on Hwy 89 going north. Take Hwy 89 to Mt. Carmel Jct. and Hwy 9 and drive through Zion National Park and then pick up I-15 into Vegas. Total Miles 405 and will take about 8 1/2 hours of just driving time....get an early start if you will be driving in the winter so you don't miss any of the views.

An other option would be to take Hwy 163 past Tuba City to hwy 89 and drive south to Cameron. Here you have two choices. Take hwy 64 into the Grand Canyon National Park. Pick up I -40 and Hwy 93 into VEgas. This route is 460 miles and will take over 8 1/2 hours because you will want to make stops along the way to see the overlooks.

OR you can keep driving south on Hwy 89 to Flagstaff and take I-40 and Hwy 93 into Vegas. 428 miles and about 7 1/2 hours driving time. You could add a little detour on hwy 395 which is south of Cameron and see Wupatki National Monument...other wise this is going to be the least interesting of the routes.

Utahtea

Much appreciated tovarich and utahtea, just the information I needed. Many thanks for taking the time to post.

Paul

If you have time, take the tour at the dam at Lake Powell. You get to see more than they now show you at Hoover Dam. Eat at The Dam Bar and Grill in Page. Take a tour of the Upper Antelope slot canyon at Page. You'll have to either book a tour in Page or go to the canyon and hire a Navajo guide, but it's worth the inconvenience!

Thanks Happytourist! I

wonder could you all indulge me one more question. Given that it looks like it is going to be a long day of driving, would you all think it doable in one day? In fact would all of you do it? Will it be a case of driving all day and then falling into bed exhausted in the hotel in Las Vegas? This is a honeymoon vacation. We will already have been to the Grand Canyon at the time we make this drive.

I know that was more then one question! We will be traveling the route in early May 2006.

Thanks for your help,

Paul

It would be better if you could do it in two days, for two reasons. First, you really should at least do the slot canyon tour at Page, unless you know you'll be back again soon to do it. Secondly, you'll probably be driving through Zion national park, which is stunningly beautiful and you don't want to be rushed. Also, you never know about the weather this time of year, so having an extra day provides a good cushion.

Have you seen Canyon de Chelly at Chinle? It's east of Kayenta but also definitely worth a trip. Take the tour into the canyon with a Navajo guide. We just got back from there and it was a great trip!

pastyp,

It sounds like you are rethinking the Monument Valley stop. It might help to know how long you have for your vacation and where you are starting and ending this trip.

Utahtea

Definitely do it in 2 days if you have the time. That will enable you to stop at Zion AND Bryce (my favorite of the two). Actually, Canyon de Chelley is my favorite ahead of Lake Powell, Bryce, Zion and Monument Valley, but it is a bit out of the way.

Hi guys,

This is the itinerary. I'm going on honeymoon and spending a month, but also includes one week to Kauai. Here is the itin -

Staring May 1-
Arrive into Las Vegas - 3 nights.

Drive to Grand Canyon 2 nights.

Drive Monument Valley - 2 nights.

Drive back to Las Vegas.
Stay one night before next day early morning flight.

Fly next morning to San Francisco - stay 5 nights.

Drive to Nappa Valley - Stay 1 night.

Drive Yosemite - Stay two nights Yosemite View Lodge.

Drive back to San Fran - Fly to Hawaii - stay 7 nights Kauai Marriott Resort.

Fly back to San Francisco - drive to Carmel - stay 1 night Carmel Valley Ranch.

Drive Big Sur to Santa Barbara - stay 1 night Best Western Pepper Tree Inn.

Drive Las Angeles - stay 5 nights at Regent Beverly Wilshire

I am giving 2 nights in the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley before heading back to Las Vegas.

Thanks for your time,

Paul

You must really like big cities if you're spending 5 nights at each SF and LA.

IMHO, you don't need two nights at Monument Valley. It's about a 4 hour drive from the Grand Canyon, but I would plan on longer so that you can stop at all the overlooks as you exit the park at Desert View. Once you get to Monument Valley you can take an evening tour or wait until the next morning and then take the tour. You really don't need all day here. I'd spend most of the day at Monument Valley then head for Page, AZ which is about a 3 hour drive and spend the night ther.

From Page, AZ to Las Vegas is about a 5 hour drive. I'd spend a little time in Page. Maybe do the Upper Antelope Slot Canyons or do the short Horseshoe Bend Hike in the morning and then head for Zion. Take the shuttle buses into the canyon and maybe walk the easy Riverside Walk which is 2 miles round trip and then take the shuttle bus back to your vehicle and Las Vegas.

I would also consider adding another night to Yosemite National Park and one less in SF, but that's just me.

Utahtea

Thanks for your help, the other option was to try and fly from the grand Canyon back to Las Vegas or LAX, but there doesn't seem to be that kind of service available.

Thanks again,

Paul

Did you check from Page, AZ (140 miles) or Flagstaff, AZ (78 miles) to LAX? Might be pricey.

Utahtea

utahtea - HELP!!! just a little bit stressed about this portion of the journey. I think that your suggestion (most scenic route from Monument Valley to LV), is the best option. But I want to break this journey and spend a night somewhere on the way. Where do you suggest. Thank you very much for your suggestions so far.

Paul

Just to add - I saw in one of your previous (helpful) posts that you mentioned to stay in Page. This seems a bit close to Monument valley and looks like it might leave a long drive the next day? Is there any where half way, about a 4 hour drive that would be as good?

Thanks again,

Paul

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