Driving to Monument Valley in December
 

Hi there !
I'll be in California for Thanksgiving.
Since my birthday is on December 1st, I've planned to treat myself with a drive to Grand Canyon that (sleeping at Flagstaff on the 30th nov).

I've already made some hotel reservation for a roadtrip the next days to PAGE / MONUMENT VALLEY / Page, and then probably going to Vegas before leading to LA and take a flight back to Portland.

but after driving for the first time in the desert in Oregon few weeks ago, I'm now kind of concerned about roads around Monument Valley and weather conditions in December.
Freezing roads ? closed gas stations ???

Did any of you did this ? any advice ?
I'll be in Grand Canyon no matter what on december 1st, but I'm wondering if I should maybe cancel my detour to Monument Valley ?

Any thoughts about this ?

Thanks

I don't think you need to worry about closed gas stations, as for freezing roads, there is always the chance that a snow storm could happen but I would still make the plans for it and cancel it if need be.

Would you consider flying to Las Vegas and renting the car there?
The same rules apply as in eastern Oregon - If you see an open gas station and the needle is below half, fill it then.
I was stuck in John Day Oregon once until the stationed opened at 9AM.
Take the time to see Hoover Dam while you're in the area.
Flagstaff is past Williams which is where you want to turn north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Happy birthday, that's mine too, but I think I've had a few more than you have. Listen to the weather reports and if they say there is snow, stay in a hotel and wait for the road to clear.

As to the road in Monument Valley, rain would be more trouble than cold weather for me.

Do listen to the others and fill up when you see a station and are at a half tank.

Thanks for your replies !
I'll post my photos on my website when I'll be back :)

The road to Page from flagstaff is probably still closed due to a landslide. Your route is via highway 98 east of Tuba City.
If you like being pampered and plan to stay near Tuba City, try this luxury:
http://www.experiencehopi.com/
Or one of the others IN Tuba City. We stay at Quality Inn.

I would not worry about roads to/around MV. If wet, and you can't drive the 'loop', Indians have guide services.

However, you need room reservations:
My preference is: http://www.gouldings.com/campground/ because they have always given excellent service

The Navajo have opened their own motel with an outstanding views of the park. If you have a room facing that direction.
http://monumentvalleyview.com/the-view-hotel/

these are reviews - suggest reading them:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...lley_Utah.html

Vaga

I forgot
Gasoline in Williams is very expensive. Fill at Kingman.
Mexican food is very good in Williams.

Vaga

The road from Flagstaff to Page, 89, is closed but they have paved a route, 89-T, from a place called the Gap to Page. The distance is about the same as the closed section. The only time it would add more distance is if you are driving from Page to Lee's Ferry or somewhere else on 89A.

Driving from Page to Monument Valley is via Highway 98, 160 to Kayenta, then north on 163.

<Listen to the weather reports and if they say there is snow, stay in a hotel and wait for the road to clear.>

Well that is a bit extreme. Just because a weather report says there is or will be snow doesn't mean the roads will be impassable, treacherous or even slippery. It would be best to check road conditions in that area if there's been a snowstorm recently.

Also remember that Page and Monument Valley are lower in elevation than the South Rim so they should be warmer. A bit of snow at the Grand Canyon could just be rain in Page.