We're coming from Moab and considering driving down to Natural Bridges National Monument (or somewhere south). Would it make sense to try to go to Monument Valley and/or Canyon de Chelly (as well as Bridges)? Any favorite between the latter two? And, given that tthere doesn't seem much in the way of towns near any of these -- any thoughts of where to stay?

We're at the winging it part of the trip --we can head south or toward Durango or most anywhere as long as we end up in the Santa Fe area in a few days. Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks!

From Natural Bridges it is a short way to the Moki Dugway. Then stop in for a look at Goosenecks of the San Juan. You could drive through Valley of the Gods, but if you go through Mexican Hat and down to Monument Valley that wouldn't be necessary since it is like a mini MV.

I loved Canyon de Chelley, but you really need to hire a guide to take you into it to make it worth the trip.

Depending on how much time you have, consider going to Bandelier before you hit Santa Fe.

If you go to Natural Bridges, be sure and hike all the way down to Sipapu. The other two Bridges there are nice, but Sipapu is really spectacular and in my opinion is almost as good as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch(almost). When you are right under it, it is massive.

I was just about to type the nearly the same thing emalloy said. I usually include Muley Point. However, I really don't think Muley Point is worth the stop. I think Goosenecks and going to the Dugway are though.

Personally, I think Monument Valley is my least favorite things that I have done in UT/AZ. I do think it is better than Valley of the Gods. If you have time, do all of them though.

We followed the route suggested by emalloy and stayed at The View hotel inside Monument Valley. Really liked the hotel and MV is best seen at dawn and sunset so being right there was perfect.
http://www.monumentvalleyview.com/

We did this trip a while back, and visited Aztec Ruins National Monument near Farmington NM. Aztec Ruins is the site of a thousands-years-old civilization, and I found it fascinating -- well worth a visit (and conveniently en route between Moab and Santa Fe/Taos).

Thanks for the great information. We went to both Muley Point and Goosenecks; I wouldn't have known to look for them without your help. I was floored by Muley Point. We could see all the way to Monument Valley (which it looks as if we won't be going to, after all).

Tomorrow it looks like we'll be heading into Colorado briefly and then heading back into New Mexico to drop down to Albuquerque. But none of this is cast in stone, so I'm more than open to ideas. Thanks, again!