I'm planning the second half of my trip around the Parks, but don't quite know what to do on the way back from Moab to the Grand Canyon, and then to Phoenix. There doesn't seem to be much to break up the trip south of Moab, and I could really use a suggestion or two. Do I swing east to Mesa Verde?

I planned two days to get from Moab to the South Rim, but it looks really long. Any help would be most welcome!

You might want to consider Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley as a possible overnite stop. Both are amazing!

Ah, thank you so much! Are there places to stay in Mexican Hat? Nothing seems to come up in AAA.

Monument Valley is worth a look, but is smaller than my watching Westerns would have had me believe. I think the nearest accommodation will be Kayenta. It's not much of a place and is (naturally enough) considered an Indian Reservation. My experience of the place is that service is slow and additional taxes levied. Be aware that they also run their own time zone and so check their time when arriving, otherwise you may find your meal bookings are at odds. Canyon De Cheilly (not sure on the spelling) was pretty good for me.

You don't mention whether you're going to Yosemite but, since it's one of the great Parks, I will assume that you are. Don't miss out on a trip to Glacier Point. It's about 18 miles from Curry Village but the view is staggering.

Two months till I'm doing the Parks again, from the UK. Can't wait.

We'll be staying at Gouldings at Monument Valley on a trip this summer. Others on this site have recommended the Valley of the Gods B&B as well.

We stayed at Lake Powell. You're right, there's not much as you'll be going through a lot of Indian reservation area. I saw a couple of very run down, old time motels in Mexican Hat. I would keep going to Page, Utah where there are lots of good options and you can visit the big damn there.