O.K. I thought I had the first half of my trip, including lodging firmed up.
We will be staying in Moab for 2-3 days, and the plan was to drive to Page to stay at Wahweap via the four corners & Monument Valley. Now I'm thinking maybe we should stay a night at Gouldings, do a tour in the a.m., then drive to Page from there. Should I include this, or stay a third day in Moab?
I have a raft/jeep tour of the Canyonlands planned for day 2 in Moab, visit to Arches day 1. If you're out there Bob Brown, what do you think? I value all your opinions!! Thanks!

Of all the places in southern Utah, I like Monumet Valley the best. It is truly awesome. having grown up watching all the John Wayne movies and then to see that scenery in all its beauty . . . WOW.
But, I think you'll get more bang out of your buck by staying an extra night in Moab. I'd spend more time in Arches and Canyonlands. If you have a 4WD vehicle there are some great offroad trails in both places that will take you deep into the park. Then you can get out and hike and not see a single person. Let me suggest that you go to Valley of the Gods. It's before you get to Monument Valley. If you get there near sunset and do the drive through the park you will be rewarded with some wonderful sights. It will definately get you in the mood for Monument Valley.

I disagree. I urge you to spend the night at Goulding's Lodge. Then, get up before dawn, go out on the balcony of your room (all rooms at Goulding's have balconies) and watch the sun come up over the monuments....a truly thrilling sight. Then, after breakfast, take the tour through the monuments before leaving.

Good luck finding a room at Goulding's; the tour buses usually take it over. We had to settle for a room in Blanding, 70 miles away, although the drive between the two is spectacular. If you can't get rooms at Gouldings, then eat at the restaurant and try a Navajo taco. Also the museum's guest book contains signatures of John Wayne, John Ford and Henry Fonda.

gouldings is quite magical==just back from there a few weeks ago==all roomms have balconies that look out into the park

If you're in the Monument Valley area, I'd skip Gouldings, drive another 45 minutes east after your trip through the valley, and try to get a reservation at the Valley of the Gods B&B. The setting is awesome, the hosts Gary and Claire are fantastic, and a drive on the Valley of the Gods road is special. You'll usually have the road to yourself. The B&B is the only structure in the Cedar Mesa recreation area. It has sort of a rustic elegance you'll find endearing. I've been there three times and I'm coming back. You won't be sorry.

This would be a really hard decision since I know both areas so well and I LOVE Arches, but if you have NEVER been to Monument Valley before I would suggest taking a jeep tour. You might be able to find accommodations in Kayenta if you can't get them in Gouldings.

Utahtea

While I believe Trish has already completed her journey (note 2001 post date), I second any vote to stay at Gouldings, as it is worth it to be at the park entrance first thing in the a.m. to take in the sights before the car/bus caravan moves through. We've stayed in Kayenta at the Best Western, and while it's OK for basic lodging, it's so much better to be at Gouldings to take in Monument Valley.