I would be really interested on thoughts on the best way to spend a day in Monument Valley. From my research I think you can do guided trips, a self drive and/or all day hikes with a guide.

I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has been there on what they did and if there are any recommended guides.

Many thanks

Diz01

You will get much more out of guided trip than driving yourself around. We took Simpsons Trail Handler Tours a few years ago and it was one of the best things we've ever done. It was just our family of four in a jeep, as opposed to some other tours that are closer to buses.

We did a self-drive in a non 4 wheel drive vehicle. Given the condition of the road, I wouldn't do it again!

The best way to start your Monument Valley experience is to stay overnight at Goulding's Lodge, wake up early, go out on your balcony and watch the sun rise over the monuments.

Hubby and I were at Monument Valley in March. We stayed at Gouldings Lodge.
The afternoon we arrived, we drove part of the 17 mile road that private vehicles are allowed on.

The following day we did a full day tour with Gouldings Lodge (not a big bus, but more of a large 4wd type vehicle). Went to Mystery Valley and Monument Valley.

I would do this again in a heartbeat!
Highly recommend it. Our guide Larry was excellent.

Do the 17 mile drive and do a full day tour - you won't be sorry.

Gilbert

I second Simpsons -- ask for Richard as your guide.

Howard R,

You want a real morning experience at Monument Valley then spend the night in their campground. 360 degrees of VIEW!

Diz01,

Keep in mind that if you do drive yourself, you are not allowed on all the roads within the park that a guide can take you. If you hike all day it's HOT in the summer!

Utahtea

Hey utahtea, we're city folks, so we prefer balconies!
Seriously, I can just imagine how magnficient it would be to wake up and be surround by the monuments as the sun rises.

My wife and I visited MV just two months ago. It was great. We stayed at Blanding and the ride down was simple, easy and enjoyable. We arrived at the park and decided to go on one of the tours offered by one of the native guides there. They have a large booth in the middle of teh parking lot and use large 4 wheel drive vehicles. It was great. The 2 1/2 hour tour was well worth the $40 pp. In addition to not having to worry about the bad road the guide gave us all kinds of information on the land and native peoples. He took us into the beautiful back country to see several arches and rock formations which were far more breath taking than anything off the public road. The high light of the tour was at a formation called "The Hogan". A semi cave with an arch at the top where the sun beams down from. You go inside and lean up against the wall staring up at the arch. While we did this, our guide began singing a native chant. The soft echo in the formation was beyond discription.
Make sure you go on a back country tour with someone.