Monument valley/Zion NP
 

Hi, we will be traveling soon from the four corners region to Zion National Park. I was thinking of taking a brief sidetrip to Monument Valley, but have been reading that it might not be worth the time. what do folks think, and if so, how much time should we allocate?

also looking for restaurant recommendations in Springdale...thanks

One night would be plenty for Monument Valley. You can see a sunset and a sunrise. Don't know if it's worth it. Depends on what you like and how much time you have.

Monument valley is unique and can be done in one day.There is a great chinese restaurant in Springdale but I forgot the name.Paul

Depending on where in the 4 corners area you are coming from, you will either go through Monument Valley if you are coming down 163 or will be very close if coming on 160. In any case I would take the time to visit, less than a half hour from 160 in Kayenta.

If you have just a couple of hours, then go to the VC and take in the views from there. If you can spend longer, take a tour or do the self guided one. Check the road conditions before you go if you drive yourself as the road can be rough if it hasn't been graded lately.

When you say you will be traveling soon, be aware that you only have about 12 hours of daylight at this time of year and traveling to Springdale in the dark would be daunting, given the curves, hills, possibility of snow and propensity for animals to use the roads too.

A bonus after (or even before depending on your direction) seeing wonderful Monument Valley is the Navajo National Monument - 20 miles west and about 10 miles north from 160. They have a nice visitor's center, are very friendly and you can easily view Cliff Dwellings from there. We camped overnight there and loved it.

Also - in Kayenta - at the Burger King no less, is a small museum devoted to the Navajo Code talkers (google the movie - Wind Talkers with Nicholas Cage).

Sadly - these brave Marines could not tell their story for over 30 years after WWII because their language/code was deemed too valuable for national security.

> have been reading that it might not be worth the time

If you're traveling from the Four Corners to Zion, then Monument Valley is probably the best stop you could make. I'm not sure where you read it wouldn't be, but I find that idea just plain wrong. In particular, if you like John Ford westerns or learning about the Dine (their name for themselves, more commonly called the Navajo), then this place is almost a must-see.

I don't know distances from where you'll be, but I think Monument Valley is definitely worth a visit. And one night is sufficient. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

I'd recommend The View Hotel where all rooms face the buttes.

I arrived in late afternoon, took the scenic drive, then took a hike the next morning and was on my way by noon.

thanks so much everyone, much appreciated. we leave on Saturday, (from Farmington) so if the weather doesn't sabotage us we will definitely make the stop. We'll let you know how it goes