TOURING MONUMENT VALLEY
 

I'm planning to go to northeast Arizona next month and see monument valley---anything i should be sure to see? which roads are the most spectacular?

Well, there's only one road (which is a dirt road) that you're allowed to drive, unescorted. If you hire a guide, they will take you farther into the valley. I think, if you're willing, the best way to do Monument Valley is by horse. An Indian guide will take you out (they have some tours that are 2 hours; some are longer.) You really get a sense of the place from horseback. I'd also head up to Valley of the Gods; it's due north of Monument Valley in Utah.

If you want to do an organized tour you can arrange for a half day or full day truck tour at Goulding's Lodge, about three miles from MV. A second option is to hire an Indian guide for an hour or two to take you into the valley. A third option is to arrange a two or three hour jeep tour. This can be done in the Parking lot near the Visitor's center. <BR>A fourth option is to drive the road that visitors are allowed to take to see the Valley. You have to stay on the main roade and I think is about 17 miles of unpaved road. Car could take a beating.If you do a half day MV tour you could consider driving through the Valley of the Gods mentioned in the other reply.The loop road that goes through the Valley of the Gods is at the north end of Mexican Hat a small town about 20 miles north of MV.The road through the Valley is unpaved.

I would say definitely to stay at Goulding's Lodge...do not stay in Kayenta. They will pick you up and take you into Monument Valley for a three hour tour with commentary. The next day drive to Canyon de Chelly...it is equally spectacular and a nice combination with MV...stay at Thunderbird Lodge and they will also pick you up and take you into Canyon de Chelly.

I totally agree with Karen's comments and would add that you should definitely get up early at Goulding's Lodge and watch the sun come up over the monuments--a thrilling sight!

Two comments: <BR> <BR>1) Staying at Gouldings is highly recommended but it may be hard to get a reservation. One caveat about Gouldings - the food is expensive and not very good. Pack a cheap cooler with snack foods and sandwich fixings to see you through. <BR> <BR>2) Driving yourself through MV is really tough on the driver. You have to keep your eyes on the road and will miss a lot of scenery. Guided tours in open vehicles let everyone enjoy the trip. If you're lucky the guide will give you lots of information about the history of everyday life in MV - what it was like to grow up in that beautiful but difficilt terrain. <BR> <BR>

I didn't think driving through Monument Valley was all that tough (but I'm used to driving offroad.) the road just isn't that bad. but I think the guided tour is better. Let's be clear - Goulding's has terrible food, but that's not why you go there. A room overlooking Monument Valley is worth it!! (Of course, their rooms are nothing to brag about. Talk about being stuck in the 1950s!!!)

The good thing about going over to the tribal park itself and arranging a tour with one of the Navajo guides there is that it is done on your timetable. When we stayed at Gouldings last October, we wanted a 2-3 hour tour in the morning. They didn't have that length tour, either in the morning or that day (I forget which). So we just drove over to the park and were delighted to find that we could get the length tour we wanted that fit our schedule. Also, we were the only ones with our guide while the bus that did go from Gouldings had a lot of people. I second the recommendation for visiting Canyon de Chelly--I'd like to go back there--we had only a short period of time.