Touring Monument Valley
 

In mid-August we are going to be staying in Kayenta, AZ for 2 nights with are 10 year old grandson. We are definately going to take the ride to 4-corners. We also want to tour Monument Valley. The question is, what is the best way to see it? Self drive the 17 miles or go to the little shack and hire a guide. We are really undecided on to see this wonderful place and could use some help.

We've done both, and we prefer to go on our own.

However, if you want to stand in the exact spots from which specific movie scenes were shot, you will need a tour guide.

I found it very worthwhile to hire a local guide for his knowledge of Navajo lore and customs. He drove with us in the back of an open-top jeep where we had great views from inside the vehicle. We went back the next day for the self-drive route at sunrise and enjoyed that too, getting in and out of the car and lingering at several spots.

Whichever you choose, do it early (8 am) or late (5 pm)in the day because midday could be so hot and the light very harsh.
Also, if it is windy and dry, consider wearing glasses instead of contact lenses if dust irritates your eyes.

I agree both methods are worthwhile. I would also go Kayd one better - instead of glassses, I'd carry a pair of goggles for eye protection. I was there again last month and my glasses were worthless protecting my eyes from blowing sand.

Hire a local guide, Richard from Simpson's Trailhandlers. Go first thing in the morning. He is supposed to give you a 2-hour tour which will become a 3-hour tour (http://trailhandlertours.com/)

Do the short trip not the long one. We did our trip with Gouldings. I would stop at Gooseneck of the San Juan since they are close by. Don't know if you would have time to work in Mesa Verde for a day, but we liked it better than Monument Valley.

http://www.photoworks.com/members/Spirobulldog

then click on Mesa Verde for our Four Corners pics

Was camping there in late April. One day they opened the "tourist road" at dawn, the next day it was still closed at 9am. I never saw a commercial tour other than a photo specific tour go in early.
Might want to go into Mystery Valley. Have more arches, rock art and ruins to visit than in Monument Valley.

I prefer to do it on our own, but can't compare because I've never taken a tour. I do know from seeing some tour groups...make sure they are going to stop where you want. We saw many people yelling stop...as the driver kept driving on. And the dust...make sure they aren't going to go so fast in an open vehicle that you have to wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. Those tours looked awful!!!!

Utahtea

If you're comfortable driving on dirt roads, go as soon as the park opens (dawn). You'll be nearly alone until the tours start.

I caution you against booking with Simpson's. He was a no show and my many calls were never returned after my initial booking.

The self drive is a nice first contact.
A tour in Mistery valley with a guide worth the $ : nice petroglyphs, pictogramms, anasazi ruins.
A walk with a guide is a must but depend if your 10 years old son appreciate to walk..
A lot of navajo guide are good, some know a lot about traditions, how to use vegetals to medecine, shoes,..
Just go to the booth at visitor center.
www.monumentvalley.com gives you ideas about different tours, and prices.
You can ask for them at the booth.
Some of their guides and Tom Philips
in particular know a lot and like to give those informations, specially to the child.
You can make a combo : Monument and Mistery valley in a same day with a lunch-picnic.
Erik

I've been on the Monument Valley tours a couple of times and found them a little hokey but they do take you to a few places that you can't visit on your own that were memorable. Opt for the half day tour. The full day just adds on lunch and a visit to a hogan where they try to sell you stuff.

By the way, the tour at nearby Canyon de Chelly is far more interesting than Monument Valley and well worth a visit if you have the time.

http://www.tbirdlodge.com/Tours.htm

Also, you probably aren't going to Mesa Verde but very near Kayenta is Navajo National Monument where they have the tours to Betatakin ruins, daily in August. It requires a 5 mile hike but is well worth it. This is one of the most famous Anasazi ruins and it is one of the most photographed of the cliff dweller sites.

http://www.nps.gov/nava/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm