Monument Valley Question.

Monument Valley is only viewable for the most part from the rocky unsaved rough road on the Indian reservation. The slight view from 163 in either direction was nothing special. You have to get off 163 and go near four miles down into Arizona to start the real Monument Valley loop road.

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
Monument Valley is only viewable for the most part from the rocky unsaved rough road on the Indian reservation. The slight view from 163 in either direction was nothing special. You have to get off 163 and go near four miles down into Arizona to start the real Monument Valley loop road.

And pay for the privilege, Valley of the Gods, not too far north, is free and better in some ways.

We just took the guided tour of MV and it was worth letting someone else drive and tell you about the area. We stayed at Goulding’s and like the park too.

It didn't cost anything when we went

The Forest Gump view is southbound. You will see a number of people standing in the middle of the road. There are 2 or 3 pull offs so you can stop from either direction.

Pay the price to see the real "John Wayne" Monument Valley and take the Jeep ride. One trip is enough.

DO drive through the free Valley of Gods. I go every time I am in the area. The views are better than the John Wayne views and you can stop and hike or even dry camp, but be aware the road is dirt and may not accept a RV.

Free Dry Camp at Muley Point.Link to Muley Point but be aware that the 4 mile dirt road is VERY washboard but well worth the trip. I use Muley point as a campsite for day trips to Natural Bridges and down the Dugway to see Valley of Gods.

For $5.00 (?) you can dry camp at Goosenecks SP at the foot of the Dugway.

most of the photos from the highway and in the movies are from mexican hat heading south. you won't go wrong going either direction fascinating area don't just drive by there i lot to see

Go on to Google Maps and look at several Streetviews in the area.

Also, are you aware of the MOKI Dugway section of Rt 261 north of Mexican hat?

wildtoad wrote:
We just took the guided tour of MV and it was worth letting someone else drive and tell you about the area. We stayed at Goulding’s and like the park too.

X2

We were there last year, I've taken a guided tour in the past but prefer my own tow car on the 18 mi loop around the valley. We can stop as long as needed for photos and can choose the best time for lighting. The guided tour does show more but takes you to more of the touristy spots (of couse thats what we are) and places to buy things from vendors. It's so spectacular you might want to do both. I'd stay at Gouldings too, we used to stay at the native park on the rim but it's nothing like it used to be. Expensive for just a place to park, they prefer the hotel business.