Forum Discussion

docsouce's avatar
docsouce
Explorer II
Jul 14, 2018

Monument Valley Question.

Does it matter which direction I run on Rt 163 through Monument Valley to get the most enjoyable views? This is a sight I've always wanted to view. We'll be coming from Page and I have no problem running to Bluff via Mexican Water then take 163 Southbound. I thing that classic picture of the long road approaching the Valley taken southboud? That would be great to catch that sight...May never be back here again..

18 Replies

  • Also, are you aware of the MOKI Dugway section of Rt 261 north of Mexican hat?
  • Go on to Google Maps and look at several Streetviews in the area.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.