Monument Valley Utah
Any places to boondock close to the area?
Forum Discussion
Well, it is a rough road for a reason. As is many roads remaining in unpaved condition. Ask yourself why that might be? Not because 80+% of the world’s roads are unpaved. But for economic and accessibility reasons.
Lets start in Death Valley. The areas of the great expanse, in this park, are often maintained at more expense than it costs for maintaining a paved road. Case in point, The Race Track. In the DV budget is a line item to grade and prepare the road, twice a year, spring and fall. This is done to allow the road to be accessed, but not overdriven by the masses of people that might otherwise arrive in this area. Plus the demand for services, fuel, rest rooms and a cold one. So, sometimes roads are in these level of maintenance, due to accessibility. That in itself is a self-limiting factor.
Lets take Monument Valley. This is strictly an economic matter. IMHO Years ago the fact of earning money off the tourist was not as easy. Meaning not many tourists were traveling great distances, services were far away and cars were not dependably air conditioned. So, those with the economic means were traveling in the area and a revenue stream developed beyond the family that campaigned for the John Fords of the Movie business. So, taking tourists down the Monument Valley Road and keeping the expensive vehicles (Cars/RVs) out by virtue of the road's surface created a revenue stream and income for the people that need work. Many countries just become rich and go to other countries to seek their citizens to do the work that the domestic population don't want to do. Here, you find just the opposite. The people that live here, the Navajos, are doing the work. Guiding the tourists down through the valleys. For those that appreciate the effort, and often times share a little extra $$$ with their tour guides, often are rewarded with even more time and scenes to see.
So, IMHO, you won't see these area roads improve. In fact if more people begin driving their RVs and personal cars more often, the opposite might happen. The road just deteriorates and people will complain and just jump on the Navajo Tour Wagons. Win, Win situation.
Me? I just ride my motorcycle and do just as the OP is asking about, boondock nearby.
Have a great time in Monument Valley!
b
Lets start in Death Valley. The areas of the great expanse, in this park, are often maintained at more expense than it costs for maintaining a paved road. Case in point, The Race Track. In the DV budget is a line item to grade and prepare the road, twice a year, spring and fall. This is done to allow the road to be accessed, but not overdriven by the masses of people that might otherwise arrive in this area. Plus the demand for services, fuel, rest rooms and a cold one. So, sometimes roads are in these level of maintenance, due to accessibility. That in itself is a self-limiting factor.
Lets take Monument Valley. This is strictly an economic matter. IMHO Years ago the fact of earning money off the tourist was not as easy. Meaning not many tourists were traveling great distances, services were far away and cars were not dependably air conditioned. So, those with the economic means were traveling in the area and a revenue stream developed beyond the family that campaigned for the John Fords of the Movie business. So, taking tourists down the Monument Valley Road and keeping the expensive vehicles (Cars/RVs) out by virtue of the road's surface created a revenue stream and income for the people that need work. Many countries just become rich and go to other countries to seek their citizens to do the work that the domestic population don't want to do. Here, you find just the opposite. The people that live here, the Navajos, are doing the work. Guiding the tourists down through the valleys. For those that appreciate the effort, and often times share a little extra $$$ with their tour guides, often are rewarded with even more time and scenes to see.
So, IMHO, you won't see these area roads improve. In fact if more people begin driving their RVs and personal cars more often, the opposite might happen. The road just deteriorates and people will complain and just jump on the Navajo Tour Wagons. Win, Win situation.
Me? I just ride my motorcycle and do just as the OP is asking about, boondock nearby.
Have a great time in Monument Valley!
b
