Best Route from I-40 to Momument Valley

[caysea7254]

From I-40 in New Mexico to Monument Valley. I-40 to Hyw 191 in Arizona to 160 then 163 or I-40 take 550 out of Albuquerque to 64 to 160 to 163. Thanks Tara

[2gypsies1]

You can drive on the rim road and there is parking large enough for RVs. The campground for the park also has spots for you.

[caysea7254]

2gypsies yes we are planning on stopping at Canyon de Chelly. We are concerned if there is parking for us and do we have to unhook or can we drive the road and see the sites without unhooking.

[2gypsies1]

Yes we've taken Hwy 59 and it's o.k. for RVs. You ARE going to stop at Canyon de Chelly Nat'l Monument, aren't you? Highly recommended.

[caysea7254]

RV2go how is indian route 59? That looks like it would save a lot of miles.

[caysea7254]

Has anyone gone up 191 to Many Farms and taken Indian route 59 across to 160 then to 163? on google earth the road looks fine. Thanks

[4X4Dodger]

caysea7254 wrote:
Thanks everyone! We do have reservations for 2 nights at Gouldings. Cant wait for June to get here!!!!

I was just at Gouldings and it was a great experience. The Young Navajo staff is excellent, friendly and very efficient. Gouldings has a full supermarket just down the road from the RV park with reasonable prices. Keep in mind that Alcoholic beverages are not sold on the reservation and the nearest place to get a six pack or wine is Mexican Hat 22 miles away. So bring in what you will need.

Take the self guided tour of Monument Valley. Any car can do this just pick your line carefully. I saw a couple in their tiny Fiat on the road.

Be sure you visit the Museum at Gouldings and at the View Hotel (4 miles from Gouldings) where there are some great Navajo artworks and a good display on the Navajo Code Talkers of WWII.

Look out for the trained horse at one (the name escapes me I am sorry) stop. If you get out of your car and walk up the hill and around the corner the horse waits there until he hears the tour truck coming. He then saunters out non nonchalantly to "pose" for pictures. It does make a great photo. I found this out because I had hiked around the corner to find this lone horse standing on the path. In a place no horse would normally choose to be. He was a bit agitated with me as I was blocking the path and started waking slowly back toward the parking area. I kept just ahead of him and when I rounded the corner I saw the tour truck had arrived. It was this he heard. I am sure the drivers all give him delicious treats. What a job.

[unlblkrubi]

milo wrote:
Well depends on what you want see. If you just want to get from I-40 to Monument Valley, easiest route would be from Gallup up 491 (former 666) to Shiprock & west on 64 & 160 to Kayenta, then north to Monument Vally

Went this route a few weeks ago while heading to Moab for Easter Jeep Safari. The McDonalds in Gallup had green chili cheeseburgers.

[Roy_Lynne]

caysea7254 wrote:
Thanks everyone! We do have reservations for 2 nights at Gouldings. Cant wait for June to get here!!!!

Let me know how you like Gouldings. We are going next year and planning to take some of the tours that they offer but also thinking to go dry at Mittens

[Hank85713]

If ya go thru windowrock there is a great restaurant that serves indian tacos just up the road (on main road). Its been a while since I was there but we used to fly in and then get a ride over to the restaurant to eat. Large fry bread taco that overhangs the plate, get both red and green chile sauce on the thing.

keep saying I am going to take wife there, just never get the chance as we go by.

If ya do stop let us know how it is or am I living on fond memories?

[milo]

Well depends on what you want see. If you just want to get from I-40 to Monument Valley, easiest route would be from Gallup up 491 (former 666) to Shiprock & west on 64 & 160 to Kayenta, then north to Monument Vally

[caysea7254]

Thanks everyone! We do have reservations for 2 nights at Gouldings. Cant wait for June to get here!!!!

[TundraTower]

We did this run June 2014 from Santa Fe. We dropped almost to ABQ and likewise did the 550 to 64 to 160 to 163 route pulling a 32 foot TT with a gas pick-up. Very heavy mining/18 wheeler traffic starting about 30 miles before Farmington, and roads after Farmington were not marked well. All in all, though, it was a nice adventure and a decent route.

The view into Monument Valley from the tent area of Gouldings Camp Ground is unbelievable. We took the guided tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. The valley road isn't horrible, but notice there are no stores or repair shops around, but there are 3-4 windshield replacement shops nearby. Follow the money.....

[BoonHauler]

While you're in the area, Hovenweep Nation Monument is pretty cool too.

[rv2go]

Don't pass up Canyon de Chelly.
Take 191 to Chinle. Tour Canyon de Chelly.
North of Chinle, bear left on Indian Road 59 to 160.
Left on 160 to 163 at Kayenta.
163 north to Monument Valley.