Monument Valley Question.

[docsouce]

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..

[ppine]

There is no wrong way or right way to view it. Hang out and enjoy it. I like the approach from Kayenta going north.

[trailerbob]

X4-- Just got back 2 weeks ago for 2nd time----so many things to see and never enough time-
MOKI Dugway section of Rt 261 north of Mexican hat.
Valley of the Gods
The town of Bluff up Rt 261.
Gooseneck State Park (dry camp if you like)
Monument Valley tour ($20.00 I believe) We didn't go this time.

[docsouce]

Great suggestions. Thanks so much. We're not in any rush at all. Our next commitment is in Savanah Il on Aug 3. So we have plenty of time.

[timandsusan]

We have been to MV several times and took lots of photos as well as 1 tour. Always stay at Gouldings. Best photos came during the monsoon season with some clouds around--not 100% cloud cover but several large clouds really add to the photos. I admit that getting the right clouds is mostly LUCK! So--GOOD LUCK and enjoy this natural wonder.

[southernsky]

Mandalay Parr wrote:

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

X3

[Busskipper]

2gypsies wrote:
Since you probably won't be in the area again don't just do a drive by. Stay at Gouldings and the tour leaves from there. We drove the loop road ourselves a few times. Awesome photos.

^^^^^^ - I Agree - ^^^^^

Good advice - but if this is your only trip I'd think about Catching Goosenecks and Mexican Hat SP There is sooooooo much to see it would be a shame not to take a little more time while in the area, especially if you are into Beautiful and Unusual Landscapes.

Southern Utah Images

Slot Canyons are another Option - these images will never leave your Minds Eye.

Sorry but Sooooo much to see - Just Never enough TIME.

Enjoy Utah,

As for the original Question on the Epic Highway Photo - It's a two way road, so when you stop to take the picture just turn the Camera 180 degrees - makes no difference which way you drive - the Image will stay in your head - Been years and I can still see It. - :B

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

🙂 Hi, just don't pull over to the side of the road to take pictures; You might not leave. We pulled over to the side of the road to take a few pictures. I looked back and saw that my Lincoln and Airstream tires were half gone. My tires were sinking into very soft dirt. My Navigator is two wheel drive and we barely got out of there. With a less experienced driver, or only a few minutes longer sitting there, it would have been tow truck time. And I bet that wouldn't be cheap.

[2gypsies1]

Since you probably won't be in the area again don't just do a drive by. Stay at Gouldings and the tour leaves from there. We drove the loop road ourselves a few times. Awesome photos.

[jbbrick]

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.

[Mandalay_Parr]

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

[jolooote]

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

[paulj]

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

[donkeydew]

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

[TenOC]

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.