My mom and I visited Monument Valley during a 10 day trip from Washington to Florida and are glad that we did!
We loved seeing the iconic spots that were familiar from the movies, but each spot in the drive was unique. The scenery is beautiful and an absolute bargain for the entrance fee. It is a rough road and may do some long term wear and tear on your vehicle, but if you’re careful it can be done by the average driver. Of course the recent weather can have an effect on road conditions, making them worse, but our driving experience was nothing to complain about. Yes, you need to drive slowly, be cautious, avoid pot holes and share the road with others (sometimes waiting for oncoming traffic to pass so you can drive on the better side to avoid a rough area), but it is doable. A higher clearance vehicle definitely helps but it wasn’t a requirement when we went. We had an SUV, but saw many similar vehicles and sedans making the drive. First thing is first, the loop drive is not that bad. I’ve been wanting to visit Monument Valley ever since I saw Clark Griswold make his journey through the desert, and I’m so glad I finally went. Like I mentioned before, I think the most magical time to be out here is sunset and sunrise (and we lucked out to also get to see a lightning storm move across the valley at night). There's also gas at Goulding's and another hotel there. Right now (early August 2021), the only restaurant open here is at Goulding's - The View hotel restaurant was not open when we visited, but the hotel IS open and is amazing (review done separately). It was worth every penny of the $75 per person cost of our tour and then some.
#Monument valley photos plus#
Plus you get to learn about the culture and history of this amazing Nation from a Navajo guide. You get to see amazing views by yourself, get a weaving demonstration from a Navajo woman, tour hogans, and more. The backcountry tours take you places folks in private cars cannot go.
I recommend Navajo Spirit - review done separately.Įven if/when the 17 mile drive is open, that is not the same as taking a backcountry tour. However, to truly immerse yourself in this place, I would do two things: 1) Book a room at The View hotel to see this place at sunrise and sunset from your balcony, and 2) book a backcountry tour. There are some lovely viewing points there. If you just want to see the "mittens," you can do so by paying the $20 park fee and driving to the parking lot of The View gift shop and hotel. Straddling both UT and AZ, the red rock buttes that rise up from the ground to greet you are breathtaking. Monument Valley is a magical, beautiful place.
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