"Monument Valley" Top 5 Page for this destination Monument Valley State Park by frank_delargy

Monument Valley State Park Travel Guide: 441 reviews and 1,000 photos

Sunrise from Gouldings Hotel, MV - Monument Valley State Park

Intro

We arrived at mid-afternoon with some time to check into the hotel (Gouldings) before taking the drive through the heart of monument valley in the hours before sunset. The picture above is of sunrise, but rest assured, the light is just gorgeous in the late afternoon.
The 17 mile drive through the most picturesque part of Monument Valley is accessed by going to the Visitors Center which is run by the local Navajo Tribe. The whole park is on the Navajo Nation. While here, be sure to engage with the locals.. you will learn a lot about the current situation of the American Native peoples. They have a different way of doing things and are not as eager to jump into modernization or 'progress' as we know it. They do not have the same sense of aesthetics that you might be used to, but that is not a bad thing.. their aesthetics are more in tune with the whole environment. When you see the 'strip mall' of restaurants and gift shops run by the Navajo on the way into the park entrance, you will know what I mean.
More at http://delargy.com .

The 17 mile Drive

Your first view after you pass the entrance

Some people take Navajo guides who drive them through the park in truck/trailers and to some 'private spots'.. Maybe next time we will do that, but this time we took our rental all-wheel drive on the red dust roads and just enjoyed the heck out it.
Take your time, drive slow, park & walk and bring water and a camera.

Getting around

Map of MV

This mini-map gives a good overview of the valley and surrounding area. The road though the monument proper is a dirt road, but well maintained and in general good condition. If you have the time, stop often and walk.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Awesome Scenery, Chance to meet the Navajo, you can easily get away from the crowd if you walk
Cons:Only one place to stay, might be filled up.
In a nutshell:Some of the most inspiring desert scenery in the world.

Last visit to Monument Valley State Park: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Sep 10, 2005
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Reviews (17)

The convenient log near the entrance - Monument Valley State Park

The convenient log near the entrance Things to Do (8)

Ah yes, what serendipity that this old tree provided the perfect sitting spot for viewing and photo opportunities. And... more travel advice

Navajo Nation - Monument Valley State Park

Navajo Nation rules Local Customs (1)

Rules and Regulations In accordance with the Resources Committee Land Use Policies, a camping fee will be charged of... more travel advice

Home on the range - Monument Valley State Park

Horses on the range Things to Do (8)

near the middle of the loop road we saw these horses grazing in the fields. I don't know if they are 'wild', but I... more travel advice

view from the museum - Monument Valley State Park

Visit Gouldings Museum & Trading Post Things to Do (8)

This borders on a tourist trap and parts of it really are, HOWEVER, it is one sure-fire way to get a deeper... more travel advice

Comments (16)

KiKitC Sep 26, 2006 at 3:36 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful pictures, great tips. Thanks. We're planning a 4x4 drive out there next year. Can't wait. Hope your birthday is magical.
KimberlyAnn Mar 11, 2006 at 7:58 AM Report Abuse

Monument Valley State Park looks like a place we would really like--beautiful, remote, and interesting. The photographs are stunning.
chewy3326 Feb 10, 2006 at 8:55 PM Report Abuse

Great photos. What a beautiful place! I hope to visit the Southwest one day and see Monument Valley...
RoyJava Oct 20, 2005 at 7:09 AM Report Abuse

This is amazing, the area is stunning, and you made top professional photographs,... thanks for share, enjoyed all of it, greetzzz RoyJava
L._A. Sep 27, 2005 at 8:30 PM Report Abuse

You did Monument Valley justice! :-) I camped there many years ago and remember waking up to black birds flying over head. Amazing place.
ferdnbean Jun 2, 2005 at 7:15 PM Report Abuse

Thank you Frank for the great photos, advice and facts about this park and region.Will hang onto some of your tips as I wander through Monumant Valley. Wayne
JOHNNY_ENGLISH May 8, 2005 at 6:37 AM Report Abuse

WOW, you have some amazing pictures here and that lizard is just spectacular.
Waxbag Jan 25, 2005 at 5:14 AM Report Abuse

Stunning photos Frank. Great use of light and contrast. I like the desert wildlife too. People incorrectly think that "desert" is synonymous with "dead".
Martinewezel Jan 16, 2005 at 10:23 AM Report Abuse

Nice pictures and good tips! Visited Monument Valley 6 months ago. One of the most spectacular places on earth, especially at sunset.
XenoHumph Dec 20, 2004 at 9:11 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful pictures! Great page!