Monument Valley, tour or ride thru?
#11
06-23-2018, 10:09 AM
Road Warrior
I took a guided Jeep tour with a Navajo who had lived there all his life. It was supposed to be a two hour tour but we ended up going three. You can find tours online. We had a reservation (which you have to make with most jeep tour companies) and they were there at the main visitor center when we arrived. Just park and hop in the jeep.
Anyway, he took us places you will never see just driving through, it was amazing. Plus, he knew so much about it, Navajo history, we saw ancient pictographs, etc. Very worth it - make sure you have your camera.
We went with Sacred Monument Jeep Tours: https://www.toursacred.com/
They have a 5 star rating on the travel sites. Anyway - very worth it and you will never forget it.
Anyway, he took us places you will never see just driving through, it was amazing. Plus, he knew so much about it, Navajo history, we saw ancient pictographs, etc. Very worth it - make sure you have your camera.
We went with Sacred Monument Jeep Tours: https://www.toursacred.com/
They have a 5 star rating on the travel sites. Anyway - very worth it and you will never forget it.
Last edited by traffic jam; 06-23-2018 at 10:11 AM.
#12
06-23-2018, 11:15 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Its been several years but they use to let you drive your own 4WD down through the valley. We would camp at the campground run by the Navajos and drive into the back country where the Indians lived. They still had the locale where John Ford filmed his westerns with John Wayne.
Nothing can describe the sunrise an sunset overlooking the valley from the campground.
Nothing can describe the sunrise an sunset overlooking the valley from the campground.
Last edited by 71on72; 06-23-2018 at 11:19 AM.
#14
06-23-2018, 02:49 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#15
06-23-2018, 03:18 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
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tphillips (06-27-2018)
#17
06-23-2018, 08:47 PM
#20
06-24-2018, 11:06 AM
I never miss a chance to stop in Monument Valley.
There are two lodging choices in the “park”, Goulding’s Lodge and The View.
The View is owned and operated by Native American’s and sits right on the edge of the valley that most recognize as Monument Valley so you get incredible views from your room. It’s pretty new so has nice accommodations.
Goulding’s is a bit further away from the valley so you get a different view. It’s been around for decades and is the place people like John Wayne stayed while filming there many years ago. Just added individual apartments and also have a popular campground.
Gouldings is basically a complete settlement with gas station, grocery store, laundromat, local arts and crafts stores, etc...
Food really sucks at The View, a bit better at Goulding’s.
No no alcohol on the reservation though!
If you want history and incredibly beautiful sights you need to take a tour which can be arranged at either location. You will be amazed at the stark contrast between life as most of us know it and the lifestyle of the local native Americans living there.
I just visited 2x in May, going out and coming back, and I never miss a chance to sit and stare at what’s there.
Another option is nearby Mexican Hat. You can stay at the little lodge there for very reasonable rates and they’re motorcycle friendly. Also go and get your red meat fix at the swinging steakhouse.
Have a fun trip.
Chonk
There are two lodging choices in the “park”, Goulding’s Lodge and The View.
The View is owned and operated by Native American’s and sits right on the edge of the valley that most recognize as Monument Valley so you get incredible views from your room. It’s pretty new so has nice accommodations.
Goulding’s is a bit further away from the valley so you get a different view. It’s been around for decades and is the place people like John Wayne stayed while filming there many years ago. Just added individual apartments and also have a popular campground.
Gouldings is basically a complete settlement with gas station, grocery store, laundromat, local arts and crafts stores, etc...
Food really sucks at The View, a bit better at Goulding’s.
No no alcohol on the reservation though!
If you want history and incredibly beautiful sights you need to take a tour which can be arranged at either location. You will be amazed at the stark contrast between life as most of us know it and the lifestyle of the local native Americans living there.
I just visited 2x in May, going out and coming back, and I never miss a chance to sit and stare at what’s there.
Another option is nearby Mexican Hat. You can stay at the little lodge there for very reasonable rates and they’re motorcycle friendly. Also go and get your red meat fix at the swinging steakhouse.
Have a fun trip.
Chonk
