When these attempts at forced relocation ultimately failed, the Navajo were allowed to return to their traditional home. Elephant Butte. Stay away after heavy rains. Or continue even a few miles farther north to Desert Rose Inn in Bluff, Utah (a step above the rest quality wise, in my opinion). This is home base for several land and river tour companies and makes a good base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas, though lodging is scarce. Further determination will be made on January 1, 2021. There is a nice picnic area with a few primitive campsites (free) here but no water. Although Gouldings doesn’t have the same killer view, you’ll be surrounded by legends of the historic trading post turned lodge.To escape the tourist crowd, drive 33 miles north on Highway 163 to Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast. This intersection is like an open-air shopping mall for souvenirs — most, except for the glorious handmade rugs, made in China or Mexico — and Native American art and food. The loop includes 11 numbered viewpoints and you can expect to spend between 2-4 hours in the park. Check for official details. The park features an unpaved 17 mile loop drive which travels through scenic Monument Valley. Four Corners Monument - CLOSED until further notice. Behind the sombrero is an interesting geologic formation called the Navajo Rug, a wavy pattern in the cliff strata. We were hesitant based on all the discussion in the forum about the quality of the dirt road making up the 17 mile loop; so we rented a small SUV; however, it definitely wasn't necessary. Length: 5.4 mi • Est. Don’t forget to bring water! But that sand also provides the opportunity for photographing some cool patterns. Valley of the Gods is like a miniature version of Monument Valley without people. If you’re looking for a photogenic spot in Monument Valley, this is one of my favorites. Valley of the Gods is like a miniature version of Monument Valley without people. Probably the most easily recognizable of all the Monument Valley formations, you’ve seen East Mitten, West Mitten and Merrick Butte in countless photographs. Kayenta is the closest town (23 miles to the south) with lodging; but I’d rather wake up with a Monument Valley view outside my window. Love Your RV 20,114 views. It’s worth spending a few minutes here wondering just how nature accomplished such a sculpture. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Monument Valley Tour (From US$90.00) 2.5 Hour Guided Tour of Monument Valley (From US$75.00) Sunset Tour of Monument Valley (From US$85.00) Monument Valley Extended Backcountry Tour (From US$90.00) Monument Valley is probably the most iconic destination in the American Southwest, after the Grand Canyon. From this point on, the road becomes one-way. After negotiating the steep (and sometimes rough) first 1/2 mile down Mitchell Mesa into the valley, the Monument Valley road levels out. Subscribe by clicking here. If you agree with me, then plan to stay at The View (the Navajo hotel at Monument Valley) or Gouldings Lodge. © 2020 MY ITCHY TRAVEL FEET | DESIGN BY KALEIDOSCOPE DESIGN STUDIO | DEVELOPMENT BY RTW LABS, A boomer travel and lifestyle authority who is exploring the world one activity at a time. Although the scenery is stunning in its own right, the real meaning of a trip to Monument Valley comes when one learns about the culture and history from the Navajo point of view. The main thing to do in Monument Valley, in winter or otherwise, is driving the Tribal Park Loop, a 17-mile scenic loop drive taking in all the best scenic viewpoints around Monument Valley. National Park passes will not be accepted. Goulding's will continue to offer tours in the surrounding areas such as Tear Drop Arch, lodging, restaurant, grocery store, convenience store, museum and theater. No, you won’t be able to begin the drive, but you don’t want to miss the chance to photograph the sun rising behind East and West Mittens. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, USA in 4K Ultra HD - Duration: 10:43. Hiking in Monument Valley The Wildcat Trail is the only hiking trail inside the Tribal Park that visitors can hike unescorted by authorized Navajo guides – it departs from The View Hotel. Monument Valley is known for its stunning sandstone mesas, spires, and buttes, isolated stacks with inclined sides and a flat top. Fall and spring provide the most comfortable temperatures, especially September/October and April/May. Walk the 1/3 mile dirt path to see exactly why North Window is the most popular, and potentially crowded, stop on the drive. You can also see Rain God Mesa, Elephant Butte and The Three Sisters. This article describes what to see on a Monument Valley scenic drive. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "monumentvalleyut-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_linkid = "612f7ebe0d0599dc6551f362bbaa4a9e";amzn_assoc_design = "in_content";amzn_assoc_asins = "158071059X,1631213334,0929591356";amzn_assoc_title = "Plan your Monument Valley trip:";
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