The car is the most convenient way to move around the States. You will need a navigator or at least state maps. There are many options for getting into the Monument Valley. It all depends on what the starting point is. Most go here after visiting Page, Glen Canyon and the Antelope Canyon. The nearest trail to the park is US 163.
How to visit monument valley?
You can rent a car in advance on the Priceline website (some of the best deals). Other options can be searched here. Alternatively, you can fly by plane to the nearest convenient point and from there proceed to the Monument Valley, again on a rented car. The nearest airports are:
- Page Municipal Airport
- Grand Canyon National Park Airport
- Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix
- McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas
- Blanding Municipal Airport, located in the city of Blanding, 120 km from Monument Valley
- Bluff Airport 75 km from the park
- Monticello Airport in Monticello, 160 km from Monument Valley
The company Le Bus provides similar services. Its representative office is located in Salt Lake City. Another option is Lewis Stages. All the details on the sites. It is possible to take a bus from Page.
Weather in Monument Valley
In the summer afternoon in the Monument Valley is very warm, the temperature on average reaches + 30-35 degrees, while at night a significant cooling down to + 14-17 degrees is possible. In winter, there are frosts in the park and heavy snowfalls are possible. The temperature drops to an average of -5 degrees.
If you are interested, you can familiarize yourself with the plate of monthly temperatures, however, the numbers must be converted from Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius.
Sights of Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the places that Andrews raved more than others. I no less wanted to go there. Who does not know about this red valley and does not dream to see it, being in the States? After all, Monument Valley is one of the symbols of the United States and it was here that far from one western pro cowboys were shot. A very attractive park, isn’t it?
The valley can be seen from afar. Already at the entrance, a joyful cry comes out: “There she is, there she is!” And in the field of view red giant rocks pop up.
This Valley is the territory of the Navajo Indians. They live by their own laws and in their rhythm, but do not miss the chance to cash in on tourists, like representatives of other nationalities. In their lands you will meet a lot of souvenir tents in which you can buy some of the local decorations or other trifles, many of which are very much like Chinese products.
Scenic Drive
The surest way to get to know Monument Valley is to drive a car along a scenic road or Scenic Drive. This road passes between the red sandstone outcrops, which turned out to be more resistant to the effects of the wind than the soft rocks surrounding them. As you can see, the wind again tried here, creating bizarre figures that now attract crowds of tourists.
Sanik Drive is 27 kilometers of dirt road, which starts from the parking lot next to The View Hotel. Keep in mind that in rainy weather the road may be blurred. It is not too comfortable to drive on it in a passenger car, especially at the beginning, where you have to overcome a rather steep descent, and often there are unpleasant holes.
To overcome this path it is recommended to lay at least 2 hours (we swept 4 hours).
Along the roadslepte are parking lots and pockets on which you can leave the car with the aim of making a photogallery, watch Indian souvenirs or just warm up.
WildCat Trail
There is in the Monument Valley, among other things, the opportunity to go on an independent hike. The choice of paths is far from being gorgeous, to be more precise, it is only one. Called the Wildcat Trail.
Description: in my opinion, not too exciting trail, since the goal is to go around West Mitten Butte (on the map this is point 1) We did not go.
- Starting point: the beginning of Scenic Drive.
- Length: 3.2 miles / 5.1 km (roundabout trail).
- Estimated time in the campaign: 1.5-2 hours.
Hogan Village
Hungry exotics can look into Hogan Village and look at the traditional homes of the Navajo Indians. Dwellings are represented by two types – female (round) and male (conical). They are all made from natural materials (bark, cedar, sand and water). These dwellings are still used for ceremonies and elderly residents.
By the way, in summer you can hide from the heat in the – inside is much cooler than outside. In addition to seeing the park on your own, it is possible to book a tour. Within the Monument Valley, there are many offers such as car tours, trekking excursions, and horseback riding.