shieldsadvert

Going there mid-Sept. and would like some suggestions on whether to take guided tours or just do the hikes and scenic drives with our passenger vehicle? Also recommendations on lodging would be appreciated.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I've stayed at the hotel on the rim in Monument Valley (The View Hotel) and in cabins just inside the entrance to Canyon de Chelly (Thunderbird Lodge). It was the week of Xmas in December and it snowed at most locations. The prices were reasonable, the facilities new and perfectly situated for sunrise and sunset photography at both. The main season for prices may be a different story, but look into both as a starting point. You must have a licensed guide to be on the valley floor in de Chelly anywhere beyond the restaurant and lodging (with one exception, see White House Trail). You drive your own vehicle within Monument Valley and have an entire day of shooting fabulous scenery just self guided. A hired guide can take you into areas where a licensed guide is needed. I'd consider a guide for Monument Valley if you've been there before / recently and have seen all the iconic formations already. Hiking in either of these National Monuments is limited. Each have a mile or 2 one-way path that doesn't require a guide, but the views are minor on each, see Wildcat Trail in MV.

shieldsadvert

Thanks, that's very useful information

Dan R Loc: Way Way Way Upstate NY

[quote=CHG_CANON]I've stayed at the hotel on the rim in Monument Valley ...

Great info..Thanks!

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

At Monument Valley, I have taken the guided tour and also did the drive myself. On the guided tour, you see a few places that you are not allowed to go by yourself, but it does not cover all the places that you can go on your own due to time constraints on the tour. I would suggest the drive yourself yourself plan, but both are good. Sights that you will see nowhere else.

teacherdad48 Loc: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

In Monument Valley it is well worth the cost to take the “All day tour” which you can book at Goulding’s Lodge website. This tour will take you to Mystery Canyon as well as the Monument itself. The Navajo guide we had was excellent and he will take you places that tours cannot go without a guide. Highly recommended.

In Canyon de Chelly I recommend a full day to do the drive along the rim of the canyon which you can do yourself. I’m going back this summer to go into the canyon itself with a Navajo guide because I didn’t get a chance to do that the first time I was there. So I recommend a second full day to do the canyon tour too.

Have fun!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

To really photograph Monument Valley you should arrive an evening in advance. The loop takes awhile to drive, and the best hours to photograph are morning and evening. My best photo was actually taken from the parking lot of the hotel area after we had finished our drive. The sun had set and there was just a wisp of color silhouetting one of the monuments. It was nearly dark. I don't have the photo on this computer or I would post it. I would be tempted to stay two days just to see everything and to get accustomed to the best times to shoot and the best places. It's almost unfortunate that we can't camp overnight in the park to take advantage of both the setting and rising sun.

shieldsadvert

thanks; good advice. Bill

shieldsadvert

Thanks. Couldn't decide whether to take the guided tour, but I'm after dramatic landscape shots here so I'm thinking just driving would be best.
bill

parishard

Do both. Camp out.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've been there several times. It's an awesome place and needs to be respected. The last time I went, no photos. But, I'll be going back again when things are hopefully more favorable.
--Bob

anderzander

I have been to both places, well worth the experience, went through Monument Valley in 1968, didn't have a camera then, the best city for emergencies if the need arises or you want some civilization and another experience at Lake Powell then stay in Page Arizona and visit the dam if you have the time. If it is a driving trip you can also stop off at the 4 Corners marker which is out in the middle of know-where as in know where you are going.

photog74

I would take a guided tour from Goulding’s be sure to ask for their female guide. She was terrific, when I asked for the Tear Drop arch shot by David Muench, she took us right there outside of the Valley after cooking us burgers for lunch. A guy is a must for de Chelly to get the down low shots. The Rim was a little pricey for us. Must do the slots in Page and Horseshoe Overlook right outside of Page.

stinger Loc: Western Colorado

Canyon de Chelly is a wonderful place to visit. I've taken the valley tour with a Navajo guide and it was well worth the expense. I would recommend taking the full day trip as both arms of the canyon will be included in the tour. The guide will make the trip so much more interesting. I don't know, but you used to be able to take your own 4X4 vehicle with a hired guide and travel at you own pace. The other option was to take an army 6X6 with the other tourists to see the valley floor.

shieldsadvert

Thanks, good advice. bill