aggiedad Loc: Corona, ca

A couple years ago we visited Monument Valley. We stayed at the hotel at the valley, All the rooms have a deck that looks out on the valley. I got some nice sunrise photos from that vantage point. The hotel had a list of guided photo tours, and on the one I engaged, it was just my guide and myself. Theirs is the way to go!

Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO

Absolutely book a tour with a Native American guide.
Highly recommend Larson Homer, Navajo Spirits Tours.
They have a website.
You will be driven to places not accessible to non-Native Americans.
Wonderful experience.
PM me with any questions .

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

I've been to Monument Valley a number of times and I will tell you a GOOD guide can make the difference between snap-shots and terrific images. So here is the best in my opinion: "Phillips Photography Tours" at 928-429-0040. Tully Begay, who works for Phillips, is my favorite. Tully knows what photographers are looking for and how to make the best of the light. From past experiences with guides, I'd give Phillips an "A++."

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bobgreen Loc: Maryland

Thanks!

Chance Logan Loc: New England

Glad you liked it.

These sites should be helpful:

https://monumentvalleyview.com/campground/

https://www.goodsam.com/campgrounds-rv-parks/utah/monument-valley/goulding-s-monument-valley-campground-rv-park-740002537/

WILLARD98407 Loc: TACOMA, WA.

Was doing the area a few years ago and booked a tour of Mon.Vall. through the desk at the hotel. We waited about 20 minutes for our guide to arrive. Then we took off for a 1 to 11/2 hour drive through the valley.
Our guide took my wife and I out in a 9 passenger van and was very solicitous about the fact that we were there for photography as our main goal.

Our guide's name was Chico, an extremely nice native young man who was home after just graduating from college.
He kept saying, "I'd like to go over to a place I haven't seen for a while, want to go?"

We just kept saying" YES !"

We were hauled around to some fabulous areas for pictures as well as some Tribal Land areas and a horse ranch down in the valley where we had some iced tea.
It seems that his dad was in charge of the music for tribal dances and ceremonies and he spent about an hour practicing some of the songs and chants as well as playing the guitar and Indian 'flute'.

I think the tour we sign up for was about 25 or 30 bucks.

We got along so well that every 1/2 hour or so he'd ask if we were ready to go in yet an we just kept saying No.

After a 51/2 hour afternoon and evening we were pooped and called it quits.

As I recall, my wife and I decided on 50 bucks an hour and a 50 bucks tip on top of what we booked the tour for.

After traveling around the world and all over this country I think I can safely say that this was definitely one of the highest highlights for us.

pilot64 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Phillips Photography Tours. Max of four per truck, sunrise and sunset times, 4 hours per tour. Tell them where you want to go and they will get you there.

splatbass Loc: Honolulu

I was there last October on an RV trip and there is a new KOA right in Monument Valley. Very convenient. I got this shot right from the RV park.

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kschwegl Loc: Orangeburg, NY

Beautiful, just beautiful. The "sunburst" does it.

Ken S.

Arca

Suntouched

Do not forget about 'Teardrop Arch' which is across the highway from 'Monument Valley'. It is on private land (that means an extra fee for the landowner, whoever that is) and you need to have a Navajo Guide to get you in there. From that arch, especially at sunset facing east, you get great long red/orange waves of light hitting the red sandstone. In the arch, you can place several of the monuments of 'Monument Valley'. It is outstanding. Leave about four PM or possibly later (it is about 1/2 hour to the 'Teardrop Arch' location which is locally known) and stay until you have your desired colorful shot. I did this on my 4 x 5 on Velvia in 2006 on July 3rd. It is one of the nicest pictures I have EVER taken. It would be great if there were some blue skies and white cumulus clouds from the monsoon. There is plenty of greenery along the floor of the valley, mostly sage, brittlebush and creosote. So you would have red, white, blue and green. IMHO heavenly.

Another great location is that of 'Hunt's Mesa' in 'Monument Valley'. Enjoy yourself.

Arca

Chance Logan Loc: New England

Appreciate the look. Good to know you enjoyed it. We'd been there twice before and were determined to get more out of the experience. We'll go again.

Chance Logan Loc: New England

Thanks for the visit, Ken S. Glad you enjoyed it. Part of the experience was learning that we couldn't fully appreciate being anything more than a tourist until we went out into the valley. Looking forward to the next visit and sleeping out at Hunt's Mesa.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. I have made our campground reservations and am in the process of securing a photo tour. We are traveling now with poor connections but that should improve tomorrow.