usnret Loc: Woodhull Il

My wife Sarah and I think it's time we set out on an yet another adventuresome road trip.(early April). This time to the scenic south west. We've pretty much narrowed it to the Monument Valley area and a night or two stay at The View Hotel. Just wondered if any of you guys know of any "hidden gems" off the beaten path in that area worth having a look see?

williejoha

Mexican Hat, Mesa Verde not too far away( need to check if open) Gooseneck State Park. Just a few. Check the Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico Tourism web pages.
WJH

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Assuming you'll be driving a regular passenger vehicle --i.e., not an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle-- you'll have access to any number of gems, but relatively few of the hidden ones.

There's no doubt about it, Monument Valley is a genuinely special place, and is well worth seeing/spending time in. It's also been photographed (almost) ad nauseum, and that includes those 'off the beaten path' places that knowledgeable Navajo guides can take you to on a privately guided tour (arrangeable at the park). You're sure to get some wonderful views/shots we've seen several thousand times.

Were it me (and it has been many times), I'd be watching the sky. If it looked good, I'd get out early and drive to Sand Island (a camping/boat launch area half an hour north of M.V., between Mexican Hat and Bluff, UT) so I could shoot a sunrise on the San Juan River. And while I was there (parked at the upriver campground), after the sun was high enough to clear the canyon walls, I'd probably walk the trail a couple hundred yards upriver where the best of the rock art is located. The Glen Canyon Linear (late Archaic) stuff is excellent, and the Basketmaker stuff is pretty good too. Then I'd continue over to Bluff for breakfast at the Navajo Twins, after which the sky/weather would help me decide whether to continue north on Hwy 191 or east toward Aneth on Rte 162. Whichever way I went, I'd probably end up at Hovenweep Nat'l Monument, planning on returning via the route I hadn't taken earlier. Probably stop by Gooseneck State Park while heading back to M.V. for sunset, but if there were time enough, I might instead drive the loop road through the Valley of the Gods. Whatever, by that time, the west facing Raplee Anticline (that multi-colored ridge on your left by this point) ought to be lit up pretty nicely.

Having been all over that area previous, I confess to be jaded. Doesn't mean you have to be equally so. After all, those'll by your shots of Monument Valley, however much they do or don't look like anyone else's.

PoppieJ Loc: North Georgia

White Pocket is just a little west of Paige. It is a lovely place and one we have not seen very much in pictures because it is not an easy drive.

Bobby123

When you stay at the View Hotel, be sure stay in their cabins. They're about a 10 minute walk from the hotel (you park right behind the cabins) but the have a stunning view of the Mittens and Merrick Butte. Try to get one in the front row.

I second the recommendation for Mexican Hat and Goosenecks. There is only one hotel in Mexican Hat (I think) and phone reception in "town" (it's tiny) is not great. There is no reception as soon as you leave town. I also recommend driving up Moki Dugway on Route 261 about 10 minutes from town. It's an easy drive but very dramatic, going up an 1100 foot cliff to the top of Cedar Mesa and can safely be done before sunrise or after sunset. Once at the top, make the left turn on a good gravel road to go out to Muley Point where you will find stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset. I was in Mexican Hat for a couple of nights in October and it's a great place to visit. Maybe 45 minutes from Monument Valley.

One more- if you have an SUV, try Johns Canyon Road below Muley Point. Very passable in an SUV but not a passenger car and you will see things that you can only dream of in Illinois!

Have a great trip!

Bobby

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

It is well worth the drive on over west to Page to see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

nmw1004 Loc: Dresher PA

My wife and I were out that way a few years ago and stayed at the valley of the gods B&B near Mexican Hat, Utah. It's a converted old mining office and the views are incredible. ( check it out )

Indlovu Loc: Greenville, NC

Ghost panels

neillaubenthal

Mesa Verde NP just across the border to the east is outstanding…easily one of the best NPs we went and we've been to 40 or so of them. Further north in UT Arches and Canyonlands NPs as well as Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks nearby…then there's Antelope Canyon and all the other things down in the Page AZ area. Depends on how long ya got of course…

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Be sure to have cash for the entry fee to Monument Valley. We made that mistake and had to drive quite a distance to a cash machine. It may be possible to use cards now, but be prepared.

RustyNM Loc: Deming, NM

I would suggest El Morro National Monument (south of Grants, NM-I40). The first part is Inscription Rock with signatures carved in the sandstone cliffs (earliest-1642). After the inscriptions there is a switchback trail that you CAN take to the top of the bluff. There they have some Anasazi ruins.

RichKenn Loc: Merritt Island, FL

A few miles north of MV off Highway 163 is Valley of The Gods. There is a 17 mile gravel road through it. It is almost as spectacular as MV. Well worth the side trip and easily accessible by automobile. Also, get a copy of the auto club Indian Country Guide Map. It is about the most wonderful map I have ever seen and it covers that area in detail.

vanderhala Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Planning to May . Following

usnret Loc: Woodhull Il

WOW! Thanks so much for all the great info you've sent our way. As it is, we have a 4-WD drive Silverado and don't mind taking a few risks (within reason of course), to make the most of our adventure.

MTDesigns Loc: Corryton,Tenn.

Mesa Verde!