Monument Valley Vacations

The American West is never more clearly defined as in fascinating Monument Valley. For vacations that end up being real-life history lessons, the entire family should travel to this wild desert arena to experience the layered rock formations and friendly, though sometimes harsh, environment of the Colorado Plateau.

Often filmed because of the incredible colors and rock formations, Monument Valley holds all the natural blue-grays and vivid reds that you have witnessed in movies or in photos of this landscape. Isolated red buttes and mesas sometimes rising up for hundreds of feet make the visitor realize the incredible work of these wandering rivers.

The Mystery Valley section requires a guide for a tour through the park. It is the only part, however, that requires a guide. From the visitor center, you will have a spectacular view, but then you must drive the Valley Drive over 17 miles of dirt road to see the rest of the park. The Totem Pole has a spire reaching 300 feet.

Be sure to reserve rooms ahead of time if you are coming during May and October. There are various motels and hotels, all within reach, as well as Bed & Breakfasts. Some have the traditional Navajo hogans that you can sleep in.

If leaving from Bryce Canyon National Park, take A Journey Through Time Byway-Highway (UT-12); take US-89 for 136 miles, then left on AZ-98 to US-160. In 32 miles you will go left on US-163, which cuts directly through Monument Valley.