After thunderstorms and rain all last night, this morning we woke up to a beautiful day in Page, Arizona. For today’s activity, we debated between Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. After some Googling, we found that visitors to Antelope Canyon are required to be accompanied by a Navajo tour guide, and we didn’t feel like arranging a booking. Monument Valley it was!

The drive was roughly two hours from our Airbnb’d townhouse in Page, but it was fairly scenic, and we had American Gods to entertain us (which we finished on the way back—Neil Gaiman certainly has a strange mind). We arrived at Monument Valley around noon, which gave us plenty of time to do both the 17-mile Valley Loop drive, and the single 4-mile hike that’s open to the public.

The valley drive meanders through most of the larger formations and includes several pull-offs for especially scenic views and/or makeshift shops where Navajo residents sell their wares (mostly jewelry and food) to tourists. We tried to buy some Navajo Fry Bread from a booth, but after peeking our heads inside and saying “hello?” several times without receiving a response, we gave up. Which was disappointing, because I was hungry.

While the drive is only 17 miles, it took us nearly three hours to finish it. The road is unpaved, and 4×4 vehicles with high clearance are strongly encouraged. The speed limit on the loop is 15 MPH, and frankly that’s ridiculously optimistic on most sections. We passed a few people in less-capable cars crawling around at slightly better than walking pace, presumably trying to avoid destroying their vehicles in potholes that look like they might lead to China. Seems like some of the entry fees could maybe be used to improve the road.

And speaking of fees, what’s up with the pricing structure for admission here? I really want to talk to the person that came up with this schedule, just to understand what she or he was thinking. I was so fascinated by this that I made a mental note to snap a picture of the sign detailing admission fees when we exited (and I remembered!).

At Monument Valley, the first six passengers in a van gain entry for a semi-reasonable $35, but the seventh passenger will set the group back an additional $65. But that’s not so bad when you consider that from there, the addition of a mere $25 will allow eighteen more of your friends to join you! Hopefully you don’t have a nineteenth friend though, because she’ll cost $175.

While the loop drive was nice (if not a bit touristy with all the shops and constant Navajo-operated tour vehicles blaring information over loudspeakers), the highlight of our visit was a short 4-mile hike around the Left Mitten. This hike (the Wildcat Trail) is the only path at Monument Valley open to the public, although Navajo guides may be hired if one wishes to see other areas. The hike took us just over an hour, and was a nice way to see the Mittens up close and get away from the crowds.

Some photos from the day (click for larger versions):

Lori near the start of the valley road loop.

There were a lot of artists painting at various points throughout the valley.

We saw a few people on horseback while hiking the Wildcat Trail.

The Mittens near sunset. We hiked the Wildcat Trail around the left one.