Monument Valley, UT
Monument Valley (sometimes referred to as Oljato-Monument Valley) is situated within the Navajo Nation Reservation (also known as Navajoland).
Monument Valley Tribal Park has different summer and winter opening times that you need to be aware of before your visit.
Monument Valley tribal park is NOT a US National Park, so US National Park passes, like America the Beautiful, are not valid.
| PEAK SEASON | OFF-SEASON | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | April 1 to September 30 | October 1 to March 30 |
| Hours | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Don’t expect a lot to do here besides admiring the view but the view is spectacular! There are things to see 2 hours or more away if planning to travel around.
We stayed at the KOA to extend our viewing experience
You can drive through stopping to look at the main sites for two or three hours but if you want to explore it more, you have options.
The 17 mile loop is called the Tribal Park Loop. Warning: We saw every size car make it around the loop but it is a harrowing drive and some of the roads have holes that could swallow a full size car. It’s bumpy and dusty so be prepared.
Hike: The Wildcat Trail
The only unguided hike you can do in Monument Valley Tribal Park is the Wildcat Trail. This 3.3-mile hike leaves from near the View Hotel and makes a circular loop around West Mitten. It’s a lovely way to absorb the scenery and get up close to one of the most stunning buttes.
Take a tour with a Navajo guide: Prices are around
$80/per person and last around 3 hours. Monument Valley Tour Operators – Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation
Durango, CO
Durango, Colorado is a wonderful place with so many things to to do. For a more extensive list visit their website
https://www.durango.org/
Where Old West meets Southwest, Downtown Durango is a Nationally Registered Historic District and home to historic boutique hotels, award-winning restaurants, laid-back brewpubs, and fabulous art galleries, museums, and shops.
Walk along the Animas River and take in breathtaking views of the La Plata Mountains before browsing locally-owned stores for souvenirs, gifts, and clothing.
We were just in a town for a few days passing through. Here is our recommendations:
A great one day Itinerary:
1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Operating out of the original 1882 depot, the DSNGRR has been voted the Best Scenic Train by USA Today Readers’ Choice! The DSNGRR winds through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an incredible year-round adventure. The experience of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago is truly unforgettable. There are multiple different options for your ride on the DSNGRR. We took the Cascade Express at 5 1/2 hour trip.
We can’t express how wonderful this ride was. The scenery is amazing. The people in our car were delightful to visit with and our car’s guide was knowledgeable and a delight.
Note: Based on when you take your trip you may not want the pre-paid $10 parking. We went on a Sunday and there was plenty of free parking on the street.
We had hot dogs instead of a prearranged meal based on comments I read in reviews. The hot dogs hit the spot.
After the train ride: We went into the museum, part of the train experience. They have a trove of fascinating treasures as well as old train cars to enjoy.
2. If you Like Breweries: Try one of these. We tried Carver Brewery and Steamboat Brewery on different days.
Or, Don’t like Beer, try one of these Wineries. Sutcliffe (There is a tasting room downtown but go to the actual winery for the experience and scenery if you can) or
Four Leaves Winery. We talked with Dean, one of the owners. He was wonderful and gave us lots of dinner recommendations. We only had time for one but there are many highly rated places here to dine at.
Shop: There are many wonderful shops downtown. Or checkout the haunted Strater Hotel.
Have Dinner: Durango Restaurants
We went to Himalayan Kitchen. Delish!
Get an after dinner coffee and/or some chocolates. After all, you are on vacation.
We enjoyed the staff and our stay at the Oasis RV Resort
Pagosa Springs
We visit Pagosa Springs and our itinerary always includes those glorious hot springs at The Springs. You can stay at the Resort or stay somewhere else and get a day pass.
Discover the healing waters. When you’re here for the day, you’ll want to make the most of it. Combine a soak with the benefits of a soothing spa treatment, or enjoy a bite to eat as your create your own “mist-ery” tour by visiting all 25 steamy pools. Escape for a day of blissful wellness.
I hope you have a monumental roadtrip or journey of your own! Tell me about it.