Monument Valley experience?

[dayjack119]

What are the most scenic bike touring routes through Monument Valley, Utah?  Still passable in November? I don't want to bypass the best stuff.  Can one tent?  I then plan to do the Grand Canyon before continuing west to San Luis Obispo, CA.

[aggie]

Public roads with the best scenery are the 261 and the 163.  If you take the 261 from the 95 it takes you south towards Monument Valley.  It's a pretty good road with little traffic.  There's also little in the way of supply stops.  This road has a spectacular view of the valley of the gods just before it drops down to meet hwy 163.  163 has more traffic and not much of a shoulder.  Shortly after joining the 163 (going south) you'll run into Mexican Hat.  It's a very small town with a couple of motels and a convenience store.   Not much there.  As you travel further south you'll start to see the "monuments" of Monument Valley.  There is a small campground and store near Gouldings lodge which is near the entrance to the monument valley tribal park.  Further south you run into Kayenta which is a small town with a couple of motels and a grocery store. 

You'll be able to dry camp along the 261 as most of it is BLM land.  Once you get into tribal lands your camping options are limited.  The campground near Gouldings is ok.  Not sure about anything else.