Author Topic: Monument Valley in July  (Read 8606 times)

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Offline daven

Monument Valley in July
« on: April 02, 2010, 11:29:45 pm »
I'm in the final planning stages of a solo self contained trip Fresno-Boston leaving in June 2010.  I'll be using AC's WE and TA routes with some wandering thrown in to keep it interesting.  From the main route through eastern Utah, I noticed that Monument Valley is "only" a 55 mile detour.  But it'll be July and it's the desert.  I'll be carrying plenty (?) of water and a filter (if it'll do me any good in the desert) and I know enough to leave before the sun really rises.  So is there anyone out there with relevant experience that says that I'm more than a normally crazy guy on a bike to try this. ::)

Thanks and may the wind always be at your back.

Offline aggie

Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2010, 12:36:15 am »
Not sure of your exact route but from experience there aren't many services available.  It will be hot and dry.  You'll need lots of water even if you travel at first light.  Hwy 163 from Mexican Hat is a two lane road with little if any shoulder.  During that time expect lots of RV's.  Also you will notice the trail of beer cans and bottles from Mexican Hat to Monument Valley and beyond.  The scenery is great but the road, traffic, and trash isn't.

Offline daven

Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2010, 08:49:20 am »
Thanks, that's about what I thought. Too bad I can't carry a cooler of beer so that I can add to the archeological collection as I pedal.

I am planning on taking 261S from 96E connecting to 163S to the Navaho resort, then returning 163 to Bluff and 191N to Blanding.


Offline John Nelson

Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2010, 11:49:40 am »
In my opinion, Monument Valley is not a must-do detour unless you've got plenty of time. Although Monument Valley will place you in a John Ford western and you'll feel like John Wayne, it's not like you're going to miss all the good scenery if you miss Monument Valley.

Offline aggie

Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2010, 04:44:02 pm »
I'm assuming you meant hwy 95.  From Natural Bridges NP until you get to Mexican Hat there aren't any services and as I recall it is about 40 miles.  Also on 261 you will get to a section that overlooks the Valley of the Gods.  It is quite beautiful but the road down the cliff face isn't paved.  It is dirt with loose rocks. 

Offline daven

Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2010, 05:02:20 pm »
John:

Time is one factor I have on my side.  Just want to get off the bike somewhere by the time the snow starts to fly. Right now I plan on getting to Boston by October, so 4+ months to do what took me 59 days travelling the NT to Seattle.  Monument Valley has been added to the route.

Aggie:

Oops, my bad eyes.  Yes I meant 95.  I assume the dirt road is passable.  At worst, its got to be walkable.  Although walking my bike downhill will be a new experience. ;D


Offline aggie

Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #6 on: April 04, 2010, 12:45:24 pm »
Depending on your tires you should be able to ride on the dirt road.  It could be a little rough and sandy in sections.  There are no guardrails and it is a long way down in some sections.  As a note there isn't much traffic on the 261.

indyfabz

  • Guest
Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2010, 10:14:55 am »
I drove through some of that area at the end of July '00 and it was like being in an oven.

Here is a shot of 261.  Very steep in places (up to 15% I think) but looked doable.


indyfabz

  • Guest
Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2010, 10:16:37 am »
Photo doesn't seem to be showing.

Here is the Wikipedia link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_State_Route_261

Offline daven

Re: Monument Valley in July
« Reply #9 on: April 05, 2010, 12:01:11 pm »
Thanks all.

Just finished making camping reservations for Zion and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  I hate being on a schedule. What ever happened to hiker/biker walk up camp sites?  First come/First served sounds nice but not when you're a day's ride away at Check In time. 

Sorry for the minor rant just had to get it out.