Looking to the experts for advice: We are making a day trip from our base in Moab to Mesa Verde and the 4 Corners, (which we figured was about 40 miles from Mesa Verde) on our way back to Moab. Best route? Is there any part of Monument Valley or other sights in Utah we can hit on our way back from 4 Corners to Moab? Thanks so much!
It's 140 miles from Moab to Mesa Verde. That's a little too much for a day trip. There's isn't much at 4 corners. Recommend that you skip it.
If you do decide to do it, CO-41/UT-162 from US-160 to Bluff, UT will get you on your way back to Moab.
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I suggest that you spend a night at Monument Valley, it has a Indian campground overlooking the mittens, and they allow you to drive through the valley for free if you show them the campground fee paid receipt.
Monument Valley is just north of the Arizona border, then turn east on the next highway, and go about 4 miles to the entrance station on the left and campground on the right. The mittens are right in front of you.
Nearby to Monument Valley is Mexican Hat. It is a layered mountain, that is colorful, and has red, tan, and other strips of colors, and looks much like a mexican hat.
Have you heard of Canyon De Chelle? That canyon is steeper than the Grand Canyon. You can also hire a jeep tour, as the Indians are the only ones allowed to drive through the canyon.
I see that 4 corners is a lot closer to Moab than I had thought - only 153 miles Via Cortez CO. If you return via Monument Valley and Mexican hat, that way is 250 miles. If you can average 50 miles each hour, this would be 8 hours of driving and more time spent in each location. These highways are not 75 MPH interstates, they have some sharp curves, and require a slower pace in some areas.
I guess if you are willing to get started before daybreak, and return after dark, then there will be enough time. But to drive 300 miles round trip to see 4 corners, I think you will be really disappointed. 4 corners is a fairly desolate area, with a small monument to mark the area. Monument Valley is much more scenic. You will certainly take more pictures there, and want to return.
When near Cortez CO, you will not be far from the steam trains that go from Durango to Silverton.
Not an expert, but we've been there a few times. Mesa Verda can easily be a day in itself. Lots to see, some easy hikes, and some long hard hikes. Even just driving the loop and stopping at the markers will be a nice days outing. I have no adjective for Monument Valley other than God's Country. It is indescribably beautiful and inspiring. We did not take the guided tours into the canyons, but they can take a half or full day. Just stopping at the ridges and taking in the views took us the better part of the day.
Therefore, my suggestion is to make it 2 single day trips if you can.
Happy Trails.
My vote is for Monument Valley. It is the most beautiful, spiritual place. I would also vote for the guided tour. They can and will take you further into the back country than you can go by yourself, as well as explain the different monuments. There is an elder lady that lives in the valley that will show and explain the making of rugs if you wish.
I guess that most are aware by now that Four Corners is not located where it really should be - it is supposed to be about 2 1/2 miles (I think) to the east. I'm sure that won't be physically moved any time soon. Thee are only two reasons to go to Four Corners, to have your body in four states at the same time, and to see if there might be a t-shirt that one of the local vendors sell that might suit your fancy.
Anyone who can do Mesa Verde in one day isn't doing MV or themselves any justice. It should be a multi-day visit to get the most out of it. Monument Valley is spectacular and can be done in one day, although staying overnight and leaving the next day would be better.
Moab (Arches and Canyonlands, in addition to lesser know places) is the crown jewel for those of us who love the rugged nature that is in the area. I also recommend the San Rafael Swell, not too far north of I-70 west of Green River and Goblin Valley SP, also west of Green River. I could use Moab as my homebase for weeks and not repeat anything.
Thanks so much for the advice everyone! We are not usually ones to try to squeeze a National Park into a day, but we have guests from NY visiting us for a few days and want to make the best use of their time, and they REALLY want to see Mesa Verde so we'll go there for the day and then reserve Monument Valley for another multi-day trip, as well as Canyon deChelley. You are all a great help to us and we really appreciate it as we tour our beautiful USA!
Sign up for the Ranger lead tours of some of the dwellings while you are at Mesa Verde, we toured "Balcony House" and "Cliff Palace", well worth the few dollars the tours cost.
Click on the link in my sig for pics of Mesa Verde and Monument Valley.
Something along the same line as Mesa Verde, but closer to Moab is Hovenweep. It has ruins from the same (or similar) culture, but on a 'small town' scale. There isn't the wow factor of buildings in inaccessible caves way down the cliff face. Instead you walk among the buildings located at the head of small ravines. Hovenweep thread
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edited 10/12/09 10:53pm by paulj *
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