docfitch
Pinon Hills, CA, USA
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Joined: 10/13/2003
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How rough is the road through the main part of the park? Is it too rough for a non four wheel pickup with camper? We plan to visit June 2010.
2003 Dodge 2500 Quadcab Hemi, 5 sp. auto.,3.73 with Firestone airbags
1993 Elkhorn 9TS Camper
1982 CJ5 occasional toad
Remember ... no matter where you go, there you are!
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arizonadesertbrat
Where ever the pipeline leads
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Joined: 08/20/2008
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The roads that are authorized for the self guided tours are fine for your truck. As a matter of fact, we were there in May and saw cars making the tour. BTW, it is a most enjoyable trip, take your camera and take lots of pics.
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aeohio
New Mexico
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Joined: 09/20/2007
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We were there 4 years ago, I do not recall the road being paved but we pulled a pup with an explorer through with no issues. I do not think you would have any issues but its been 4 years.
2010 Passport UL 290BH
2006 Ford Expedition Limited
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Howard T
Honolulu, HI; on the road, exploring
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Joined: 07/24/2003
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We were there earlier this year and you can see we have the same trucks. Everything was fine. I didn't even offload the motorcycle from the truck bed. No problems. Talking about this makes me want to be back there again.
Lei & Howard
Hale Huaka'i
"The Traveling House"
2004 Keystone Cougar 29RLS
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Hemi 5.7
1999 Honda Shadow ACE 750
Where's Lei & Howard?
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johnna
Southwest, Utah
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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The self guided tour road covers only a small part of Monument Valley. I suggest that you consider at least a 1/2 day guided tour. The full day tour would be better.
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2004 Ford 350 Super Duty 2W Dirve Long Bed PU
2008 327RLT Montana Mountaineer 35 ft. 5th wheel
2005 Alaska and other Trip Logs
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bobcouch
Southeast Texas
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Joined: 12/01/2008
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We were there last summer. The "road" on the self-guided loop was rough enough that the wife was worried about our 3/4 ton pickup.
Then we saw a German family in a class C Cruise America rental coming back out, and a Navajo family in a Hyundai sedan driving it at 45-50 mph.
I would also recommend the guided tour and/or the Mystery Valley tour. Mystery Valley is only avaiable with a Navajo guide.
Bob and Honey Couch
Miniature dachshunds Tinker and Dusty
2008 Keystone Everest
2007 Dodge MegaCab w/ 5.9 Cummins
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hwybnb
Southern California
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Joined: 05/02/2001
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We were there about two weeks ago. The public road is one of the worst, no, it is THE worst that I have been on anywhere including the Alaska and Africa. It is unpaved and very rough. That does not mean you should not do it. It is passable in any kind of truck or car - you will just need to take it easy. If there has been significant amounts of rain in the 48 hours before your visit check with the Navajos at the Visitor Center before heading out.
The public road forms a big loop and is about 16 miles all told, most of it one way. You get to see all of the major formations and landmarks from it but as johnna posted you can see more if you take a guided tour. You can sign on for short or long group tours at Gouldings, or you can hire a guide for a private tour at the Visitor Center.
The only campground there is Gouldings. It is nice but expensive. There is a Tribal camp ground next to the Visitor Center. To call it "primitive" is a major understatement. There are no hookups but the views are spectacular.
The whole place is spectacular. Do not miss it just because the road is bad.
BTW, it is a Navajo Nation park, not a United States park. There is an admission charge of $5 per person. Your US park pass, if you have one, is no good there.
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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IMO the guided tours are the only way to go. We liked the indians with Jeeps at the visitor center. We got a great tour at a reasonable cost. Lasted hours, and no, you would not be taking a car where we went. Also visiting "driver" gets to see more, as he isn't driving!
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded)
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories.
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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I agree! The road that you can drive yourself is/can be pretty rough. BUT mor importantly - it only takes you through a small part of the Valley - it definitely NOT the major part of the valley. Take at least the 1/2 day guided tour and get a real feel/taste of this 'monumental' place!
John
Colorado Cruiser
Cruiser CF29CK 5th wheel; 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2wd, short bed
wonderful lifetime traveling companion/spouse
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kirkj55
Nor Cal
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I was there a couple years back, stayed at Gouldings , took a 1/2 day tour with a Navajo , the tour was in the back of a chevy pickup with the bed removed and benches installed, it was a rough ride at times especially for those in the rear seats (airborne) but still worth it. The next day I took my own self guided tour and went a little slower so the roads were fine.
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