Now you’ll be able to discover the majestic Monument Valley in Northern Arizona on the seat of your bicycle! This amazingly scenic one-day bike trip will transport you throughout 17 miles of dust roads, towering mesas, lovely buttes and inspirational spires shaped over the millennia out of sand and stone.
Watch the video on this web page and comply with alongside as Darren Alff (the Bicycle Touring Professional) rides his bicycle throughout Monument Valley in Northern Arizona. Then use the data beneath to start out planning your individual bike trip via scenic Monument Valley.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: It seems that you’re now not allowed to cycle via Monument Valley. Primarily based on numerous stories from my Bicycle Touring Professional readers, officers in Monument Valley are now not permitting people to discover the loop highway by bike. 😞
The place is Monument Valley?
Monument Valley is situated in Northern Arizona in the USA of America – close to the border of Arizona and Utah. Whereas Monument Valley might be seen from public freeway 163, one of the best ways to see Monument Valley up-close is to take a tour of the Park itself – and this requires paying a charge to enter the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (which is owned and operated by the Navajo folks, not the US authorities).
How do you get to Monument Valley?
If you happen to’re coming from Arizona, journey north on freeway 163 till you method the border of Arizona and Utah. Simply after crossing the border there will probably be a flip off with a big signal welcoming you to Monument Valley. Flip proper and journey for 3.2 miles down Monument Valley Street to the toll sales space, the place you’ll be requested to pay a charge to enter the Park.
If you happen to’re coming from Utah, you’ll need to journey south on freeway 163 till simply earlier than you cross the border between Utah and Arizona. Earlier than reaching the border you’ll start to see Monument Valley off within the distance. You could acknowledge the highway that Forrest Gump stood on as he give up his cross-country run throughout America as you get nearer to the Park. Flip left of Monument Valley Street after which drive 3.2 miles down the highway to the toll sales space, the place you’ll be requested to pay a charge to enter the Park. If you happen to drive down freeway 163 and discover that you just’ve crossed the border into Arizona, you’ve gone too far! Flip round and drive again to Monument Valley Street and make a proper towards the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
How a lot is the Monument Valley entrance charge?
Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park and isn’t related in any approach with the US Nationwide Park system. Due to this fact, Nationwide Park passes is not going to be accepted. For entry to the loop highway via Monument Valley, a charge of $20 USD per automotive is required. This contains as much as 4 passengers, with every further individual being charged $10 USD further.
Are bicycles allowed in Monument Valley?
Sure, bicycles are allowed on the principle 17-mile loop highway in Monument Valley, however using a motorbike shouldn’t be extraordinarily frequent contained in the park. Don’t be stunned in case you are the one individual on a bicycle.
Most individuals who go to Monument Valley discover the park of their automotive. An all-wheel drive or 4×4 car is beneficial, because the highway is all dust and might be extraordinarily bumpy and/or sandy in some sections. RVs aren’t allowed previous the Monument Valley parking zone.
If you happen to don’t have a car that’s able to driving the 17-mile loop round Monument Valley, then it’s possible you’ll take into account signing up for a Monument Valley jeep tour. This is without doubt one of the hottest methods to see the Park!
If you happen to plan to trip a bicycle via Monument Valley, be certain you may have a mountain bike. The fatter your tires, the higher – as highway are tough and very sandy in some sections. A highway bike shouldn’t be beneficial for a motorbike tour via Monument Valley.
Additionally word that the winds in Monument Valley might be fairly excessive. If you happen to’re fortunate to journey to Monument Valley on a transparent day, you’ll be able to bike throughout the Valley with no points by any means. But when the wind is blowing there will probably be numerous sand and dust within the air, which is able to get into your eyes, ears, mouth and nostril. You should definitely put on an excellent pair of sun shades on the very least, pack a jacket in case of chilly climate, and if the wind is blowing, take into account touring the park in your automotive as an alternative. The #1 cause most individuals don’t discover Monument Valley by bicycle is due to the cruel winds that may whip via the world. Watch out… and have enjoyable!
How lengthy is the Monument Valley bike tour?
If you happen to selected to take part in a guided tour of Monument Valley, there are a number of totally different routes you’ll be able to take via the Park. Nonetheless, in the event you selected to journey via Monument Valley on a bicycle, there’s actually solely on foremost path to take: a 17-mile loop that takes you previous probably the most iconic areas contained in the Park.
Please word that you’re not permitted to deviate from the loop drive and not using a native information current and biking off the principle highway shouldn’t be permitted.
If you happen to selected to drive the 17-mile loop, this may be finished in as little as 30-40 minutes, however most individuals spend 1-2 hours finishing the loop to allow them to cease, get out of their automotive and benefit from the surroundings.
If you happen to plan to trip your bicycle via Monument Valley, plan on spending at the least 2-3 hours contained in the Park. Like those who drive via the Park in a automotive, you’re going to need to cease alongside the best way and benefit from the areas you might be passing via.
What are you able to anticipate to see in Monument Valley?
Monument Valley is maybe probably the most well-known instance of the basic American West panorama. Massive mesas, towering buttes and sky-bound spires dominate the skyline contained in the Park. These large stone formations are the principle attraction contained in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
Monument Valley additionally has vast a assortment of vegetation together with, Juniper timber, yucca, Russian thistle (Tumbleweed) and Navajo Tea to call a couple of. A lot of the vegetation continues to be utilized by the Navajos for medicinal functions, and as dyes for his or her world well-known hand-woven rugs (which can be found for buy within the close by Monument Valley Navajo Market).
Extra Info:
Whereas biking has but to turn out to be mainstream contained in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, this scenic panorama on the border of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah is without doubt one of the finest places within the continental United States for a memorable 1-day bike trip. Be careful for the wind… and benefit from the views!
For extra data on visiting Monument Valley, please see the official web site at: www.navajonationparks.org