Monument Valley - Sept 2-4

[articulate]

Labor Day Weekend, September 2-4
Monument Valley Tour and Excursion
http://www.markdstephens.com/images/monument_valley.jpg
(see this dude's gallery (http://www.pbase.com/smhoer/southwest))
Anyone interested in this trip?
Friday Sept 1:

Camping South of Flagstaff

Saturday Sept 2:
Meeting in Flagstaff as necessary
Continuing on to Tuba City to speak with Parks and Rec.
Continue to Mon. Valley to tour during the afternoon, and locating a choice spot for evening photography. Procure guide as necessary.
Camping in the Navajo Nation, but outside of MV

Sunday Sept 3:
Tastey camp breakfast of huevos rancheros
Open. Perhaps more MV, but a "backcountry" route which will require a guide (by law); Or track back to Navao National Monument and Black Mesa; or take a long way home through Chinle and Canyon de Chelly; or head into New Mexico
Improvised camp, based on what we decide for Sunday. I'm leaning toward New Mexico.

Monday Sept 4:
Wake up at leisure
Make my weary way home


Question: Anyone done a backcountry tour of this place?

So, I'm looking for advice, a service you have used before, etc.
:1888fbbd:

So far, participants are me, my wife (Brooke), and the Wonder Runner.

Be well,
Mark

[whitethaiger]

It's been a few years that we've been over there, but at the time we were immediatly approached by people offering guide services. When we explained that we'd only do the 'regular' loop they insisted that it would be difficult to find without a guide. We took our chances....;)
Now I don't know if these guides are qualified/licensed to take you off the regular loop.

Have a great time out there!

[articulate]

...they insisted that it would be difficult to find without a guide. We took our chances....;)
Now I don't know if these guides are qualified/licensed to take you off the regular loop.

Have a great time out there!
:)

I suppose they didn't see your incredible navigation system, eh?

Well, yes, you've hit a goot point. I want to check out what the backcountry of MV has to offer - I need a guide, but I want a good one too. Not just a hack I pick up at the center.

?Alguien?

I remain on the hunt.

Mark

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark.........

I've been searching for info and it's NOT easy to find.

...and Mark!......remember..........NO BEER in the park.....or you are toast!:p

Here is a pretty good site.

http://www.monumentvalleyonline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=document&ID=4

This Desert USA website (http://www.desertusa.com/monvalley/) at least give some names of contacts.


Monument Valley

Rules & Regulations
It is the visitor's responsibility to know and obey park rules. Regulations are designed for visitors' protection and to protect natural resources.

Firewood gathering is prohibited.
Campfires are permitted only at designated campsites and fire sites.
No open fires are permitted in the campground.
Permits are required for camping, hunting, fishing or investigative projects.
The Navajo ask prior consent before photographing them or their property.
Commercial photography requires a permit from the Navajo Film and Media Commission.

Contact:
Department of Broadcast Service
P.O. Box 308
Window Rock, AZ 86515
928-871-6656; 520-871-6655

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monument Valley is administered by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, an agency of the Navajo Nation. For information write:

Navajo Parks and Recreation Department
P.O. Box 308
Window Rock, AZ 86515


Monument Valley
P.O. Box 360289
Monument Valley, UT 84536
435 727 5874



http://www.monumentvalleyonline.com/graphics/MONUMENTVALLEY_OSAMUH.JPG

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark,

Based on the info below.........

Maybe some phone calls are in order.

Not trying to tell you what to do..........just trying to help out, because I've seen how hard it is to find info on Monument Valley.


http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm



This GORP Site............ (http://gorp.away.com/gorp/location/az/monvall2.htm)

It tells what the Guides can do for you and gives other info and idea's.




OutdoorPlaces.com (http://www.outdoorplaces.com/Destination/secret/monument_valley/monument_valley.html)

"Across the highway from Goulding is the turnoff that leads to the Navajo Tribal Park. For a fee you can drive the very rough 17-mile dirt road through some of the most famous vistas in the world. Recreational vehicles and vehicles with low clearance will have a very hard time on the road, which is impassible when it rains. If you decide to brave the conditions the best time is at first light or in the late afternoon. During these times long shadows highlight the features and bring out the deep rich colors of the valley. The road will take you by the Mittens, pictured, and also past Totem Pole, a 300 feet high monolith that is less than ten feet wide in some places.

Unfortunately touring other jeep roads or hiking through the park is not allowed unless accompanied by a tour guide. There are a number of tours you can take by jeep, horseback, airplane, helicopter, or foot. The park's Visitor Center can provide you information on local tour guides that usually can be found waiting in the parking lot. A 1-1/2 tour starts at $15, and if you don't trust your vehicle or your driving skills, you're better off spending the money."

[articulate]

Excellent, Mark. Thanks.

So, perhaps locating a guide when we arrive is going to be the best thing. I'm cool with that.


If you decide to brave the conditions the best time is at first light or in the late afternoon.
It's pretty imperative to me that I'm at some good places at these times also. For the record, I do have the paperwork in-hand to submit for a backcountry permit.

Some history in the making:
Mass wasting on The Mitten, May 2006 (http://www.navajonationparks.org/images/Monument%20Valley%20PR.pdf) (it's a PDF).


Anyone interested in this trip?
Brooke and I are definately going.
I believe Mr. WonderRunner wants to come.

:arabia:

Mark

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Very Kewl Linky.............! (http://www.virtualguidebooks.com/Arizona/NavajoFourCorners/MonumentValley/MonumentValleyVC.html)



.........uses "QuickTime"


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


......Markie!

........check out what I just found!

I Wanna camp like THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://www.caldreamin.com/monument_valley.htm)

http://www.caldreamin.com/ed127270.jpg



....make it happen Dude!......I Know YOU CAN!............:tent:


..........:friday: ......oops!....nobrewonres!!!!!!!!!...:sombrero:

[articulate]

http://www.caldreamin.com/ed127270.jpg



....make it happen Dude!......I Know YOU CAN!............:tent:


..........:friday: ......oops!....nobrewonres!!!!!!!!!...:sombrero:

DUDE! Yes. Perfect. C'mon, who wouldn't want to do this?

It appears that the formation in the background is the infamous mitten. Am I sounding like a classic idiot saying, "Oh I remember this rock!"

It's possible. The question stands if this is a by-foot or by-road destination...?

The entire area is plain awesome, I'm sure we won't have any trouble finding something sweet to camp at.

Mark

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark....

I've been checking at Topozone.....'cause I don't know any better.

...and it looks like a trail going up to "Mitchell Mesa"......that may just have that same perfect view!

Also...........

Look to the right on that map and see two other possibilites that might be better.

"North Window" .............and "Artist Point"

Just north of Rain God Mesa.

Just throwin' out ideas.

Not sure if I can put the topo map in here...but I'll try.

nope......just a link


Mitchell Mesa.......... (http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36.9638&lon=-110.109&s=100&size=l&symshow=n&datum=nad83)


.

[articulate]

Mitchell Mesa appears to be a popular guide-to spot. It will be worthy going up there, but highly unlikely that we can camp there.

I need to call the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation (http://www.navajonationparks.org/) to get the real information.

Work is pretty insane - which is why I post up around here more often - I hope I can remember to call tomorrow.

:beer:

[articulate]

First meeting spot will be in Flagstaff, AZ at 8:00 am. Saturday September 2, 2006.

Chevron station somewhat off the 17 and 40:
357 W Forest Meadows St, Flagstaff, AZ
Link-a-roo (http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=chevron&near=Flagstaff,+AZ&ie=UTF8&sll=37.062500,-95.677068&sspn=23.875000,57.630033&latlng=35198056,-111650556,3496683291478793117)

CB Channel 4 is the one.

PM me for my phone number.

:088:

Mark

[articulate]

Updated the first post with a schedule

Navajo Nation Parks and Rec told me that all we need is a permit for dispersed camping, which costs a few bucks. I'm going to drop into their office in Tuba City to get face-to-face info Saturday morning.

So, the trip will likely include a diversion into New Mexico on Sunday. Or should we do Utah? I'm interested in seeing cool stuff, and driving bad roads.

:088:

Mark

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Oh Great.........Mark!

Now you are gonna have me glued to the "topo~maps"..........!:088:

...........just kidding!

Sounds great!

......as long as I can carry enough gas to keep up with you.....:truck: ............LET'S DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!:1888fbbd: .......:arabia:



DiscoverNavajo.com....... (http://www.discovernavajo.com/sub/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=59)



Here is a link to a Great Map of Navajo Land.........

NavajoCountryMap............ (http://members.cox.net/ghoddy/sm%20Map%20of%20the%20Navajo%20Nation.htm)



.

[articulate]

Valley of the Gods, Utah.

This looks like a superb place to camp on Saturday night. Superb:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/valley_of_the_gods.html


The area [Valley of the Gods] has a 17 mile dirt road (FR 242) that winds amongst the eerie formations; it is very bumpy and steep in parts...nothing to indicate that free camping is not allowed.

I need a Utah map to verify that we can get close to the San Juan River. This is getting MORE interesting by the minute.

[articulate]

One more sales pitch:
http://www.markdstephens.com/monument_valley/getting_there.jpg


Friday Sept 1:

Camping South of Flagstaff

Saturday Sept 2:
Meeting in Flagstaff as necessary
Continuing on to Tuba City to speak with Parks and Rec.
Continue to Mon. Valley to tour during the afternoon, and locating a choice spot for evening photography. Procure guide as necessary.
Camping in the Navajo Nation, but outside of MV

Sunday Sept 3:
Tastey camp breakfast of huevos rancheros
Open. Perhaps more MV, but a "backcountry" route which will require a guide (by law); Or track back to Navao National Monument and Black Mesa; or take a long way home through Chinle and Canyon de Chelly; or head into New Mexico
Improvised camp, based on what we decide for Sunday. I'm leaning toward New Mexico.

Monday Sept 4:
Wake up at leisure
Make my weary way home


Trip is open to others.....
:camping:

[seth_js]

I wanna come bad, but I'll be in Belize. I'm thinking you should postpone till I get back. :p

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark,

I'm still planning on joining you as long as my mechanic gets things squared away!


The Navajo People............. (http://www.crystalinks.com/navajos.html)




.

[articulate]

Just another bump in case you're open this weekend and in need of a trip.

If you've been listening to Led Zeppelin lately, you might enjoy this because it fits:

It's been a long time since I rock and rolled,
It's been a long time since I did the Stroll.
Ooh, let me get it back, let me get it back,
Let me get it back, baby, where I come from.
It's been a long time, been a long time,
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time. Yes it has.

:rockon:

[OverlandZJ]

Wish i could come along Mark...but not this time. I would have needed to leave....yesterday.


Myself,Son and Cowboy here have been wanting to do this area for a looooong time. There has been discussion that it may happen next year.

I hope you,Brook and SWR have a blast and i'll be looking forward to your pics as usual.


:clapsmile :camping:

[kcowyo]

Is it gonna be hot?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I like to use the Wunderground.com website.

They have so much detail and historical information. They even have local homeowners weather stats posted at their own location!



Looks like.........

Low 90's* for the HIGH'S

Low 60's* for the LOWS


Here is a link to the closest location to MV I could find.......at Page, AZ.


http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=monument+valley+utah#History





.

[articulate]

Who's doing this? :wings:

Weather: High 80s to low 60s. Bada bing.

I just went to the store for cow, chocolate, and cerveza. I've got to do my packing tonight... :friday:

See you boys there. I'm going to call each of you tomorrow to square up meet spots.

:camping:
:smiley_drive:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark.........

My truck is running very good!

Here are the Updates!............ (http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4056&page=6)

But at 4PM today............it did NOT pass the smog test!

It failed the NOX...........and I have a really good idea who needs a GOOD NOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jose is either going to get it fixed and smogged by tomorrow........or I will ask him if it's OK to just take the "SWR" on my Sept. Trips......and fix the smog NOX thingy when I get back because I can't be bothered with such trivial things!

OH!......FOOD!

I have some frozen London Broil that I could bring. I don't know how many are really showing up. But I could bring it so you can have more cow than you ever imagined!

I also have a whole fresh pack of Corn Tortillas........can you use them?

Are you bringing a "Grill" type thingy? .....all I will have is a Coleman Stove.

Coleman stove=frying pan steak.............YUK!



............OK

Maybe I should call you tomorrow and let you know how I am doing. If Jose can't get my engine probs worked out until way late........I may need some kind of an Idea of where you are planning to camp in MV on Sat. Night.


I'll have my CB Radio on.......channel 4..........with my new Wilson 1000 power puncher on my roof!......and I'll be callin' for my 4x4 buddies!


(if you see me over the road.....CB Channel ....19 )



.

[Hltoppr]

Sat. Morning at 0800...I'm gonna really try to stop by and say Hello and see ya'll off from Flag!

Just a teaser....

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/84146733-M.jpg

-H-

[articulate]

Sat. Morning at 0800...I'm gonna really try to stop by and say Hello and see ya'll off from Flag!

Just a teaser....


-H-
Very cool. We'll be glad to meet you.

:rockon:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark............

I'm all washed....waxed....loaded....tanked up.....oops I mean filled up!

Ready to leave San Diego about 5PM.

Putting me in to Flagstaff around 1am.

In the morning just give my truck a little rock~n~roll action in time for breakfast burritos and I'm good to go!


:wavey:

[articulate]

Mark............

I'm all washed....waxed....loaded....tanked up.....oops I mean filled up!

Ready to leave San Diego about 5PM.

Putting me in to Flagstaff around 1am.

In the morning just give my truck a little rock~n~roll action in time for breakfast burritos and I'm good to go!


:wavey:
I'm bringing enough of the good stuff to remain tanked each night. And extra gasoline, too. :)

See you in the morning.

:truck:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark..........

I called you about 7PM tonight.

I have electrical/charging system problems.

It's NOT just the battery.

I was able to get a jump and make it back home tonight about 10PM.....by alternator power.

If I can get it fixed by tomorrow/Sat. I will join you.

Otherwise I'm out for this trip and can only hope that these new probs can be worked out early next week so I can make my very own Colorado trip!.....dangit!

.....all I can say is...........

The 12 packs are now back in the fridge!.........:rockon:

Dangit!.....and I wanted to meet that world famous rock star Mark Stephens this weekend....finally!:elkgrin:




.




.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

If anyone talks with Mark..........

Can you let him know that I got my problem fixed.

It was a very bad battery...........must have been a bad cell.

New battery this morning..........charging system checks out OK.

I'm leaving San Diego by 1PM today......right away.

Will Call up CB Channel 4 along the 18 mile track within Valley of the Gods.....where Mark told me they would camp tonight.

I hope you are still camping there tonight Mark!

Keep your CB Radio ON!

Off I go...................:friday: