Monument Valley - Drive only loop on your own or pay for tour?

[Laramie]

Going to be able to see Monument Valley for about half a day on my honeymoon. From the reading, you can drive the loop yourself but only ON the loop.

Most of the tour websites say they take you on the "off-limits" parts of the park.

Are they worth it from a photographic standpoint? This will be my first time there, so I'll be pretty happy with just getting shots of just about anything.

[Laramie]

Anybody...Bueller???

[hawkeye60]

My advice is to pay for the off road tour.

[flyfisher]

It all depends what you are looking for you some of the tours take you to some of the same places that the auto road takes you to. When we were ther we did both and found tthat he off raod tour was well worth the cost.

[nicksan]

I was there a few years ago and would also recommend the tour.
Gets really dusty when they are driving on the roads with the red dirt so be sure to protect your gear! (I had a P&S with me so I didn't give a crap:D)

Not to gross you out, but I blew my nose afterwards and it was red.:lol:

[mleone]

I drove myself. But it is super dusty. Red sand every place you can think of.

[Becca]

I think you get to go to a few more places on the guided tour, but I liked doing the driving myself so I could stop and get out whenever I wanted to.

[Laramie]

I think you get to go to a few more places on the guided tour, but I liked doing the driving myself so I could stop and get out whenever I wanted to.

I believe this is what I'm leaning towards. I like the idea of taking the tour. But the dusty conditions worry me and driving myself I'll better be able to protect my gear as well as stop wherever we want.

[squirl033]

the tour vehicles are pickup trucks with seats in the back and canvas canopies, open on all sides. the dust is incredible. if you take the tour, i would strongly recommend keeping your camera in some kind of protective cover, otherwise you'll get dust everywhere. it's so fine it will get into the focus ring of your lens, in the switches on the body... i have a camera rain cover that works wonderfully for keeping my camera and lens pretty much protected from that kind of thing... you can get one here (http://fotosharp.com/camera_rain_covers.html).

i was there in June, and drove myself... got to spend more time at the spots i wanted, and stop where i wanted, and got some fabulous photos, so for me it was worth it, even though i didn't get back into the "restricted area". from the photos i've seen, IMHO the best scenery is in the main part of the valley, accessible to anyone.

[bryanj87]

For just half a day, I'd say do the drive yourself. I had about that much time and was able to get some great shots. If possible, try to get there to catch the early or late light. If you had a full day or two, take a guided tour as well. I wish I did after seeing some photos of the areas you need a guide for.

[socalrailfan]

Any updates on this trip? I'm interested in info myself.

[Laramie]

Any updates on this trip? I'm interested in info myself.

I'm leaving a week from today. I will update the thread with pics and info. Can't wait to go.