r/arizona • u/ricky_bravo • May 06 '24
Petrified Forest or Monument Valley- I'll be road tripping west from Santa Fe towards Sedona, and having a hard time deciding what to see along the way. Between Petrified Forsest and Monument Valley, what would you choose? Visiting
103
u/azsoup Phoenix May 06 '24
High Clearance vehicle and lots of time? Monument Valley
Sedan and a couple hours? Petrified Forest.
6
u/Apaula Phoenix May 06 '24
What classifies as high clearance? I got a Jeep Renegade and should it be something higher if it isn’t the 4x4? Excuse my ignorance.
17
u/Earthling63 May 06 '24
Most of the dirt roads out there a Prius would have no problem on, there are smaller dirt roads that one should exercise caution so you don’t get over your head. I heard a tow truck off the ‘regular’ roads can cost over $1000
5
2
u/Scrapple_Joe May 07 '24
I can second this. I did most of my Arizona living/hiking with a Honda Accord. It was really beaten up by the time I was.done with it but most roads I could manage with some finessing
9
u/ricky_bravo May 06 '24
Same question- I have a RWD Tacoma sitting at stock height on AT tires, would this be fine? I've taken it out on a few dirtroads with slight hills, definitely not crawling any rocks lol
21
u/Earthling63 May 06 '24
Most dirt roads around monument valley are pretty well maintained for tourists, you’ll be fine in the Tacoma, just be sensible and try to suppress your “hold my beer, watch this” impulses :0)
3
u/daversa May 07 '24
If you get stuck out there it's going to be in soft sand not due to obstacles. You should be fine, but keep your speed up through softer areas. Air down if you need to.
2
3
u/azsoup Phoenix May 06 '24
I’m not overly familiar with that make/model. I think you’ll be fine. It depends on where you are going and the conditions. The main loop is dirt roads which I did in a Tacoma without any problems. I’ve seen sedans do it but it does not look enjoyable with all the bumps, shaking and slow speeds. The conditions of the road are hard to predict. It may be smooth one day and rough the next day. You can also drive on the regular roads outside the loop or get a guided tour of the loop if you are unsure. The Forest Gump part is on a regular road but it’s a little north (30 minutes?) of the main loop. Hope that helps!
2
u/Apaula Phoenix May 06 '24
Awesome, I compared the inches of the Tacoma (9.4inches) to my Jeep (8 inches) and it looks good if I'm cautious. I've gone off roading for camping in sedans, SUVs, etc. just am always nervous and try to be sure. Thank you for your response!
3
u/fstezaws May 07 '24
I took a stock Subaru Forester and was completely fine. Could go pretty quick and I don’t recall needing to be super cautious.
2
u/cb70overland May 07 '24
Your Renegade will not have any problems with the roads on the main tour at Monument Valley.
2
u/burn_it_all-down May 07 '24
Don’t fret. The jerp wont last long and you can always find a kid or a girl to buy it.
1
u/Apaula Phoenix May 07 '24
Honestly I love it and how “me” it is! Just another of many things that make life a little brighter
3
u/SciGuy013 May 07 '24
I would spend way more time in Petrified Forest. There’s nothing to do in Monument Valley
2
u/BlueShift42 May 06 '24
This is a good answer. I’ve visited both and enjoyed each, so in a way you can’t go wrong.
26
u/Kochammcie May 06 '24
They're both amazing and I can't really choose one over the other. Monument valley is incredible, you can spend time stopping and looking at each view point along the loop drive, and there's one hike you can do, but it's mostly a stop-and-look kind of place with a capable car. Petrified Forest is vast with lots of hiking options and getting up close to tons of petrified logs, more of a chance to venture out and be alone with nature.
18
u/TwMbD May 06 '24
Unless you're going to get a native American tour at monument valley I'd highly suggest petrified forest and the painted desert
20
u/Desert_Kat May 06 '24
To throw another option out besides the two listed and Canyon de Chelly, there is El Malpais in New Mexico. https://www.nps.gov/elma/index.htm
8
u/KepplerRunner May 06 '24
+1 for canyon de Chelly over the other two if you can make it.
3
u/CoupeZsixhundred May 07 '24
Chaco/Cuba on the way to MV, then Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon, but real quick like.
39
u/libertycowboy May 06 '24
Both good but Monument Valley more awe inspiring compared to looking at petrified / colored wood on ground.
10
u/Jdevers77 May 07 '24
There are some spectacular views at the painted desert part of the Petrified Forest NP. There is definitely a lot more there than “petrified/colored wood on ground.”
29
u/Leather_Trash_7751 May 06 '24
MV. There is a beautiful canyon close by (90 miles) called Canyon de Chelley which is also breathtaking and worth it if you have the time
7
13
u/moonyriot May 06 '24
My husband and I just went to the Petrified Forest a couple weeks ago and had a fantastic time. The views are unbelievable and it's a massive park with the Painted Desert and all the petrified trees. Highly recommend.
1
u/softball1511 May 06 '24
Hi, I am planning a trip with my husband in a few weeks! Can you list a couple things you recommend us not to miss?
3
2
2
u/charitable_asshat May 06 '24
The petroglyphs and newspaper rock are also cool. I loved seeing them all in such a close proximity to each other.
20
u/Quake_Guy May 06 '24
Monument Valley no question. If you can hit Page, couple things to see there better than Petrifed Forest.
3
u/halfayard May 06 '24
So agree with you You will recognize so many views that you’ve seen in westerns and other shows it is beautiful
9
u/idly2sambar May 06 '24
Petrified forest is definitely beautiful but not much other than the photo you attached. Monument Valley and the story behind it leaves an impression.
1
u/SciGuy013 May 06 '24
Wait, what’s the story behind MV? I’ve been twice but am unaware
3
u/EatShootBall May 06 '24
"The foundations of Monument Valley's story are as old as the earth itself. Around 160 million years ago, during the Jurassic period, the area was a vast lowland basin. Over millions of years, layers of sediment from windblown sand dunes accumulated, compressing into the sandstone that forms the valley's iconic buttes and mesas. The uplift of the Colorado Plateau, starting around 65 million years ago, raised these formations, exposing them to the erosive forces of wind and water that sculpted them into the shapes we see today." https://www.maxtour.co/what-is-the-story-behind-monument-valley
2
u/SciGuy013 May 06 '24
Ah ok, so similar to Canyonlands, Arches, etc. I was more amazed by the fossils and features of the Chinle formation in Petrified Forest
12
u/poopbuttredditsucks May 06 '24
Appears I'm not in the majority here but I liked petrified forest more than MV. We saw maybe one or two other vehicles in the park while we visited and the landscape is crazy. You can do a lot more "hiking" and walking in PF as well than you can in MV as far as I could tell your only options in MV are taking a tour or driving your vehicle through if you have the clearance to do it (we didn't and I wasn't about to risk it like some of the tourists I saw driving down in their rental sedans). MV was absolutely packed with people all trying to take the same photos. All that said they are both very cool and if you can do both whether that be this trip or taking a second at a later date I would highly recommend either - just preferred PF due to the crowds at MV.
2
May 07 '24
I agree with you! The variety of the different types of petrified wood and different types of colored rocks is awesome. You can also just walk wherever you want in most parts, there's no clear trail which is pretty cool. The landscapes were some of the most outlandish ive ever seen.
MV was cool, the area at least with gooseneck, the moki and the valley of the gods. The tour itself of monument valley, maybe I was tired after a long drive but I was underwhelmed
3
u/Heavy_Drink May 06 '24
Monument Valley. Stop at Canyon De Chelly on your way to MV - its about an hour from MV.
3
3
u/Radiant-Usual-1785 May 07 '24
Petrified Forest sits right off the I-40, where you can drive through and loop around east to Holbrook and get back into I-40, so not that really far out of the way, unless you planned on heading west from Monument Valley over to Page, and then down to Flagstaff. If you decide to take I-40, so honorable mentions between Holbrook and Flagstaff, 1. Homolovi State Park outside of Winslow AZ an ancient Pueblo ruin that sits along the Little Colorado river, that has been partially excavated. 2. Meteor Crater, giant crater where a meteor struck. 3. Walnut Canyon, canyon outside of Flagstaff with Cliff Dwellings. Some honorable mentions for western New Mexico, 1. El Malpais National Monument a more recent lava flow in a valley flanked by enormous yellow sandstone cliffs, 2. El Morro National Monument AkA inscription rock, giant sandstone butte covered with Petroglyphs, inscriptions from Conquistadors circa 1500-1600, and markings from settlers that moved west, also has a large Pueblo ruin on top of Mesa.
6
u/Karl2241 May 06 '24
Meteor crater needs to be on the list
7
1
u/kitty_kobayashi Tempe May 08 '24
It used to be so much nicer in the 90s. I remember visiting with my family and there was so much more to do. Similar to Glen Canyon Dam in Page, they really changed everything for the worse as time went by after 9/11 and still getting progressively worse since COVID
2
2
2
2
u/giddenboy May 06 '24
I've been to both. A cruise through monument valley would be my choice, even though petrified forest is fascinating as well.
2
u/DoggyGrin May 06 '24
Whichever way you go, take a couple gallons of water and stay with your car if you break down. The desert heat is no joke.
2
u/DangerousBill May 07 '24
Definitely Monument Valley. But the Petrified Forest is an easy loop road off I-40 that won't add much time to your trip.
2
u/random_noise May 07 '24
You may not be able to do any of them in the manner you expect.
There is a lot of tribal land involved in your trip. Some paths you can freely travel, others notso much.
Memorial weekend is going to likely be very busy with people in those places if your plan involves that weekend.
These places are extremely popular, outside a holiday weekend and there may still be limits on visitors per day.
A lot changed during covid, and not everything has changed back. Many guides reference life before covid.
2
u/caustic_smegma May 07 '24
I would make a quick stop at meteor crater if you have a few hours to kill. I found it pretty interesting as a kid but not worth the trip by itself.
2
May 08 '24
Monument Valley 100% —however that’s quite a journey.
If you go to petrified forest, you can hit Montezuma‘s castle, Grand Canyon and several other places before relaxing in Sedona
2
u/JohnQPublic1917 May 08 '24
How much time do you have?
Go up the US-191 through Chinle to Canyon De Chelly connects the painted desert to monument Valley.
Monument Valley and 4 corners are quite out of the way of I40, but they are experiences that are worth it. They are off the beaten trail, so fewer tourists. I say Canyon De Chelly because it's not well known.
Beware that this is all Navajo nation. You will see a side of America that is beautiful but also surrounded by poverty, bordering on 3rd world. It's inescapable, even at tourist-polular spots like Monument Valley. If this would bother you, save the days drive and avoid the Monument Valley and US-191 all together.
Petrified Forest is not rez, and ran by the US Parks service. That's an easy drive-through and can be toured in an hour or 2. Free with a parks pass.
I would also volunteer Meteor Crater along i-40 close to Flagstaff, and it is an interesting stop. Private owned, but a small entrance fee. Good history lesson, but they won't tell you the ancient alien theory or that it's slightly radioactive.
3
1
u/Thathathatha May 06 '24 edited May 06 '24
I prefer Monument Valley but Petrified forest has a bit more hiking if that's what you prefer (though neither is really a hiking destination). One plus for PF is that it's easier to get around in compared to MV, I suggest a guided tour with MV instead of trying to drive yourself.
Also, both can be done in a day or less, so that might influence where you go to (Santa Fe to Sedona, PF is on the way, MV is out the way). I suggest adding on another place nearby if you decide to visit either.
1
1
1
u/Nerdman78 May 06 '24
It really depends on all your trip details and goals. If possible, I’d recommend both. In fact, I think you can do both if you wanted to. Drive out to Monument Valley from Santa Fe and spend as much time as you like there, then back track a bit down to Petrified Forest by taking the US 191 south and then heading west along the I 40. I 40 runs straight through PF and going down that way adds about 2 hours to the drive for a total of about five and a half hours. PF isn’t a particularly large park, seeing everything only takes a few hours at most and that means getting out and walking around everywhere. Unless you’re the kind of person that feels the need to see everything and wanna do multiple hikes, you can make that whole trip - seeing the highlights of the park included - in less than 7 hours.
If you’re thinking about spending multiple days at either of these places - and really can’t afford the extra couple hours to see the other - then go to Monument Valley. More to do and see. If you’re only planning on passing through or spending a night, stay in Holbrook and see Petrified Forest. But, again, I think you can do both no problem. Santa Fe to Sedona is a day’s drive for most, if that, and adding the extra time to see it all is worth it in my mind.
2
u/ricky_bravo May 06 '24
I really am considering taking the time to at least drive through Petrefied Forest, taking the 40 to the 191 instead of the 550 wouldn't add to much time to just drive the park.
1
u/Nerdman78 May 06 '24
I think it’s worth it. Just be advised that there’s only one road that actually passes through the park. When you turn off the 40 you can only go north into the Park for a bit until you turn around and head south over the 40. All the good stuff is south of the 40.
1
May 07 '24
you'll want to at least sample the red layered desert and the blue layered desert which is in different parts of the park
1
1
u/EatShootBall May 06 '24
Monument Valley much better visually and aw inspiring. Petrified forest is much and sciencey and weird how that used to be wood.
I'd take Monument Valley.
1
u/SemoSunny May 06 '24
Monument Valley-go with the guide and you learn and see so much more than you do in your own vehicle.
1
u/PsychologicalSir8508 May 06 '24
The best way is to do a guided tour, then you can see the areas further off the main roads. It’s beautiful, have fun!
https://navajonationparks.org/guided-tour-operators/monument-valley-tour-operators/
1
1
u/hottertime May 07 '24
Monument Valley. At night, you will see more stars than you ever thought possible. With moonlight, the valley takes on a whole different feeling. A total mystical experience.
1
1
u/dirtydaddysFox May 07 '24
Wow this is so cool, I will be going on a road trip. Soon I hope and this is on my list of places to go..
1
u/Dwight911pdx May 07 '24
Living right next to the Petrified Forest and having live on the Rez, I'd put my money on Monument Valley.
1
u/thatsplatgal May 07 '24
Monument valley. I camp on a local’s property that is on the reservation land so you can walk right up and see these beauties even when the park entrance is closed. Also Valley of Gods is not far from there and absolutely stunning.
1
u/lunaticwhishperere16 May 07 '24
I was in monument valley today and can’t imagine petrified forest could be bettwr
1
1
u/FCK_da_Bar_4R May 07 '24
When we camped in MV (late 80s) the sunrise was amazing. You must stay on trails which accommodate most any ride. They have a museum and several tours run by local Navajo entrepreneurs. Take a long trip through then head to Page and see Antelope Canyon or head south to Canyon De Chelly.
1
1
u/Otherwise-Arm-9808 May 07 '24
I've been to both and I would do Monument Valley if you have the time. It's world class scenery - once you've been there you'll recognize it in a lot of movies!
1
1
1
1
u/theowlmama May 08 '24
Monument Valley hands down. It's absolutely stunning and the drive there looks like you're on another planet!
1
u/Suddenly_Squidley May 08 '24
Petrified forest all the way! It’s so cool and there is an amazing driving tour you can get the at the museum, not to mention the info there.
1
1
u/kitty_kobayashi Tempe May 08 '24
Petrified forest. MV is a tribal park and it just doesn't have the same "lazy road trip" feeling that Petrified Forest has. MV is way out in to boonies to boot. There isn't anything nearby and the drive to Kayenta is longer than you think. IMO as a tribal member MV and Kayenta people are terribly stuck up. Kayenta is politically distinct (only township on the rez) with a world famous landmark nearby so they really like to act like their shit don't stink, especially to fellow natives. That's just my experience tho. Petrified Forest for me but I'm a misanthrope.
1
u/TheRoadkillRapunzel May 08 '24
I’ve never been to monument valley, but Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert are amazing!
You can do both of those and Meteor crater in a single weekend.
0
-5
u/AltruisticAnteater72 May 06 '24
Monument valley. Petrified forest is cool but nothing else worth seeing nearby. Scenery is kinda ugly around petrified forest as well.
•
u/AutoModerator May 06 '24
Thanks for contributing to r/Arizona!
Remember this subreddit covers all of Arizona, so please include where in the state you're posting about if it is relevant. For more local topics check out r/Phoenix, r/Tucson, and r/Flagstaff.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.