Monument Valley: anything without a guide?

[jsm335]

Hello!
I'm hoping to find some info about Monument Valley (or other spectacular Navajo/Hopi Res) hikes, perhaps something little known. The idea of paying $90 each for my wife and I to hike with a guide sounds unappealing to say the least. I've heard a tiny bit about Wildcat Trail, which allegedly goes around one of the Mittens. I'd love to find an overnight option, if possible. Does anyone know if arrangements can be made with the tribe to do such a thing? If not, a great day hike would be good enough. Any info would help.
We'll be there mid/late March.
Thanks!

[PaleoRob]

I think since its a tribal park the usual reservation rules aren't applicable. You need a guide for anything in the park, except for that wildcat trail. Hopi Rez, AFAIK, there are no real overnight hikes possible, and any hiking at all there requires a guide licensed by the tribe. Elsewhere on the Navajo reservation, though, all you'd need would be a hiking permit and (if you're camping) a camping permit. There's Rainbow Bridge, some stuff around Black Mesa, Painted Desert, Echo Cliffs, Chuskas, all sorts of stuff around. Tsegi Canyon and its tributaries are closed to hikers, as are the Navajo Canyon tributaries. Anywhere else is open, provided you're not walking across someone's homestead or something that's marked No Trespassing. Check out the Navajo National Department of Parks and Natural Resources webpage for more info on hiking options and fees.

[hikeaz]

PageRob lives and breathes that area, so he's bound to have sage advice.

One of my favorites is Mystery Canyon (Valley), near MV. (guided is about the only option - I might recommend Bill Crawley ) Hunt's Mesa also comes to mind.
There is a dirt road that circumnavigates MV - access to it is included in your entrance fee. A high clearance vehicle is best. There are short hike options from various stopping points along this road, but, as far as I know, that's about it, sans guide.
There are other roads in MV that are closed to the self-guided tourist, but are accessible to the fee-paying tourist as part of a guided tour.
There are several hogans that are available as a RUDIMENTARY B&B around the MV area- some are on the internet, but most are not - if you ask around at the Monument you will be able to find accommodations - the host(s) can often arrange tours/overnights within MV as part of your stay and it will likely be substantially less that if you merely arrive @ the Monument asking for a tour.
Many of these folks who run the Hogan B&B's do not have phones, so ya gotta 'go-with-the-flow' and be patient - something that we ALL can learn from the Navajo.
Years ago, Don Donnelly used to run some overnight horseback trips up on the mesas within MV - there might be a faint hope there, too.
Another horseback outfitter is Oljato Trading Post & Museum/Navajo Country Guided Trail Rides - (435) 727-3390.

Another nearby option is Canyon de Chelly. It is accessible by 4x4, and overnight tours/campouts can be arranged through Canyon de Chelly NM Hdq..

If you are on a budget (think FREE!)- there is a backpack into Keet Seel that is about 9 mi. one-way - Keet Seel is a nice ruin - one of the best preserved ones in the SW. generally, they don't open until May, but try calling Navajo National Monument and I'll bet that you can convince one of the employees to make an exception for your March time-frame. Again, remember the go-with-the-flow thing - that's key.

kurt

[PaleoRob]

Right. NNM is really beautiful. During the winter they are offering weekend-only, dayhke-only trips to Keet Seel and Betatakin. Their number is 928-672-2700.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

I was introduced to an alternate view of Monument Valley from the extreme eastern end via San Juan County Road 425 that heads in a southerly direction off US163 as you loop north and then east from the Visitor Center. We had picked up our $5 permits from Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and were off on our trek to Chinle Wash/Comb Ridge to explore Poncho House viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4067

This is certainly a seldom seen view of Monument Valley and no guide required (ok, so PageRob was really our guide... ).

[fairweather8588]

Valley of the Gods, just a little ways north in Utah, is also worth looking into. Similar to Monument Valley, and it's on BLM land so you're free to explore