Santa Fe to Monument Valley

[Charlie's girl]

My husband and I are making a 16 day circle trip to Arizona and New Mexico next month. We plan to drive from santa Fe to Monument Valley ( gouldings Lodge). On Map quest, that appears roughly 7 hours. Does that sound right ? Are the roads good ? Is there scenery ? Too much in 1 day? I would like to get there before sunset, and we wish to stop in 4 Corners Monument. Thanks for any advice !

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the R.T.A. forums.

It's certainly Ok to travel that distance in a day and have time to stand in all four States at one time at Four corners. The roads are fine and 7 hours isn't far from the mark for travel time. With 16 days and not knowing the rest of your itinerary it's difficult to make any other comments, but if you were to take more time you will be close to Mesa Verde NP which is worth considering.

If you have any questions regarding the rest of your trip or would like to post your itinerary for comments feel free to do so.

[Lifemagician]

but if you were to take more time you will be close to Mesa Verde NP which is worth considering.

I would go so far as to say..... not to be missed. So much history.

Take the opportunity to read up a little about it beforehand and you will appreciate it all the more, and come to realise that no amount of time spent there is 'enough'.

Just remembered, the AAA have an excellent map of this area, which takes in northern Arizona and New Mexico and southern Utah and Colorado - all the points of interest and parks. From memory, I think it was called 'Indian Country'.

[Charlie's girl]

thank you for your advice. We had visited mesa Verde on a previous trip and it inspired this one. Our plan : Phoenix,2 nights, Tucson 1, Katchner caverns/Tombstone 1, white sands NM 1, Albuquerque 1, Santa Fe 2, Monument valley 1, canyon de Chelly 2, petrified forest area 1,Grand canyon 2, Sedona 1 ,Phoenix 1 and home. i would have loved to include Carlsbad but it seems to be too much driving and we would have had to skip the tram at sandia's Peak. Would welcome any feedback.

[howard]

i would have loved to include Carlsbad but it seems to be too much driving and we would have had to skip the tram at sandia's Peak.

Uh-oh. I’m sorry to tell you this, Charlie’s girl, but the Sandia Peak Tramway will be closed for maintenance March 30th through April 24th.

[Southwest Dave]

You have a nice relaxed schedule in place. Shame about the Tramway, but a good spot by Howard.

petrified forest area 1,.

Do you fancy a night in a cosy Wig Wam ?
It's just along the road from Petrified forest in Holbrook.

If you have the time when in the Sedona area you might want to check out Red Rock state park.

[Charlie's girl]

guess I should have mentioned our trip begins April 24 ! thanks again for your feedback !

[Charlie's girl]

Will it be advisable to attempt the 17 mile drive in a rented camry ? If not, any tour you'd recommend ? Unfortunately I can get motion sick on a merry-go-around, I fear being being trapped on a tour. thanks again-I love this web site !

[Southwest Dave]

Many people take this popular dirt road drive by car with no problems, although I would presume that your rental company would see this as off road and if this was the case you wouldn't be covered by your agreement if there was any type of incident.

There are many,many jeep tours that are waiting to take you [and your money] around the route though.