I have driven (the 16.2 miles road takes either 2 hours or half a day depending on how quickly you want to go) through this magnificent mini Monument Valley a few times and camped once and I cannot heap enough praise on this enchanting place. Obviously, the best time to visit is at sunrise when the valley is bathed in that red desert light but honestly, anytime is amazing. But I will admit with a brag, I have seen the full moon set behind Cedar Mesa as the sun rose behind Sleeping Ute Mountain in the last days of the year and it was so cold it was getting hard to change settings on my camera even with gloves on my fingers. I believe the windchill was below zero. 100% worth it. If I have any goal for this site, besides to help fellow adventurers to know what to expect, it’s to get people to realize some of the greatest things in life happen when you’re outside of your comfort zone.

This drive can be done with any vehicle but I always have a great time romping through the gravel roads with my 4WD on. I will admit, I have come inches from the edge of some minor drop offs while tearing through the area… Also, there are countless areas to camp and spend the evening. No matter which way you enter the Valley of the Gods road from, you will find an awesome spot to spend the evening. No facilities, thankfully, so bring your shovel and carry out your trash.

It doesn’t matter in which direction you look though, the valley is godly in all compass points during sunrise.

But lest you forget about that glorious sunset time… here are some incentives for you to witness that wonderfully colorful moment in the southwest.

No matter what time of day you visit though, it’s amazing.

Some film shots are below.