Which do you consider more spectacular - Grand Canyon or Monument Valley?

[chazk14]

monument valley is beautiful but walking up on the grand canyon its just shock and awe. i was speechless when i saw it for my 1st time.

[saccalgal]

I don't think the two can even be compared to each other. Both are stunning for very different reasons. If you want beauty and solitude, Monument Valley. The Grand Canyon never disappoints, but even when hiking you will see endless people. Stunning and little-traveled...Valley of the Gods, UT.

[tsmw47]

Originally Posted by CinSonic

monument valley is beautiful but walking up on the grand canyon its just shock and awe. i was speechless when i saw it for my 1st time.

I had the same feeling, Whoa! Pictures, videos just can't convey the immensity and beauty of this place. Even with the crush of people on the South Rim it was magnificent but the North Rim was a soul moving experience. Whatever your beliefs it will touch you and stay with you.

[Scottay]

GC by far. Monument Valley is a joke except at sunset. Sedona is more scenic and inspiring than MV as is Bryce, Zion and Havasupai.

[WCArch]

Both are unique in their own special ways. but, the Grand Canyon wins, and it isnt even close. The pure size, scale, depth, and serenity of the Canyon is just mindblowing. I camp on the North Rim for a week every two summers, and it is one of my favorite things to do. I have also been to Monument Valley many times, and it is spectacular. But there is nothing like watching the shadows creep across the canyon while monsoon clouds put on an incredible light show during a brilliant sunset, all while sitting on a ledge at the edge of a thick spruce/fir/aspen forest. That is life at best.

[tsmw47]

Originally Posted by WCArch

Both are unique in their own special ways. but, the Grand Canyon wins, and it isnt even close. The pure size, scale, depth, and serenity of the Canyon is just mindblowing. I camp on the North Rim for a week every two summers, and it is one of my favorite things to do. I have also been to Monument Valley many times, and it is spectacular. But there is nothing like watching the shadows creep across the canyon while monsoon clouds put on an incredible light show during a brilliant sunset, all while sitting on a ledge at the edge of a thick spruce/fir/aspen forest. That is life at best.

Well said! It is a place that gives one pause to ponder the beauty of the natural world. Made me so grateful it was spared development and is available for all to enjoy. Our National Parks need to supported they are truly America's Best Idea

[greenehaven]

Actualy, farther up river from GC above the Lake Powell dam is Glen Canyou which is the MOST SPECTACULAR ! Must take the 1day cruse ship from Wehwap to Rainbow Bridge National Monument out of Page AZ.

[KiwiKate]

I am in awe of both places. I find them both to be soul-stirring and spiritual. I've been to the South Rim of CG three times and MV only once. Will visit the North Rim in early summer with my family and plan to head back into UT to visit some of the other natural wonders later in the year. And I agree, I'm always surprised when people say they've never heard of Monument Valley. So humbling, so spectacular.

[cjs123]

I wanted to go to Monument Valley the last time I was at the Grand Canyon but the flight/tour didn't pan out, so I've never seen Monument Valley but hope to one day. My hunch is the two places are so different they are incomparable, but I couldn't say first hand.

Went to the Grand Canyon for the first time April 2013, then again in November and squeezed in a third trip this January. That will probably be it for a long time and I am so glad I went. January was so peaceful it was almost surreal; mild weather during my stay and there were a couple of times I was the only person on the shuttle. Mid-April and mid-November were not crowded, since it those times were before and after the peak season (and after the spring breakers in late March/early April). I stayed in Tusayan the first time and in the park the last two trips and loved just being there.

I like sitting out at Yaki Point and watching the sunset, twilight and moonrise. The shuttles come by up to one hour after sunset so if sunset and moonrise are within an hour of each other you have time to see both. Watching a full moon rise over the canyon is wonderful, along with the colors in the western sky. People come and go, and in between there is stillness (though maybe not so much in summertime).