Which do you consider more spectacular - Grand Canyon or Monument Valley? (Kayenta: gated, live)

[ottawop]

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

[ottawop]

The Grand Canyon is spectacular, but the vista is generally not a 360 degree view and the view is also generally downward into a hole, whereas Monument Valley is a 360 panoramic view of stunning physical geography with a view that goes much further (as far as the eye can see usually). The spectacular formations are also set against the backdrop of the sky.

That's why I don't get why the Grand Canyon gets so much attention whereas so many people outside the Southwest USA don't even know about Monument Valley. Totally undersold in my mind! What do you think???

[rich67]

I visited Monument Valley back in 2012, and was not completely impressed. Yes, it is expansive and beautiful. Does it prompt you to feel overwhelmed and in awe? Not really. The Grand Canyon does that to all who visit it the first time. It seems to do that to me each time I walk up to the rim. I could sit at the edge all day and stare into the canyon and not be bored for one second.
I even felt more impressed while driving and walking through Arches NP in Moab, especially hiking through Wall Street and up to the Delicate Arch. Monument Valley is a great place to drive through as you pass by; not a destination in it's own right. That's my opinion.
A lot of people say that the crowds at the South Rim detract from the enjoyment. I'd have to agree to an extent, but there are plenty of other viewpoints that are most of time free of crowds. And if you REALLY want to get away, hit the North Rim instead. I'll be spending 3 days on the North Rim later this year.
It's all a matter of opinion anyway, but I say the Grand Canyon offers more awe-inspiring views and scenery. Monument Valley is interesting and is classic desert scenery (minus the Saguaros..lol), but it elicits more of a "huh, that's cool" response rather than a "OMG" response.

[6.7traveler]

The Grand Canyon wins hands down.... No comparison at all. With that said to truly see the Grand Canyon one has to hike or ride to the bottom. 360 degree views all around that monument valley can not compare to. Standing on the top with the hordes of tourists does not count.

[motormaker]

Having been to both places several times, IMO, there is no way you can compare them. They are both magnificent.

[magnum0417]

I've been to both and no disrespect to Monument Valley, but Grand Canyon wins hands down.

My issues with Monument Valley were that you are relegated to the Visitors Center after paying $5/person to the Natives (very reasonable price). I wasn't willing to beat the heck out of my truck driving on a washboard dirt road for 17 miles to get a closer look at the red buttes that comprise MV. My wife and I basically were overlooking MV from the visitors center taking some pics and that was it ! I actually enjoyed Gooseneck State Park 30 miles north near Mexican Hat,UT even more. I found Mexican Hat way better to stay at than Kayenta,AZ. The red rocks and the fact that they serve alcohol being just north of the Navajo Res.

[tsmw47]

Different kinds of spectacular so hard to compare. But I must say North Rim of the Canyon was amazing! We were there just before it closed for the season, so not crowded, and I am hooked can't wait to return! But a long way from NC...rats.

[jamies]

It's like asking which is more spectacular - Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea.

I'd have to say there isn't much more spectacular than the GC. Especially getting to enjoy lunch at a window table in the Tovar Lodge. That ought to be on everyone's "bucket list."

I like Monument Valley, but it's just different.

[The Venerable Bede]

Good Lord, I don't think there is any comparison. I live within an easy drive of both. I visit the Grand Canyon maybe six times per year. I've gone to Monument Valley once in my adult life.

[tsmw47]

North Rim: wonderful first class dinner at the lodge watching sunset.....priceless! Almost afraid to do again how do you replicate perfection?