This is one of the most impressive and scenic locations in the world, in my opinion. I'd put it on my "must see" list along with Paris, Beijing, and Hawaii. It's very distinctive and breathtaking, and unlike many other top sights it is also affordable and safe. Just be prepared for extreme heat in the Summer.

I had been to the outside, but never inside Monument Valley. Finally, got to go and I was so thrilled to be there. There is a serene feeling when you are there. We got there a little late in the day. Did get to see it at sunset. The roads are terrible, couldn't pave it, would take away from the natural beauty. You would wait for John Wayne to ride up around the corner. The gift shop is closed right now. I would go back anytime. It is a sight to see. By pass the Petrified Forest in Az.

My boyfriend and I where coming from Cayonlands National Park and we had to stop by Monument Valley. We stayed at the Mexican Hat hotel- $75 a night nice clean hotel. Our experience in this area in Monument Valley was just awesome seeing finally the rock formations of this valley was just beutiful. I will defenetaly recommend this place to everyone.

We spent two days in the Monument Valley area.
The landscape is just amazing.
On the first day we got in late so we just spent some time around Kayenta. Not much to do in this tiny town, so we went to sleep early so that we could catch the sunrise the next day.
Unlike Grand Canyon (south rim), we were two of 4 people out there before the sun came up behind the mittens.
The best time to view the amazing colors are either in the morning or the evening. From a photographer's perspective, you may get decent pics even in the afternoon, but nothing like the mornings and evenings.
We spent the morning doing the 17 mile loop It took about 2.5 hours.
That evening we took a Navajo Indian guided tour of the valley. In addition to the 17 mile loop he also showed us a few things in the restricted areas. Definitely something I'd recommend for anyone on the fence w.r.t. taking one of these guided tours.
If you just want to see the views and not spend time here:
1. Get to MV by late afternoon. Do the Navajo Indian guided tour.
2. Spend the evening and night in Kayenta (or Gouldings for a few more $$$)
3. Check out the sunrise the next day.
4. Do the 17 mile loop on your own
And that's it! 24 hours and you'd have seen the east facing and west facing buttes and cliffs and the sunrise and sunset!