Handlebars said:
So what did you guys think of Valley of the Gods? Compared to other places to see around there I was "whelmed" by it. Maybe I just prefer sandstone to mudstone?
Free entrance, free camping, Interesting rock formations, and there is some solitude, it was a holiday weekend and only a couple camp sites were occupied and there were only a few other visitors on the road. So it has it's charms.
In a way, it was simular to Monument Valley for me, even though not quite as big or famous, or nearly as crowded. For a relatively short drive, It is still very much worth a quick look around at least once. It's been on my mind ever since I noticed the turn off for it too late during that first trip, now It's off the wish list, having been there and done that.
My friend on the other hand said he would like to bring his family down and that the valley would fit in perfectly with some camping and mild exploring with his wife and kids during a long weekend or family vacation.
This may need to be confirmed but the Valley is described on one website;
"Edward Abbey derided this as the creation of the Chamber of Commerce, but it's an interesting area to drive, assuming you have good shocks on your car. I recall only one place that a passenger car might have any problem. As you have probably already guessed, the buttes and spires of the Valley of the Gods are erosional remnants of Halgaito Shale."
http://www.fourcornerssw.com/us_163_west.html
The following clarifies the geology
"Cedar Mesa Sandstone forms the vertical cliffs around Cedar Mesa toward the northwest and the erosional remnants and scenic pillars and columns above red Halgaito Shale in Valley of the Gods to the north."
http://www.utahgeology.com/roadguides.php?hw=goosenecks
I thought the tops and spires were sandstone.
