So I have one of those "milestone" birthdays coming up in June, and the Mrs & I are thinking about a special trip of my choice.

I've always wanted to see Monument Valley and the native American cliff dwellings down in the south west. From 10 mins of research, it seems to me that the best places to see that kind of stuff are:

Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Navajo National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park

I'm not going to have a huge amount of time off - say one day to travel there (poss flying from Newark to Albuquerque), two to three days looking around, one day to travel back to NJ. Realistically we're looking at doing Monument Valley and one of the three above. Does this sound plausible - looking at distances on google earth it's about 300 miles from Albuquerque to Monument Valley. Has anyone been to those places - any recommendations? Which of those three is most worth it? Have I missed anything? All sensible advice appreciated.

Albuquerque is better for Santa Fe; for your sites, you should consider Phoenix or Las Vegas, I believe.

My favorite place in that area is Bryce Canyon in Utah, followed by Zion National Park. I have yet to go to 'Arches' but that is next on my list. Monument Valley is fun to drive through. MV is close to Grand Canyon, too...

Here's some pics from a tour of the area I made in 2004:
http://www.sequoiahills.com/Pics/Wes...esternTour.htm

and more pics from that tour and others:
http://www.sequoiahills.com/Pics/Wes...ce-Details.htm

and another Arizona trip:
http://www.sequoiahills.com/Pics/USA...na-CA-2004.htm

I LOVE that area; could go there every year! The scenery, the weather, the skies, all out of this world. Let me know if I can be of more help with planning, etc.

If you do fly to AQ, you may consider a look at Santa Fe - perhaps the most attractive city in the US.

we did the same trip for my wife's birthday a couple of years back. We drove from Vegas to Grand Canyon - then Monument Valley - then Messa Verde - then pertrified forrest and we did the four corners too (cool to do but a long drive and not much there!) Monument Valley is a must - and Mesa Verde was also fantastic - getting between the two was pretty easy.

If you end up near the Grand Canyon do be sure to see Sedona. That's where my parents live and it's a beautiful town with massive red rock formations. We have gone to see several indian cliff dwellings nearby (likely smaller scale) so those options exist there too.

Have a fabulous time whatever you decide.

If you do fly to ABQ, also check up Chaco Canyon - it's on your way to Monument Valley or Mesa Verde. I'm also told that Aztec Ruins is worth a stop too, but I haven't seen it myself.

Your plan is a good one, Utah is one of the most beautiful states. All of those are worth taking the time to visit. Mesa Verde is my personal favorite.

I'd also recommend the Moab area of Utah as another possible quick trip. Within a few miles you've got:
Arches
Canyonlands
Dead Horse Point
Goblin Valley

Also worth seeing in the same general area are:
Zion which may be my favorite National Park of any I've ever been to. Amazing, amazing place.
Bryce Canyon which isn't too far behind and may be even better for hiking,
Grand Staricase/Escalante

Load of old cobblers. Hollywood walk of fame is where it's at .............................. apparently