1

National Park Passes

If the only two parks you intend to see are Zion and Arches, you may be better off just buying the 7 day pass at the gate of each park. You are correct that Monument Valley is a separate entity operated by the Navajo Nation.

You will pass many other national parks seeing the three parks you name. An annual pass may be a good idea if you decide to see some of them on your travels.

Enjoy your trip.

2

I agree - several extremely good national parks and national monuments between Monument Valley > Arches > Zion. And at $80.00 for the annual pass, not hugely more than the cost of just two parks, and worth it. A drive through Monument Valley costs you nothing (and is still very impressive) ... fees are involved if you wish to tour deeper into the area (with Navajo guides, etc).

3

Yes, and keep in mind that those passes cover not just National Park entry fees but also many other federal land management areas. It's just for entry, not for camping fees, etc. Still, can be a great deal.

4

An annual pass is always valid for a year, but that doesn't mean you have to use it all year long. If you're only here for two weeks, and it's worth buying, then by all means do it.

The main ones being Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and the Grand Canyon.
Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon by themselves is $75 in entrance fees. The pass is $80. If you go to any of the other parks, you save money.

5

A drive through Monument Valley costs you nothing (and is still very impressive) ... fees are involved if you wish to tour deeper into the area (with Navajo guides, etc).

Driving through on the highway is free, but to take the self-guided drive on the park road entails an entrance fee. I believe it is worth it - BUT, there isn't much more to do there besides this loop drive, unless you want to spend "real" money on a Navajo guide. This might be worth it to you as well - would be a unique experience.

Which National Parks you pass by depends on the route you take. But by any route, Byrce NP is no more than a short detour, and should not be missed. Canyonlands is particularly worthwhile as well - Island in the Sky has the sweeping views, Needles District has some of the best hiking in the area.