monument valley without tour

Red Around the World

Your friendly guide to national parks, road trips, and all things outdoors.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Monument Valley Without A Tour

Table of Contents

There are affiliate links in here.  I get a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’ve seen Monument Valley .  You know what Monument Valley is.  It’s probably one of the top things on a lot of people’s USA bucket list .  And you probably want to visit too . 

Well, good news!  It’s easy to visit and I’m going to make it even easier with this guide to visiting Monument Valley without a tour.  Don’t worry though, I’ll still tell you a little bit about the tours, too.

Travel Services I Recommend: AllTrails – This is my favorite hike tracking app. America the Beautiful – The national park pass is essential. Booking.com – This is great for finding and booking hotels. Get Your Guide – I recommend Get Your Guide for booking tours. National Park Obsessed – This is the best national park planner. Skyscanner – Skyscanner is great for finding and booking flights. Enterprise – This is my rental car recommendation. See all my resources here.

Where is Monument Valley

Visiting Monument Valley is best done on a road trip because it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere on the border of southeast Utah and Arizona.  It’s located on Navajo land on US Route 163. 

I’ve included maps with directions from three places that you will likely be coming from to get to Monument Valley.  Of course, people visit Monument Valley from all over, but these are three common road trip stops in the area. 

This is a great stop for a Trail of the Ancients road trip . It also makes a great day trip from Page and nearby Blanding .

How much is Monument Valley

The entrance fee for Monument Valley is $20 per vehicle and a national park pass will  not  work here since it isn’t a national park.  It’s a Navajo Tribal Park and operates under a different system.

When to visit Monument Valley

Personally, I think fall is the best time to visit.  The weather is pretty much perfect and it’s a little less busy than mid-summer.  But really, there isn’t a bad time to go unless you really, really hate super hot weather.

The temperatures will be really nice in the spring, usually in the 60’s or low 70’s.  Spring can get pretty windy though, usually April and May, but it’s not every day.

Expect temperatures to be in the high nineties and low hundreds in June, July, and August.  In late summer you can expect a little more rain, but it’s still nothing to cancel a trip over. 

August, September, and October get the most precipitation.  This will be the busiest time.

My favorite time to go, the temperatures are usually in the 70’s and 80’s, depending on how early/late you visit. 

It’s not usually super windy in the fall (it was the first time I went in October) but the second time (also October) it was perfect.  Rain is more likely in the fall like I mentioned above.

The coldest time to go, but also probably the least busy and most likely to see it with a little snow, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for it.

Monument Valley Hours

Visitor center hours.

Peak Season (May 1 – Sept 30) 6:00am – 8:00pm Off Season (Oct 1 – Apr 30) 8:00am – 5:00pm

Peak Season (May 1-Sept 30) 6:00am – 8:30pm Off Season (Oct 1 – Apr 30) 8:00am – 4:30pm

You can stay in the park after closing hours, you just have to be in the park by this time.  And I would recommend staying for sunset if you weren’t there in time for sunrise.  Just make sure you get into the visitor center before it closes.

How long do you need in Monument Valley

If you’re not terribly concerned about seeing sunrise or sunset, one day is fine.  If you’re planning to stay the night, an afternoon and a morning should be plenty of time unless you’re doing a tour, too. 

If you’re driving yourself and just doing the hike and stops, 5-6 hours should be plenty of time.

Self-driving Monument Valley

This is what you’re here for, right?  The scenic drive is a 17 mile loop taking you through the park to all of the scenic spots. 

There are 11 buttes to see along the drive  You’ll be up close to a few and further from others.  My personal favorites view-wise are the mittens and the view from Artist Point Overlook.

The drive is a dirt road, but 4 wheel-drive/high clearance isn’t necessary.  The only time it might be is if it’s been really rainy. 

It is a rocky, uneven road but it can be done in a regular car.  My friend and I did the drive in his Honda Civic last time and I took a Ford Escape the first time.

You’ll just have to drive pretty slow, but traffic doesn’t move fast anyways because people are stopping a lot and looking all over.  I would just make sure, if you’re renting a car, that you can take it on dirt roads.

You don’t need any permits to drive yourself in Monument Valley, you just need to pay the entrance fee.  It’s kind of a lawless road. 

People are all over and park all over, but they still stay on the right sides of the road.  There are some big-ish holes though that you’ll have to go around.

Don’t let this scare you though, you’ll be fine.  You must also stay on the main road and can’t hike out to the formations aside from Wildcat Trail.

What else to do in Monument Valley

Monument Valley isn’t packed full of hiking trails, but the views are all over and there is enough to keep you busy during your visit.

Monument Valley tours

• Tour with backcountry access
• Monument Valley and Mystery Valley full day tour
• Monument Valley stargazing tour
• Moab and Monument Valley scenic flight
• Cultural tour
• 18 hour Hunts Mesa tour

Stop at the Forrest Gump spot

On your way in if you’re coming from Moab (or on your way out) stop at the Forrest Gump spot.  You know the one.  Where he keeps running. 

This is on Highway 163 and you’ll probably be able to spot it just because it will be full of people.  It’s one of the pullouts on the side of the road on the drive into Monument Valley.

You’ll see people in the middle of the road taking pictures, so drive slow and if you do stop, move quick, keep an eye out for cars, and try don’t hog the road.  Other people want their pictures there, too.

Watch the sunrise or sunset

I won’t lie, I still haven’t done either of these, but I want to.  You can get some of the best pictures in the golden glow of sunrise or sunset. 

It’ll be hard to find a bad spot to watch it, but the viewpoint right by the visitor center would be really good with the scenic drive not being open in time.  This is one of the classic Monument Valley shots you see.  The View Hotel will be a great place to watch either.

Hike Wildcat Trail

This is the only hiking trail in the park that you can do without a guide.  The trail is a 4 mile loop and leaves from the campground area. 

I would say it’s an easy trail, but it could be moderate because it’s pretty sandy in some areas.  The trail takes you between the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.

Plan a couple hours for this so you can take your time and stop for pictures.  Spring and fall will be the best time to do this hike because it’s right out in the open, no shade to be found.  It gets extremely hot out in the sun, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

I did part of this trail on my last visit and really liked what I did.  It was getting really hot though, so we decided to head back.  When it forks, we went to the left a bit. 

It’s not the most exciting trail since it’s just out in the open, but it’s cool that you get to see a few of buttes so close.

Stop at John Ford’s Point Overlook

This is another one of the really famous overlooks.  It’s also where you’ll find the cowboy.  For $5, you can have your picture taken on the horse overlooking the valley. 

If that’s not your thing (I get it) you can still take pictures of the cowboy on the horse, but expect to leave $1-$5 for it.  It can get pretty busy out there so you may have to wait to get a clear picture.

Go horseback riding

I haven’t done this (horses freak me out in case you didn’t know) but I think it would be a cool way to see Monument Valley aside from the typical tour and self-driving.  You can find more information about horseback riding and companies that offer it in Monument Valley here.

Monument Valley Scenic Flight

This would definitely be one of those things to splurge on if scenic flights are your thing.  Redtail Aviation out of Moab offers scenic flights all over the area including Monument Valley. 

If it’s in your budget, this would be an awesome way to get to see southern Utah in general.  I would love to do this someday.  They also offer tours over Arches , Canyonlands , and Lake Powell .

Where to eat in Monument Valley

There isn’t much in the area, but there will be a few places to eat near Monument Valley.  The food is a little pricey, but you’ll be able to try traditional Navajo dishes with some pretty stellar views of the valley. 

I’ve eaten at both The View and the Stagecoach Restaurant and wouldn’t really recommend one over the other.  Both were good.  Stagecoach can be really busy with bus groups and The View has, obviously, great valley views.

The View Restaurant

• Breakfast 7am to 11am
• Lunch 11am to 2pm
• Dinner starts at 5pm to close

This is at The View Hotel in Monument Valley.  It’s right by the visitor center.  For breakfast you’ll find a buffet.  Lunch and dinner will offer more sandwiches, burgers, Navajo Tacos, green chile stew, fry bread with honey and other things along those lines.

Goulding’s Stagecoach Restaurant

Hours: 7AM-9PM everyday

This is technically outside of Monument Valley and is nestled in the cliff above the lodge and gift shop.  You’ll find a mix of typical restaurant fare and traditional Navajo dishes here as well.  I would recommend trying a Navajo Taco while you’re here.

Outside of Monument Valley

You can find food on your way in and out of Monument Valley as well.  Bluff, UT and Kayenta, AZ are going to be the two closest towns before getting into the park. 

If you’re coming from Moab , you can also stop in Moab, of course, Blanding , or Monticello before Bluff.  Page, AZ is another popular place to come from with food.

There aren’t dozens of options for food in Bluff , but there are a few that are pretty good.  Twin Rocks Cafe (the only one I’ve been to) is a cute little cafe with Navajo dishes and is quick(ish) and pretty reasonably priced.  Duke’s Bistro, Cottonwood Steakhouse, Comb Ridge Espresso Bistro, and Dairy Cafe are other options.

Kayenta, AZ

Amigo Cafe and Blue Coffee Pot are two great options in Kayenta if you’re looking for something that isn’t fast food.  Wagon Wheel reastaurant is another choice.

Where to stay in Monument Valley

Camping in monument valley.

There are RV and regular tent sites avail at the campground at Monument Valley.  These views will be some of the best, right on the edge of the valley cliff.  Bathrooms with showers are available and there is a convenient store in the registration building.

Goulding’s also offers RV and tent camping outside of the park.  Each campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill.  Each spot is also close to a bathroom.  They have a convenience store on site as well.

Hotels in Monument Valley

There are really only two hotels in (or just outside of) Monument Valley, but there are other options within an hours drive. They all make for great weekend trips to Monument Valley.

The View Hotel

The View Hotel is the only hotel in Monument Valley.  They have a restaurant on site as well as the trading post.  There is no swimming pool out of respect for residents on the valley floor that have to haul water in every day (straight from the website).

Wifi is available in the lobby and reaches some rooms.  I would book the hotel as far in advance as you can for your trip since it’s a popular (and one of the only) place to stay.  Depending on when you visit and room type, it looks like you’ll be spending $150+ per night.

The View Hotel also runs the Premium Cabins right next to the campground.  The cabins are fully furnished and may even have better views than the hotel (also straight from the website).  

These are more private than the hotel rooms and can sleep up to five.  I would recommend booking these as far in advance as you can as well.  The cabins seem to be starting at around $200 per night.

Goulding’s Lodge

Goulding’s Lodge  is just outside of Monument Valley but is the only other hotel that is right by the park.  They have a few different room styles: two queens, standard two queens, king bed, one bedroom villa with kitchenette, one bedroom villa with kitchen, two bedroom apartment, and Red Rock Hill House. 

Depending on when you go and room type it will be $150+ per night.  There is an indoor swimming pool here as well as a small grocery store and laundromat.

Goulding’s also offers cabins right outside of their campground.  Like the View Cabins, they have a kitchenette and similar amenities and sleeping capabilities, they’re just outside of Monument Valley instead.

You can also stay in Mexican Hat, Bluff, Blanding, or Kayenta .  They’re a little further away, but if you can’t stay in Monument Valley and aren’t camping, those are great options.

Books to read before visiting the Four Corners:

• The Bears Ears
• In Search of the Old Ones
• The Lost World of the Old Ones
• House of Rain
• Finders Keepers
• Monkey Wrench Gang
• Hayduke Lives
• Desert Solitaire

Utah posts you may also like:

• Outdoorsy Utah road trip
• Places to visit in Utah
• Utah weekend trips
• Utah 3 day road trip 7 different ways
• Easy hikes in Utah
• Scenic drives in Utah
• Best views in Utah
• Stargazing in Utah
• Utah hiking bucket list
• Utah travel tips
• Arches vs. Zion
• National park bucket list
• Make the most of a national park trip
• National Park camping packing list
• My Favorite national park hikes
• More of my favorite national park hikes
• Underrated national parks
• Fun national park facts
• National park books

Have you been to Monument Valley?  Did you drive yourself or do a tour?  What did you think of it?  

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

5 thoughts on “ Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Monument Valley Without A Tour ”

This is on my US bucket list and has been for so long. I can’t wait for the day I make it to Utah / Arizona. Soon soon soon…. beautiful photos by the way. You really sell it. Oh, and I’d defo want to stay at The View and see sunset there!

Thank you! I hope you make it soon, too! The Vieew looks awesome, I’d love to stay there, too!

Great guide, Megan! Monument Valley is my favourite place in the US, I’ve just written about it too! We chose not to drive on the trail as we rented a nice white car and didn’t want to risk it haha. Tours are fantastic though, as you get a local’s perspective and learn so much about the valley. 10 years ago I did an overnight tour too, which to be honest is 100% the best way to experience the valley but it is pricey (this time we just camped in a tent for like $20 haha). It’s well worth staying overnight for sunset / sunrise anyway. I had Navajo tacos at the View restaurant and they were DELISH! I love your photos, by the way!

Thank you! I enjoyed your post on it, too! If I go back again, I’d want it to be for one of the overnight tours. I totally get not wanting to risk the rental car haha

Great tips!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Red Around the World

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Arizona | Monument Valley | The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . You can get a  15% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE! (ONLY TIL JUNE 30TH)

Visiting Monument Valley was a highlight of our West Coast America road trip.

Our American adventure finally started as we walked through the reddish lands of the far west. Up until then, we only got to enjoy these vast territories through classic western films.

As you visit Monument Valley, let your imagination fly to a life-or-death duel between cowboys or an ambush of Indians riding wild horses.

In this guide for planning your visit to Monument Valley in the United States, you will find all the information you need to make the most of your trip.

We spent one night and one morning in Monument Valley during our 10-day West Coast America self-drive holidays. However, if you want to discover this Navajo Indian Reservation in depth, I recommend at least a two-day visit.

TO SUMMARIZE, THESE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MONUMENT VALLEY:

• The Mittens and Merrick Butte : See the sunrise from the most famous viewpoint in Monument Valley.
• Hiking routes : Hike the “Wildcat trail”, the only route that you can hike on your own in Monument Valley.
• John Ford’s Point : Shoot the classic western scene of the cowboy and the horse in this viewpoint.
• “Elephant Butte” , “Three Sisters” and “Camel Butte” : Visit some of the most curious formations in the valley.
• Visit the road where Forrest Gump stopped running , located at mile 13 of the Federal Route 163.
• Take a guided Navajo Tour : Like “Hunts Mesa” or “Mystery Valley”.
• Starry Skies : Enjoy one of the best starry skies in the United States with the silhouette of the main rocks of the Valley.
• See historical movie sets : Such as “Stagecoach”, “Fort Apache” or “Back to the Future III”.

VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY

After seeing images of this place, everyone who is planning a West Coast USA road trip wants to visit Monument Valley.

However, you will notice that Monument Valley is on the border between Utah and Arizona, likely the easternmost point of your West Coast trip. Following this, you may consider crossing it out from your travel itinerary because it’s too far from other points of interest.

Well, if you ask me whether visiting Monument Valley is worth it , I would most definitely say yes.

We drove 7 hours from Las Vegas to get to Monument Valley and pitched our tent. We arrived at night, but it only took us 5 minutes to realize how much we would have regretted it if we had not included Monument Valley on our Western USA trip.

If we have persuaded you to include this wonder in your trip planning, I recommend paying close attention to the details of this guide to visiting Monument Valley.

• Best time to visit Monument Valley
• How to get to Monument Valley
• Best things to do in Monument Valley
• Monument Valley Opening Hours
• Monument Valley entrance fee
• Places to stay in Monument Valley
• Monument Valley Map

BEST TIME TO VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY

Visiting Monument Valley is an incredible experience throughout the year, but spring and fall are the most recommended seasons.

When you see the arid and desertic landscape, you might think that temperatures are high during summer. However, being at high altitude (5577 feet), it rarely exceeds 90ºF. The main reason to keep you from visiting  Monument Valley during summer should be the large number of tourists who come here during these months.

On the other hand, if you visit Monument Valley during winter , temperatures can be around 32ºF, so it is not strange to find Monument Valley covered by snow.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY

If you are going to visit Monument Valley by yourself , keep in mind that you will be driving long distances. The only practical way to get to Monument Valley is by car (or with an RV rental in the USA ).

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS IN THE US

You can check our 20 best tips to find cheap rental cars here.

For us, the only reason to not visit Monument Valley would have been the long-distance  travel to get there. However, without any doubt, our visit to Monument Valley was worth it, and the views at the end of the road will make up for it.

If you don’t know where Monument Valley is, I suggest checking this map of the West Coast that we created to help you choose your travel route to the West Coast.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM PAGE (ANTELOPE CANYON)

People who visit Monument Valley usually also visit the Antelope Canyon. This canyon carved into the reddish sand of Arizona is located in Page. Since Page and Monument Valley are only 124 miles apart, it is not uncommon to visit Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley on the same trip.

I also recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend as it is also in Page a few minutes from Antelope Canyon and can be visited on the same day.

Keep in mind that while the Page and Monument Valley are just three hours apart in the same state of Arizona , the time zone between the two are different during the summer . Although Page also belongs to the Navajo Indian Reservation, it does not observe daylight savings, which maintains the same time throughout the year.

If you are going to spend the night in Page, you can check where to stay near Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend here.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM LAS VEGAS

The closest international airport to Monument Valley is in Las Vegas, located in Nevada. In addition to this, there are a million things to do in Las Vegas, so it is very likely you are going to visit it at some point. To get to Monument Valley from Las Vegas by car, you will have to travel about 400 miles which will take you at least 7 hours. This is one of my favorite road trips from Las Vegas .

However, if you prefer not to drive you can hire this 3-day tour to Monument Valley from Las Vegas, one of the best tours in Vegas, where you will also visit Horseshoe Bend and the Antelope Canyon.

If you decide to go on your own and spend a few days in the city, you can check the best hotels in Las Vegas here and some tips to rent a car in Las Vegas here.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM THE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon is the most popular National Park in the United States. There is a  distance between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley  of 186 miles, which takes about four hours.

Although there are different tour packages to Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in one day, I advise visiting the two Arizonian wonders in at least two days. If you can, I advise you to spend at least two days for visiting the Grand Canyon.

If you’re traveling on your own, you can check where to stay in Grand Canyon Village here.

MONUMENT VALLEY OPENING HOURS

When planning your visit to Monument Valley without a guide, keep in mind that the visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. May to September and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October to April.

While you can still enter at any time of the day, the Monument Valley Visitor Center will be closed.

HOW MUCH DOES MONUMENT VALLEY COST?

The Monument Valley entrance fee is $ 20 per car (up to 4 people) + $ 10 for each extra person.

If you want to visit Monument Valley for free , enter the park when it is closed and stay at one of its campsites or hotels. This way, you don’t have to pay the Monument Valley entry fee whilst being able to see incredible views the next morning.

Keep in mind that Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Indian Reservation and not a National Park or State Park, so you cannot use your “America the Beautiful” Pass to enter.

The Monument Valley admission fee corresponds with the entry fee to the Navajo Nation, so if you are going to visit different attractions within the Navajo Nation on the same day (i.e. Antelope Canyon + Monument Valley), make sure you only pay this fee once.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONUMENT VALLEY

The main attraction of Monument Valley is the diverse rock formations, which you will discover in this section.

There is nothing like exploring through the incredible landscapes of Monument Valley. Driving across the Monument Valley Scenic Drive is the best way to make the most of your trip.

Keep in mind that you will need between 2 and 4 hours to see this arid landscape. Although it is a dirt road, it is not necessary to have a 4×4 car.

You can drive the 16 miles loop and visit the 11 main viewpoints listed in this  Monument Valley map that you will find at the end of the post.

Note: Take into account that some vehicles like motorcycles or RVs are not allowed at the scenic drive .

1. THE MITTENS AND MERRICK BUTTE

From the first viewpoint at the entrance of the reserve, we can see the most famous rock formations of Monument Valley –  The East and West Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte . They are undoubtedly one of the most imposing structures in Monument Valley as they rise 6500 feet above the vast plains.

The Mittens earned its name due to its silhouette – the shape of a mitten. Merrick Butte, on the other hand, was named after one of the two explorers who discovered Monument Valley.

2. ELEPHANT BUTTE

Following the path, we find the Elephant Butte, a rock formation in the shape of an elephant sitting on the desert sand, only recognizable when the shadows at the end of the day cast over the rock.

3. THREE SISTERS

If you turn around, you will find the Thee Sisters. These three high pinnacles recall the figure of a nun teaching two students.

Mitchell Mesa stands next to them. This plateau is named after another explorer in the area.

4. JOHN FORDS’ POINT

The most exciting viewpoint for Western film lovers. Film director John Ford brought Monument Valley to the big screen in 1939, and since then, Monument Valley has become one of the most filmed locations.

To this day, it continues to serve as a film set, not only for movies but also for cartoons and computer games.

This stop is also perfect for buying Navajo made crafts and taking the famous shot of a man on horseback over the ravine.

5. CAMEL BUTTE

Considering its name, you would expect that the shape of Camel Butte should vaguely resemble a camel lying on the desert. However, do not be frustrated if you do not see it, as most others can’t see it either. It is supposed to be seen facing west.

The road continues toward the Rain God Mesa, named after a sacred place of the Navajos. It was also used by healers to praise the God of rain.

After this, we will get to The Hub, which rises 164 feet above the ground. Its unique and solitary needle shape has a group of Navajo homes at the base.

A secondary path that can only be accessed with a guide starts from here, to Saddle Rock or Ear of the Wind near  Thunderbird Mesa.

7. TOTEM POLE AND YEI BI CHEI

Past the Rain God Mesa, we reach the next viewpoint from where we can see a group of needles called Yei Bi Chei (Navajo spiritual gods) and Totem Pole at 140 meters high.

We can also see Sand Springs from here, although you can see it better from the next viewpoint.

8. SAND SPRINGS

On the way to this viewpoint, we find the Sand Springs, different red-orange dunes and the only natural aquifer in the reserve .

From here, we will get an even better view of Yei Bi Chei and Totem Pole. However, if we want to get even closer to these rock formations, we will have to take the Thunderbird Mesa guided tour.

9. ARTIST’S POINT

It is located in front of Spearhead Mesa, but if we turn around, we can see The Mittens and Merrick Butte here from the end of the valley.

Many consider this to be the second-best viewpoint in Monument Valley, following John Ford’s Point.

Of course, it is the best viewpoint to photograph Monument Valley at dawn, since it is facing west and therefore the reddish stone will be illuminated with the first lights of the day making the color even more vivid.

10. NORTH WINDOW

North Window opens like a window to the north of the reserve in such a way that East Mitten Butte is framed between Elephant Butte and Cly Butte. However, it will be difficult to recognize it from this position since the main finger of the mitten will be hidden.

11. THE THUMB

The Thumb is the last point of interest in the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. Some say that the figure of the rock reminds them of a thumb and others of a cowboy boot.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MONUMENT VALLEY

In addition to this scenic drive, there are many other things to do in Monument Valley.

HIKING THE WILDCAT TRAIL

The next free activity to do in Monument Valley is hiking the Wildcat Trail.  The is the only hike that you can do for free in the reserve, which consists of going around one of the most popular rock formations, West Mitten Butte.

It is a 3.7 miles loop with elevation gains up to 656 feet that takes two hours to complete.

We didn’t do it since we were told that it could be a bit monotonous.

STOP AT THE EXACT POINT WHERE FORREST GUMP STOPPED RUNNING

The last free activity in Monument Valley will take you to one of the most iconic spots, a stop at the exact point where Forrest Gump stopped running in the United States.

This stop takes place at mile 13 of Federal Route 163, where you will drive through on your way to Monument Valley. There is a small sign indicating the stop, so you should not miss it.

TAKE A NAVAJO GUIDED TOUR

If you want to dig a little deeper into Monument Valley, you can take a Navajo Indian guided tour. There are several companies approved by the Navajo Parks & Recreation Department. You can find a list of these official companies here .

Each company offers different but similar tours at the same time. Some tours focus on photography whereas others are eager to show the Navajo culture . These tend to dig into the spiritual significance of Monument Valley for the Navajos and can show you their traditions, history, music, and even gastronomy.

Other tours focus on showing you the best places to photograph Monument Valley. Some of these tours are night photography tours, and others are sunrise or sunset photo tours.

You can take your vehicle on some of the tours while others provide 4×4s, and some even offer horseback riding through Monument Valley. While it is quite popular, we do not recommend it since it is not right to use animals as a tourist attraction.

Although many tours take you through the same Monument Valley drive that we can do for free, other tours go across some of the private routes found in the valley. Following are the most outstanding ones:

If you want to see the best views of Monument Valley, you must take a tour to the top of Hunts Mesa  in a 4×4 vehicle. After passing through dunes, the plateau rises 984 feet above Monument Valley, and from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire valley.

This excursion usually takes about 7 hours, but you can also find some tourist agencies that offer overnight tours with tents and sleeping bags supplied. This way, you can photograph Monument Valley at sunset and at sunrise with an aerial view that is difficult to get from another point.

Although the price is higher than other tours, keep in mind that it includes lodging, a Navajo dinner and breakfast, and unique priceless experiences like listening to folktales, native songs, and Navajo flute music around a campfire.

MYSTERY VALLEY

Mystery Valley,  just by Monument Valley, is one of the most exclusive tours of the Navajo Indian Reservation. As the Navajo consider the valley to be sacred, access is only allowed if a member of the tribe accompanies you.

Also, the road is barely visible between the dunes, and there are no traffic signals, so it is not a good idea trying to go on your own.

This tour is somewhat physically demanding since the essential points of interest would be visited on foot. Across the valley, we will find the Anasazi ruins (a tribe that lived in the valley before the Navajos arrived), Navajo family homes and spectacular landscapes that include stone arches and views of Monument Valley in the distance. The guide will also tell you about Navajo culture and traditions.

The tour takes between three and four hours and the best time to do it is at sunset.

TEARDROP ARCH

Another frequently photographed point is one known as Tear Drop Arch,  where you can frame Monument Valley in the tear-shaped opening of the rock. This tour is very short and can be done on foot.

As the location is somewhat unknown, most choose to hire a guide to get there. Once you know the location (36 ° 59’59.5 “N 110 ° 11’16.3” W), it may not be necessary.

CURIOSITIES OF MONUMENT VALLEY

We did not want to forget in our guide to visiting the Monument Vally a section to discuss the main peculiarities of Monument Valley.

HISTORY OF MONUMENT VALLEY AND THE NAVAJO NATION

Did you know that the Navajo Indians are not originally from the United States, but from Canada? Nonetheless, they had been inhabiting in Monument Valley, or Tsé Bii ‘Ndzisgaii (‘Valley of the Rocks’) in the Navajo language, long before the Spaniards arrived.

It was not the first tribe to inhabit the Monument Valley. To date, there are many indications of the presence of Anasazis, an indigenous tribe that inhabited Western United States and ancestors of other indigenous cultures such as the Pueblo Indians, the Zuni, and the Hopi.

Politically, the Navajo Nation, Diné Bikeyah, or Navajoland is recognized as a nation within the United States. However, what may seem like one of the most significant victories achieved by an indigenous tribe is fictitious, since the United States continues to enforce its laws on the Navajo Nation.

HOW MONUMENT VALLEY WAS FORMED

Like the rest of the Colorado Plateau, Monument Valley was a seabed that covered the western part of the United States millions of years ago.

The tectonic movement pushed rocks formed by strata of siltstone and shale up to 5900 feet above sea level.

After this, the erosion shaped the landscape. Rain, wind, and rivers that flowed into the basin ended up forming what we know today as Monument Valley.

The characteristic reddish and orange colors of the Monument Valley landscape are from the iron oxide present in the geological formations.

MONUMENT VALLEY IN FILMS

Monument Valley is one of those places in Western America that looks very familiar to you even if you have never been there.

The first moments of Monument Valley on the big screen was thanks to film director John Ford, who used the landscapes as the main stage of the 1939 film Stagecoach , starring John Wayne.

Since then, it has been one of the most iconic spots for Western films such as Fort Apache or The Searchers.

Later on, other films took place across the incredible background of Monument Valley, like Forrest Gump, Lone Ranger, License to Kill or Back to the Future Part III. Some cartoons and animated films staged these landscapes as a base for their stories, such as Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner, and Cars.

And of course, we can find in many advertisements or even video games featuring Monument Valley landscapes, such as in GTA San Andreas or Red Dead Redemption.

WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

Other useful information that we want to share with you are the best places to stay in Monument Valley. In this section, you will find the best campsite, hotel, and lodge in Monument Valley, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.

THE VIEW CAMPGROUND

If you ask me what is the best accommodation in Monument Valley , without a doubt I would say it is The View Campground (not The View Hotel). This campsite, with only space for 30 tents, has the best views of Monument Valley. Also, there’s nothing like sleeping in a tent in such a place to feel like an authentic Navajo Indian.

The price is $20 per tent. The camp has bathrooms and a small kitchen. However, they do not have tent rental services, so you must bring your own.

They also have space for RVs, however, the reviews are not as good as it is just a parking without connections or the views from the tent sites. However, if you are interested in that option, check the RV rental in the USA

Though they say that you can make reservations online, the campsites can only be booked via phone by calling +1 435-727-5802. Book well in advance if you want to sleep in the best place in Monument Valley.

THE VIEW HOTEL

Another option is to book at The View Hotel , a sister establishment that also manages the campsite. While not as authentic as camping in Monument Valley, if you are looking for comfort, this is the best hotel in Monument Valley . Online booking is available for this hotel.

The premium cabins , though much more expensive, offer very similar views you can see from the campsite.

You will need a credit card to do the check-in for either the hotel or the campground.

GOULDING’S LODGE

A little further away, but still very close to the valley, we found Goulding’s Lodge .

Unlike the previous one, this hotel offers a pool and a museum about the Navajo Nation. The price follows the quality of its rooms, but the possibilities of last-minute vacancies are higher than at The View.

earn $50 Cash Reward at Airbnb

MORE INFO ABOUT MONUMENT VALLEY

To finish with this complete guide to Monument Valley, we are going to give you some tips for visiting Monument Valley in this section. We will explain, among other things, the time zone that they follow (one of the biggest curiosities of Monument Valley) so that you don’t arrive late to your next destination.

At the end of this section, you will have all the necessary information you need to visit Monument Valley.

MONUMENT VALLEY TIME ZONE

Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Indian Reservation. Navajo Nation follows Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) during the summer months to increase daylight hours.

However, you should know that Arizona, the state in which Monument Valley is located, observe Mountain Standard Time (MST) and does not participate in the summertime change. Instead, it maintains the same time throughout the year.

The reason why Arizona decided not to observe Daylight Savings is because increased daylight hours also meant increased hours of heat and therefore more electricity consumption from the air conditioners.

During summertime, the state of Utah (north of Arizona) and the Navajo Nation (within Arizona) is one hour behind Arizona. However, during the rest of the year, all three are observing the same hours.

We advise you to keep this time difference in mind, especially when you hire tours, for example, to visit Antelope Canyon (which follows MST all year) and you plan to come from Monument Valley (which follow MDT in the summer) or vice versa.

GAS STATIONS IN MONUMENT VALLEY

There is only one gas station in Monument Valley, and that belongs to the Goulding’s Lodge hotel. As with every service, when demand exceeds supply, refueling in Monument Valley will be quite expensive, so we recommend coming into Monument Valley with a full tank.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN MONUMENT VALLEY

There are just a few places to eat in Monument Valley , and they are essentially the hotel restaurants that we have already mentioned.

One of the most outstanding is the restaurant at The View Hotel, where you can find Navajo cuisine (quite similar to Mexican) as well as American classics.

The Goulding’s Lodge also has a restaurant with common Navajo dishes, although its menu is somewhat small.

With both cases, if you’re going to eat in Monument Valley, you can order take-out food and enjoy it throughout your visit, while driving across Monument Valley Scenic Drive.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR USA

Do not forget to hire   travel insurance in the United States . Although I always recommend buying the best travel insurance wherever you go, for the US, your policy must have excellent coverage (never consider hiring anything that covers below $300,000).

The cost of healthcare in the US is very high, and if you have to go to the hospital without any insurance, you will have to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 per night at the hospital.

You can get the best quality-price insurance with Heymondo . Right now, I’m traveling with their long term travel insurance plan.

15% OFF your travel insurance

MAP OF MONUMENT VALLEY

You will find the Monument Valley map below. As you can see on the map, Wildcat Trail is marked as the only hiking trail through Monument Valley that can be done on your own.

Also, you will find the loop that can be done in Monument Valley by car, with the different stops and most outstanding viewpoints.

Finally, you can also see the different Navajo guided tours that can be hired, to discover other places such as Mystery Valley, Hunts Mesa and Lower Monument Valley that are off limits without a Navajo guide.

We hope that you have found all the information to visit Monument Valley  through this guide. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write us 😉

Don't miss a 15% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

3 replies on “ The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley ”

Thank you for providing such detailed itinerary of the west coast trip. Really helps. Very nicely done. Keep up the good work. Did you guys visit any of the monument valley points like tear drop or mystery valley etc in your own vehicle? Or it can only be done with a guided tour.

Hi Karishma, We need to come back to do the Mystery Valley. It’s one of the best views in all the west coast! Sadly, If you want to visit Mystery Valley you need to take a tour. For the tear drop arch, I think you can visit it by yourself. It is only 500m from the road. The exact location is (36°59’59.5″N 110°11’16.3″W).

Let me know if you have any questions.

Hi Can you plan our itenary for 9 days of travel in west coast we are two people traveling with a toddler. Driving is fine with us.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SUMMER PROMO

• COVID-19 coverage (treatment, testing, and cancelation)
• Valid for any future trips 
• Offer valid through June 30th
• All medical expenses paid upfront
• 24h Telemedicine service included

Turn your travel photos into cherished memories with our Lightroom Presets! 

Monument Valley Itinerary: A Stop-By-Stop Guide

There may be some affiliate links on this page, which means when you click we get a small percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you. This allows us to keep this page running. Enjoy!

I’ve visited Monument Valley twice over the last few years, and I wrote this Monument Valley itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

I grew up seeing Monument Valley in the backdrop of John Wayne Westerns and Forrest Gump . For me, and I bet maybe for you too, Monument Valley is just one of those places that is embedded in my mind and captures my imagination. It never occurred to me as a kid that I’d get to visit Monument Valley for myself one day.

This itinerary covers options for self-driving the scenic loop or exploring the backcountry with a guide. It also provides an overview of every single stop so you can decide which to include in your day.

Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan your hike in advance, stick to designated trails, carry out all your belongings, dispose of waste properly, leave natural areas untouched, minimize the impact of campfires, show consideration for fellow hikers, and avoid approaching or feeding wildlife.

Table of Contents

Monument Valley At-A-Glance

• Entrance fee (self-guided): $8 per person, per day
• Tour price range: $80-$150 for 1-3 hour tours
• East and West Mittens
• Elephant Butte
• Three Sisters
• John Ford’s Point
• Camel Butte
• The Hub and Rain God Mesa
• Bird Spring
• Navajo Code Talker Outpost – Artist’s Point
• Spearhead Mesa
• North Window

What is Monument Valley? 

Monument Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful region located on the Arizona-Utah border within the Navajo Nation Reservation. Known for its stunning red sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires that tower over the desert landscape, it is one of the most iconic symbols of the American West.

This vast, picturesque area has been featured in countless films, television shows, and photographs.

Monument Valley is not just a place of striking natural beauty but also a significant cultural and historical site for the Navajo people. The valley is deeply intertwined with Navajo history, traditions, and spirituality. Visitors can explore this magnificent landscape through guided tours led by Navajo guides, offering unique insights into the land’s cultural significance and the stories behind the stunning rock formations.

Who are the Navajo People? 

The Navajo, also known as Diné, are the largest Native American tribe in the United States. Their traditional homeland, Dinétah, encompasses parts of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado.

The Navajo Nation, which covers over 27,000 square miles, is a sovereign entity with its own government, headquartered in Window Rock, Arizona.

Monument Valley is part of the traditional Navajo homeland. The Navajo word for Monument Valley is Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii and refers to the sacred rock formations, mesas, and buttes here.

These landforms are integral to the Navajo creation stories and are seen as the physical manifestations of their deities and spiritual beliefs.

The area has been inhabited by the Navajo for centuries, and it bears the marks of their ancestors’ presence, including ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and artifacts.

How to Get to Monument Valley 

To get to Monument Valley, you will need to fly into one of the nearby airports. None of them are particularly close, just to set expectations!

• Flagstaff, Arizona: 2 hours 53 minutes
• Page, Arizona: 2 hours
• Las Vegas, Nevada: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Phoenix, Arizona: 5 hours
• St. George, Utah: 4 hours 40 minutes

Search for flights to Monument Valley here or in the box below!

Whichever airport you choose to fly into, you’ll definitely need to rent a car. You can search for rental cars here or use the search box below!

Navajo-Led Tours

We highly recommend visiting Monument Valley on a guided tour led by a member of the Navajo tribe. This is the best way to learn about their culture and history, which will in turn will add meaning to the landscape you’re exploring.

We booked a group tour through Goulding’s Tours and had a good experience overall. I think next time I would prefer to book an overnight camping tour so we can experience sunrise and sunset in Monument Valley. I mean seriously how incredible would a stargazing tour be there?!

Here are some recommended tours:

• Hunt Mesa Overnight Campout (BUCKET LIST!!)
• Monument Valley Sunrise Tour
• Monument Valley Sunset Tour
• Monument Valley Stargazing Tour
• Monument Valley Highlights Tour with Backcountry Access
• 2-Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour
• Private Monument Valley Tour
• Overnight Hogan Experience

Monument Valley Map

This map of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Map is provided by Navajo Nation Parks. It includes the locations of sites along the 17-mile scenic drive.

Monument Valley Itinerary – Without a Guide

With one day exploring Monument Valley’s stunning landscapes, we recommend following the 17-mile Scenic Loop. This itinerary will guide you through all the major viewpoints, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the iconic scenery.

1. East and West Mittens

The East and West Mitten Buttes are iconic landmarks in Monument Valley, easily recognizable due to their unique shapes that resemble hands. These formations are more than just geological wonders; they symbolize spiritual beings watching over the valley.

The surrounding formations, Merrick Butte and Mitchell Mesa, carry historical significance as well. They are named after two ex-cavalry soldiers turned prospectors who searched for silver in the valley.

2. Elephant Butte

This butte resembles an elephant with its trunk reaching out. It’s a massive formation and offers impressive views, making it a great spot for early morning photography.

3. Three Sisters

These slender spires are said to resemble a trio of nuns in habits. They are often featured in movies and offer a unique view of the valley.

4. John Ford’s Point

Named after the famous director who filmed many Westerns here, this point offers expansive views of the valley. You might recognize it from “The Searchers,” “Cheyenne Autumn,” and “Stagecoach.”

5. Camel Butte

Shaped like a camel, this butte is another fascinating formation. It’s a great place to take more photographs and admire the landscape.

6. The Hub and Rain God Mesa

The Hub is a fascinating formation that symbolizes the hub of a wagon wheel. To the Navajo people, it represents the fireplace in the center of a gigantic Hogan, which is a traditional Navajo home. This connection to their cultural heritage adds depth to the visual appeal of The Hub.

7. Bird Spring

Bird Spring offers a stunning vista overlooking a vast expanse of sand dunes, adding a unique dimension to the Monument Valley landscape.

8. Totem Pole Lookout Point

The Totem Pole stands as a testament to the relentless forces of erosion sculpting the towering buttes of Monument Valley over millennia. Unlike its wooden namesake crafted by Northeastern tribes, this geological marvel is formed from sandstone, showcasing nature’s artistry in shaping the landscape.

East of the Totem Pole lies the Yei Bi Chei formation, representing Navajo spiritual gods.

9. Navajo Code Talker Outpost – Artist’s Point

Formerly known as Artist Point, the Navajo Code Talkers Outpost pays homage to the Navajo Code Talkers whose unbreakable code played a crucial role in military communications during World War II.

10. Spearhead Mesa

Adjacent to the outpost, Spearhead Mesa commands attention with its striking resemblance to the tip of an arrow or spear.

11. North Window

North Window offers a captivating vista of the lower valley to the north, framed by two prominent formations.

To the left stands Elephant Butte, its imposing silhouette commanding attention against the horizon.

To the right, Cly Butte, named after a revered Navajo medicine man known as Cly, rests solemnly. Cly, whose Navajo name translates to “Left,” is buried at the base of this formation.

12. The Thumb

This rock formation resembles a giant thumb, providing another unique photo opportunity and a chance to marvel at nature’s artistry. It is also said to look like a cowboy boot. We see it!

Monument Valley Itinerary with Backcountry Access – Guided

If you book a Navajo-guided tour that includes backcountry access (which you should!) you will get to see several additional locations that are not part of the self-driving route.

Here are our favorite stops in the Monument Valley backcountry (also called Lower Monument Valley):

Ear of the Wind Arch

The Ear of the Wind Arch stands 134 feet tall over Monument Valley. The arch earns its name from a distinctive geological feature—a natural “ear” formation with an opening that interacts with the wind. This unique configuration creates a wind tunnel effect, producing a distinctive sound that echoes through the valley.

Sun’s Eye

Sun’s Eye is a pothole natural arch with a distinct eye-like shape.

Be sure to take a look at the rock along the base to see the Sun’s Eye Petroglyphs!

The Big Hogan

The Big Hogan is a large natural arch in a cave. Like a Navajo Hogan, this formation resembles a circular shelter with a hole in the top.

Moccasin Arch

Like Sun’s Eye, Moccasin Arch is another pothole arch. This is one of the largest and most impressive arches in Lower Monument Valley!

Rain God Mesa

Rain God Mesa, accessible only through guided tours, marks the geological center of Monument Valley. This mesa holds great spiritual significance for the Navajo medicine men, who pray and give thanks to the Rain God here. The Rain God is believed to store water for the people, a vital resource in this arid region.

On the south side of Rain God Mesa, you can see dark streaks painted by the natural aquifer seeping out at the base of the sandstone, highlighting the mesa’s importance in sustaining life in the valley.

Sand Springs

The east portion of the dunes near Bird Springs is known as Sand Springs, accessible only with guided tours. Here, a natural aquifer seeps out, marking the convergence point of the De Chelly and Navajo sandstone formations beneath the shifting sands.

More Things to Do in Monument Valley

Forrest gump point.

At Forrest Gump Point, right off U.S. Route 163 in Utah, you’ll find more than just a roadside view—it’s a slice of movie magic.

Remember that iconic scene from “Forrest Gump” where Forrest Gump decides to end his cross-country run? Well, this spot near Monument Valley is where it all happened.

From here, you get this expansive view of the desert, with those big mesas and rugged buttes stretching out before you. People love to stop here, snap photos, and maybe even recreate that famous running scene from the movie. It’s one of those places that just sticks with you, blending natural beauty with a touch of Hollywood charm.

The GPS coordinates for Forrest Gump Point are: 37.101393, -109.990973

CAUTION! If you decide to take photos on the highway, which we do not recommend, be very careful of traffic. This highway can be quite busy!

Hikes in Monument Valley

There are two hiking trails in Monument Valley. You can sign in for each and get more information at the Monument Valley Visitor Center.

Wildcat Trail

The Wildcat Hike is a 3.8-mile loop trail that typically takes about three hours to complete. This scenic trek around West Mitten Butte offers stunning views of iconic buttes like East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. The trail, mostly flat and sandy, winds through cactus and sagebrush, providing an immersive experience in Monument Valley’s unique landscape.

Lee Cly Trail

The 2-mile Lee Cly Trail typically takes 1 hour to complete. Don’t let the length fool you, however. Although short, it is definitely a more challenging hike due to the terrain, with some steep climbs and rocky areas.

Along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Mitchell Butte, Mitchell Mesa, and Grey Whiskers Butte.

The trail also intersects with the Mesa Rim Trail, which involves some rock scrambling but rewards hikers with unmatched views of Monument Valley from above. Combining both trails into one hike offers an ideal way to explore the park’s most scenic spots for a total of about 3 miles.

Tips for Visiting Monument Valley

• GPS : Use a reliable GPS or map application to ensure you stay on course. Be aware that cellular service can be spotty in remote areas.
• Fuel : Fill up your gas tank before you leave larger towns as gas stations can be few and far between in this region.
• Prepare : Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen . The valley can get very hot, and shade is limited.
• Dress Appropriately : Wear comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, and layers to adjust to the changing temperatures. My biggest recommendation is to wear a buff if you are riding open-air!
• Camera : Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged; you’ll want to capture the stunning scenery. Note that drones are not allowed !
• Respect the Land : Follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty and cultural significance of Monument Valley.

Where to Stay 

Although many people stay in Page, Arizona when visiting Monument Valley, it’s a full 2 hours drive. We recommend staying in Monument Valley or nearby instead. You can use the map below to search for accommodations near Monument Valley.

Alternatively, here are our recommendations in Page:

• Courtyard Page at Lake Powell  
• Hampton Inn & Suites Page Lake Powell
• Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell
• Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel
• La Quinta by Wyndham Page at Lake Powell

What to Pack 

What to wear:.

• Moisture-Wicking Shirt:  Keeps sweat away from your body and dries quickly.  >>>Check out this one from REI.
• Lightweight Hiking Pants or Shorts:  Comfortable and breathable options to protect your legs or keep cool.  >>>I love these Prana hiking pants.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots or Shoes:  Provides good support and traction on rocky terrain.  >>>These Columbia boots are my go-to.
• Wide-Brimmed Hat :  Protects your face and neck from the sun.  >>>Check out this stylish safari-style hat.
• Sunglasses :  Shields your eyes from the intense sunlight.  >>>We love our Goodr sunglasses because they are durable and cute.
• Sunscreen :  Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from UV rays.  >>>Check out my favorite sunscreen here .
• Light Jacket or Layer:  In case of cooler temperatures in the morning or evening.  >>>This is my favorite pullover layer.
• Buff or face covering: If you go on a guided tour in Monument Valley and the truck is open-air like ours was, you are going to be pummeled with dust the entire day. We recommend a buff you can pull over your nose and mouth when things get particularly sandy. >>>Here’s our recommended buff.

What to Pack:

• Hydration:  At least 2 liters of water per person; reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder.  >>>Here’s my favorite Osprey backpack with hydration bladder.
• Snacks:  High-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, or fruit.
• First Aid Kit:  Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.  >>>This is the medical kit we carry on every hike.
• Multi-tool or Knife:  Useful for various small tasks and emergencies.
• Emergency Whistle:  For signaling in case you get lost or need help.
• Camera or Smartphone:  To capture the stunning scenery.
• Trash Bag:  Leave no trace—pack out all your trash.
• Flashlight or Headlamp:  In case your hike takes longer than expected and it gets dark.  >>>This is the headlamp we use.

More Things to Do Near Page, Arizona

• Hike to Horseshoe Bend
• Take a tour of Antelope Canyon
• Visit Lake Powell
• Visit Mexican Hat
• Try to get permits for The Original Wave (North Coyote Buttes)
• Explore Monument Valley with a Navajo guide
• Check out Glen Canyon Dam
• Visit Goosenecks of the San Juan State Park
• Visit the Paria Townsite Rainbow Mountains
• Hike Yellow Rock
• Hike to Toadstool Hoodoos
• Take a day trip to Kanab

Similar Posts

Epic 3-Day Moab Itinerary for Outdoor Lovers

Marquette County, Wisconsin Nature Getaway

7 Best Sunrise Spots in Arches National Park

Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Wave in 2024

Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop Scenic in Capitol Reef National Park – Ultimate Guide

Flagstaff National Monuments – Epic Arizona Day Tour

The Monument Valley Scenic Drive: A Complete Guide

Last Updated on: 9th January 2024, 10:29 am

Thanks to its appearance in numerous influential films over the years, Monument Valley has become synonymous with the American West. Officially known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, it’s not a national park, as it’s managed by the Navajo Nation. And unlike public parks, non-locals are prohibited from accessing most of the area without signing up for a private tour. One major exception, however, is the Monument Valley Scenic Drive.

And thankfully, the loop road is also home to many of the area’s most iconic landmarks. In the following guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know to prepare for your trip, as well as what to expect at each of the Monument Valley Scenic Drive’s eleven viewpoints.

The Monument Valley Scenic Drive

Visiting tips.

The 17-mile Monument Valley scenic drive consists of eleven main stops. Along the journey, you’ll find plenty of places to park your car and enjoy the views.

While none of it is paved, the dirt road is well-maintained and you shouldn’t have a problem doing it in a sedan, as long as you drive carefully. But if you’re doing more traveling throughout the Four Corners region, you’ll encounter a lot of rough roads in general and will thank yourself for  renting a 4×4 or high-clearance SUV .

If you’re not comfortable driving on rough terrain, you could also take a tour of the Scenic Drive, like  this one  or  this one .

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Expect to spend at least a few hours doing the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, though a lot will depend on how long you stop at each viewpoint. And as we’ll cover shortly, you may want to visit more than once under different lighting conditions.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Prior to my visit, I’d read on multiple websites that Monument Valley is best photographed in the morning. But during a sunrise tour I took earlier that day, my guide informed me that many of the landmarks are actually best seen in late afternoon.

And so I made an impromptu decision to visit both during the morning and evening, filling in the downtime in between with a trip to Utah’s Valley of the Gods.

If you’re a photographer, I’d recommend doing it this way to capture each section of the park under ideal lighting. In the guide below, you’ll learn the best times to visit each individual landmark.

But if you can only do the Monument Valley scenic drive once, late afternoon is probably the prettier time overall. After that, you can also catch the sunset over the viewpoint outside the Visitor Center.

OPERATING HOURS & ENTRY FEES

If you do choose to drive the loop in the afternoon, be sure to check the current hours. They seem to change frequently and even some of the local guides get confused.

At the time of writing, the loop road is open from 8:00-17:00 in summer and 8:00-16:00 in winter. This is important to keep in mind if you want to have enough time to photograph the landmarks in late afternoon while also sticking around for sunset.

Also remember that unlike the rest of Arizona, the Navajo Nation observes daylight savings, so be sure to confirm the current Navajo Nation time before your visit

It currently costs $8 per vehicle to enter the scenic drive area (a National Park pass is not valid here). If you want to visit twice on the same day, you shouldn’t have a problem presenting your ticket again at the entrance gate.

TRANSPORT & ACCOMMODATION INFO

For more details on reaching the Monument Valley area and the best places to stay, learn more at the very end of the guide .

1. The Mittens & Merrick Butte

Before even starting the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, be sure to briefly park your car outside the Visitor Center. From the parking lot, it’s just a short walk to Monument Valley’s most famous viewpoint, from which you can see Merrick Butte, West Mitten Butte and East Mitten Butte lined up in perfect harmony.

It’s unclear if the viewpoint from above technically counts as the first stop of the Scenic Drive. In any case, shortly into the journey, you’ll have a chance to stop and appreciate the views of the buttes from closer up.

Note that there’s quite a distance between the Monument Valley Scenic Drive entrance and the start of the main loop, which is something to consider if you plan on visiting twice on the same day. The driving time, however, will largely depend on whether or not you’re stuck behind other cars.

It’s also worth mentioning that near the scenic drive’s first viewpoint, you’ll encounter a small parking area for something called the Wildcat Trail . This flat 3.2-mile loop trail is actually the only independent hiking trail in all of Monument Valley.

It offers additional views of Mericke Butte and the Mittens, and while I would’ve loved to do it, I simply didn’t have enough time.

BEST SEEN:   While Merrick Butte and the Mittens are impressive at any time of day, the lighting is best in the late afternoon.

2. Elephant Butte

The next landmark is Elephant Butte, which, well, doesn’t look quite like an elephant to most people. But perhaps you have to be standing in the right place.

As we’ll cover below, you’ll be able to get closer to this butte at stop 10 (North Window), from where you can see it from the other side.

BEST SEEN:   Both morning and afternoon, depending on which side

3. The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters, which are three tall sandstone spires next to a large mesa, are one of Monument Valley’s most recognizable landmarks. As you drive along, you’ll encounter a few different areas to enjoy the view.

BEST SEEN:   The Three Sisters are best seen in the morning when the sun is shining directly on them.

4. John Ford's Point

John Ford’s Point is one of the most crowded parts of the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, as it was here that film director John Ford shot scenes for many of his Western films. 

As most of these films came out in the 1940s and 1950s, however, few younger visitors are likely to have seen them (including myself). Nevertheless, it’s easy to see why a film director would be attracted to this particular spot. 

There are two ways to appreciate John Ford’s Point. You can walk onto the plateau itself and take in the views of the surrounding buttes, or you can take in the wider view of the plateau itself from a distance, as it’s appeared in many films.

A popular thing to do here is to pay a local man to let you pose for photos on his horse. You’ll also find some gift shops and a few small restaurants near the parking lot as well.

If you encounter large crowds when you first arrive, don’t feel too discouraged. In my case, I waited about fifteen minutes and eventually managed to get a shot with nobody in it.

BEST SEEN: Morning

*Note: If you’ll be visiting the area twice on the same day, during your morning visit, it’s best to head from John Ford’s Point directly to North Window (Stop 10). Following the landmarks mentioned above, stops 10 and 11 are the only others that look best in morning.

To save time, it’s best to ignore the loop for now and simply head east from John Ford’s Point. While you will actually be driving the wrong way down a one-way portion of the loop, I did this at the suggestion of a local guide. The road was wide enough and nobody seemed to notice or care.

5. Camel Butte

While not the most interesting landmark at Monument Valley, Camel Butte does indeed resemble a camel from a certain angle and under the right lighting conditions. Sort of.

BEST SEEN: Late afternoon

The Hub is one of the more confusing stops at Monument Valley. While you will find a sign indicating where the viewpoint is, it’s not entirely clear which formation around you is actually the Hub.

The first picture above is the closest formation to the sign, while other websites I’ve encountered show an entirely different landmark – a standalone butte – that I seem to have missed. 

It’s possibly something far in the distance that can only be admired with binoculars or a zoom lens.

In any case, this general area has a lot of other landmarks on either side of the road as you make your way east. These include the Rain God Mesa to your left (north) and Thunderbird Mesa to your right (south).

BEST SEEN:   Late afternoon

7. Totem Pole & Yei Bei Chei

Reaching the eastern edge of the loop road, you’ll see the impressive Totem Pole – which reaches up to 450 ft high – from a distance near the intersection.

While quite far away, its unique shape makes it easy to spot. Just behind it, meanwhile, is another formation known as Yei Bei Chei.

As visitors cannot get very close to the formations, this is a good time to take out your zoom lens if you have one.

BEST SEEN : Late afternoon

8. Sand Springs (& Totem Pole)

Confusingly, this next viewpoint is not so different from the previous one, as you are basically just looking at the Totem Pole from a slightly different angle.

The Sand Springs, however, is the large sandy area you’ll see in the foreground, and that’s supposed to be the main highlight of the loop’s eighth stop.

BEST SEEN :  Late afternoon

9. Artist's Point

Next, it’s time to start heading north toward Artist’s Point. Over to your right on the journey over, you’ll see the massive Spearhead Mesa. While not one of the official eleven stops, you will indeed encounter a sign and a small parking area from which to view it up close.

Moving on, the road will briefly take you north of the main loop.

Arriving at Artist’s Point, you’ll encounter a large parking area and viewing platform from where you can take in the scenery. This is easily one of the top highlights of Monument Valley, and it’s one of the places I spent the most time.

With the sun gradually getting lower in the sky, and the clouds constantly moving overhead, the scenery in front of me was in constant flux. I stood here for a while with a tripod, waiting for some sun to finally shine on the buttes in the distance. 

These are the same buttes you’ll have already seen before (Merrick Butte and the Mittens), albeit from a different angle.

While it was nice to be out of the car for a bit, this area can get crowded.

10. North Window

Returning to the main loop, make a right turn and head east toward North Window. Again, there’s a large parking lot here.

As the name suggests, a gap between two near buttes (Elephant Butte and Cly Butte) reveals views of East Mitten Butte and other buttes in the distance (that’s a lot of buttes!) .

BEST SEEN :  Morning

As mentioned above, if you’re doing the Monument Valley Scenic Drive twice, come straight here from John Ford’s Point in the morning before doing the rest of the loop later on in the afternoon.

11. The Thumb

Just next to the North Window is the Thumb. Unlike some other landmarks which don’t always appear as described, this formation does indeed resemble a giant thumb and is hard to miss.

It stands next to the other side of Camel Butte, one of the earlier landmarks on this list.

BEST SEEN : Morning

Heading further west, you’ll soon reach the intersection, after which it’s time to drive back north towards the Visitor Center.

If you’re doing the Monument Valley Scenic Drive in the afternoon, be sure to return to the viewpoint of the buttes outside the Visitor Center when finished.

As the viewpoint faces east, you won’t actually see the sun setting behind the buttes. But the setting sun will illuminate the formations and the colors will gradually change over time, which is well worth seeing if you’re not in a rush.

Completely coincidentally, I happened to visit Monument Valley during a special phenomenon which occurs just twice a year (mid-September and late March).

For a couple of nights during these times, the sun will set at such an angle that the West Mitten Butte will cast a shadow directly onto the East Mitten Butte. It’s an incredible spectacle, albeit just one of many breathtaking scenes one can witness throughout the area.

Additional Info

As beautiful as Monument Valley is, it can be difficult to plan a trip here due to how expensive it is. The prices of staying within Monument Valley itself are astronomical. 

And given its remote location, when it comes to towns outside of Monument Valley, there are only a couple of options: Kayenta, Arizona and Mexican Hat, Utah.

INSIDE MONUMENT VALLEY

First, let’s cover some of the popular options in Monument Valley itself for those who aren’t on a tight budget. The most iconic hotel in the area is  Goulding’s Lodge , founded by Harry Goulding, the man who helped turn Monument Valley into a tourist destination in the 1920s.

The View  is another popular option, and as its name suggests, guests can enjoy a stunning view of Monument Valley’s buttes from the hotel itself. As such, it’s more expensive than Goulding’s Lodge.

The cheapest option within Monument Valley is to camp or stay in your own RV. Some of these campgrounds are managed by The View and Goulding’s, so it’s best to  contact the hotels  directly about your reservation.

Monument Valley KOA  is another camping option.

If you’re looking to rent an RV for your trip, consider using a site like  Outdoorsy .

MEXICAN HAT, UTAH

I stayed in the oddly-named town of Mexican Hat, Utah to the north of Monument Valley. The drive from town to the Monument Valley Visitor Center takes about thirty minutes.

Mexican Hat is named after its rock formation that resembles a Mexican sombrero, while the area is also home to Valley of the Gods, a scenic drive which many dub ‘Mini Monument Valley.’

I spent a single night at  San Juan Inn . While it was double the price of almost everywhere else I stayed on my Southwest trip, it was still cheaper than anything else I could find. Conveniently, the hotel also has an attached restaurant.

For whatever reason, San Juan Inn is not on Booking, but you can find it on Hotels or book with them directly.

KAYENTA, ARIZONA

Kayenta is about thirty minutes south of Monument Valley, and the town only has a few options:  Hampton Inn Kayenta ,  Wetherill Inn  and  Kayenta Monument Valley Inn .

Monument Valley is quite remote and the only way to reach it is to drive . There are no major airports nearby, with the closest being Phoenix or Albequerque – both about five hours away by car.

As such, most people visit Monument Valley as one stop of a longer Southwest itinerary.  Many visitors come from places like Moab or southwest Colorado, home to Mesa Verde National Park.  Page, Arizona (home to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and other sites) is also just a couple of hours away.

How To Visit Monument Valley in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Monument Valley just hits differently. The red-sand desert floor stretches over 92,000 acres across the Utah-Arizona border, dotted with sandstone buttes and dirt roads. This region is best known for Monument Valley Tribal Park – a once frequent filming location for old Western movies. You’ve already seen the valley on your TV screen. It has featured as a backdrop for all the John Wayne films, plus classics like Forrest Gump. But there is more to the valley than just good looks. You can visit attractions like the Navajo Shadehouse Museum and enjoy incredible hiking trails.

Researching Monument Valley is so much fun. It is one of the most famous sections of any  Arizona road trip  and one of the leading  US road trips . Between the red-sand scenery and Hollywood-worthy scenic drive, Monument Valley has wiggled its way onto millions of bucket lists.

Table of Contents

How to Visit Monument Valley

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know in order to have a fantastic visit. Get ready for a thorough ‘how to’ guide; by the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped and raring to go. We’ll teach you all about the main attractions in the valley, like Elephant Butte and the Wildcat Trail. But we’ll also provide all the logistics you need, like how to get there and when is best to visit. One of the best parts about Monument Valley is its location, so skip to the end if you’d like some insights into combining your trip with other memorable attractions, like the Grand Canyon.

Are you ready? Here’s what you need to know about visiting the valley.

What is Monument Valley? A Quick Introduction

So, what is Monument Valley? Well, this 92,000-acre region is a particularly beautiful area of red-sand desert. The valley sits on the border between Utah and Arizona, with land in both states. It is most known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which has a beautiful collection of sandstone buttes that attracted Hollywood’s attention. Chances are, you’ve seen Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, John Wayne movies, or the famous ‘Run Forrest run’ scene in Forrest Gump.

You can drive through the valley on the 17-mile Valley Drive, a year-round accessible tarmacked highway. During your visit, you may need an off-road vehicle to tackle a dirt road or two.

The valley is full of red rock formations, and you can book experiences like  guided horseback tours . You can also embark on hikes to overlook points like John Ford’s Point or take guided hiking tours with a Navajo guide to peaks like Totem Pole or the West and East Mittens. Most attractions are off the main Valley Drive, and there are plenty of designated pull-in places to admire views of specific rock formations. Or you can stop by the Monument Valley Visitor Center and enquire about guided tour options.

How to Get to Monument Valley

So, how do you get to Monument Valley? The easiest way is to fly into one of the major cities in Arizona or Utah, renting a car to road trip your way to this remote valley.

Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are the two most famed international airports and around a 7-hour drive from the valley. Flagstaff is another excellent airport to fly into, only a 3-hour drive away and ideally located to combine Monument Valley with the Grand Canyon. You can book domestic or international flights to one of the airports, rent a car, and drive the remainder of the way to Monument Valley.

Alternatively, you could catch an Amtrak train to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas if traveling from within the United States. This would cut unnecessary flights and provide more adventurous, slow travel. You could then rent a car for the remainder of the journey.

Reading this, you can spot the recurring factor – car hire. You must travel with someone with a license if you can’t rent or bring a car yourself. The valley is one of the most remote places to visit in the US. And you’ll need to drive if you want to see it independently. You can check the best prices here on our favorite site.

With that said, there is a caveat slash loophole to this. If driving  really  isn’t an option, you could book a guided tour of Monument Valley. These tours are more expensive, and you’ll be limited in free time, but they are the perfect solution for those without licenses. You can book  Monument Valley day tours from Flagstaff  and from  Sedona . Budget around $250-300 for a group tour, including transfers, and get ready to kick your feet back with a guided tour experience.

In summary, your options to get to the valley are as follows:

• If you are short on time and want cheap flights , Fly to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and then rent a car to drive 7 hours to Monument Valley.
• If you are short on time,  Fly to Flagstaff and then rent a car to drive 3 hours to Monument Valley.
• If you have plenty of time and want to avoid flying:  Travel by Amtrak to Las Vegas, Grand Junction, or Salt Lake City and then hire a car to drive to Monument Valley in 4.5-7 hours.
• If you aren’t able to hire a car,  Fly into Flagstaff and stay there or in Sedona. You can then book a guided tour to Monument Valley on a day trip for between $250 and $300.

Best Things to do in Monument Valley

The sheer scale of things to do in Monument Valley is awe-inspiring. It is far from just a place to drive through and passively gaze at the scenery, although we won’t knock road-tripping its 17-mile Valley Drive. Monument Valley has a wow factor that inspires you to get involved with outdoor activities, whether hiking to buttes or horse riding through Monument Valley Tribal Park.

In this section, we’ll help you embrace all the excitement that Monument Valley offers. Get ready for natural attractions, trails, and sightseeing opportunities. These are the very best things to do in the incredible valley.

1. Experience Monument Valley Tribal Park on Horseback

One of the best ways to experience Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is undoubtedly on horseback. You can drive the loop road, but horses go where vehicles can’t or aren’t permitted. You can book a  2-hour Monument Valley tour by horseback , getting up close to the buttes. We did this and absolutely loved it. We do recommend you have a little horseback experience, though.

2. Take a Jeep Tour

A great way to experience the valley is via jeep. Book a jeep tour  across the desert floor and past significant sights like the West Mitten butte. Most tours last 1.5 hours to 3 hours. And you’ll get a hassle-free driving experience with narrated sightseeing. This is a great option if you are traveling with the family.

3. Navajo Shadehouse Museum

Navajo Shadehouse Museum is a cultural attraction in Monument Valley worth visiting. It explains all the culture, traditions, beliefs, and history of the Navajo tribe, including things like how Navajo medicine men pray and what hogan homes look like. While the museum is small, it provides incredible insight into the Navajo Nation. And since the valley is situated on Navajo Tribal park land, it is a must-have addition to your itinerary.

4. Visit West, East, and Merrick Butte

If you want stunning rock formations, West, East, and Merrick Butte are the best formations to see up close. This iconic trio of buttes juts up from the valley floor in beautiful red sandstone. The East and West Buttes stand over 6,000 feet above sea level and are a dramatic sight to see up close. It is illegal to climb the formations, but you can walk around their bases.

5. Drive Monument Valley Drive with Photo Stops

We can’t mention the beautiful Monument Valley Drive. In 17 miles of highway, you embrace some of Monument Valley’s iconic landscapes and rock formations. This scenic drive passes Forrest Gump Point, a.k .a. the famous Forrest Gump Highway. The massive sandstone buttes also appeared in Western movies like the Wayne films. It’s easily one of the most famous scenic drives in the US. Allow 3-4 hours to complete the drive, depending on how long you want at each stop.

6. Elephant Butte

This beautiful butte is famously shaped like an elephant and is an excellent option if you want to see the rock formations outside of the standard trio. Again, climbing is illegal, but you can walk to its base and admire the natural landmark. Visit just before sunset for the best views.

7. John Ford’s Point

This is the money shot overlook. It’s named John Ford’s Point after the American producer and director John Ford. Ford directed tons of movies, including several featuring John Wayne. John Ford featured this viewpoint in several old American West movies. You’ll recognize the sweeping views of the buttes and desert landscape.

8. Wildcat Trail

Wildcat Trail is an approximately 4-mile loop hike that crams in the best of Monument Valley’s views on foot. It takes around 2 to 3 hours and is rated as moderate difficulty due to sections with thick sand. You can easily navigate the trail independently if you have a basic fitness level. Your efforts will be rewarded with up-close views of the famed Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.

Set off early in the day to avoid the harsh heat in spring and summer. Make sure to bring a camera, too, as Wildcat Trail is one of Monument Valley’s best things to do.

9. Climb Mexican Hat

While climbing isn’t allowed within the valley, you can skip minutes over the border to climb Mexican Hat. This bizarre-looking sandstone rock looks like a tower with a sombrero on top – hence its name. Mexican Hat is popular amongst experienced climbers. If you are experienced enough to tackle medium challenging climbs confidently, you can take on the Bandito Route, a bolted, clip-up route.

If you aren’t a climber, you can still visit to see the rock up close. Plus, you can watch as others tackle the unique rock face.

10. North Window Overlook

Finally, there’s North Window Overlook to visit in the valley. This is brilliant if you want a viewpoint experience in the valley. North Window Overlook offers an alternative view of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to John Ford’s Point. It is located just minutes from the Monument Valley Visitor Center and is perfect to experience at sunrise or sunset.

When to Visit Monument Valley

It goes without saying that summer is a more challenging time to visit the valley. The sky-high temperatures can reach 94 Fahrenheit in July and August, which isn’t conducive to desert hikes or long drives. Furthermore, summer also means floods of crowds. It is the busiest time of year to visit the valley. So if you are considering visiting in summer, we recommend shifting to the start or end of the season. It is mostly crowded and hot, with fewer parking spaces and shared viewpoints.

So, if not summer, when should you visit the valley? Ideally, you should visit in the fall or spring. Winter can get a little too cold, dropping to 25 Fahrenheit sometimes, so fall and spring are a great compromise. September to early November and March to May are the best periods to experience the valley. You’ll have mild temperatures in the upper 70s Fahrenheit and fewer crowds – a win-win.

Keep in mind what time of day you enter the valley, too. Visiting in the shoulder seasons like fall and spring helps to reduce the crowds. But you can also be tactical with what time of day you visit. Early morning is best if you want to spend a whole day in the park, heading to the most popular sites first. Meanwhile, if you wish to visit only a few sites, late afternoon is a good time to dodge the worst of the crowds.

Of course, choosing accommodation in the valley itself will help you get ahead of the crowds. You’ll also get to tick off sunrise and sunset viewpoints from the comfort of your own home away from home, especially at places like The View Hotel and Campground.

Where to Stay in Monument Valley And Surrounding Area

Where to stay in and around Monument Valley is a fabulous question. There is one important thing to note, though. There are minimal accommodation options inside the park itself. You’ll have to book in advance to stay inside the park boundaries. There are also more B&B or camping-style accommodation options within the valley.

Fortunately, there are many more options for those staying just outside the park boundaries. The small town of Kayenta near the south entrance has multiple inns, and the town of Bluff near the north entrance also has plenty of accommodation choices.

Staying in Monument Valley

Staying within Monument Valley’s park boundaries requires pre-planning and advance booking, but it’s definitely still possible. If you want to make your experience even more unique, snagging those sought-after accommodation reservations is well worth it. You could be bathing in an infinity pool overlooking a beautiful red rock formation or camping in a traditional tipi village. Let’s check out the top options for staying within the valley.

Goulding’s Lodge

Goulding’s Lodge  is a gorgeous property within Monument Valley and easily one of the leading places to stay. Get your reservations in quick. Guests enjoy an indoor pool and a terrace – from which you can actually see the buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It is a beautiful place to stay and enjoy scenic sunsets and sunrises.

Monument Valley Tipi Village

Monument Valley Tipi Village  is a beautiful accommodation choice for experiencing traditional tipi and hogan stays in Monument Valley. The village is run as part of the Navajo Nation and is a brilliant way to invest in the local community.

The View Campground/The View Hotel

The View Campground and View Hotel  are two adjoining properties in the middle of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – the most scenic section of the valley with the dramatic butte scenery. Each guest room in the hotel has a balcony to enjoy private sunrise and sunset views over the Mitte buttes. And you can also enquire about camping experiences in traditional tipis.

Staying Outside Monument Valley

As we explained, the best places to stay outside Monument Valley are Kayenta and Bluff. There’s also Mexican Hat, a tiny census-designated place right at the north entrance with a selection of hotels. Still, we wouldn’t recommend staying here as it lacks facilities.

This section will look at the best places to stay in Kayenta for inn-style accommodation and a quiet vibe. Then we’ll look at the best places to stay in more luxurious and touristy Bluff.

Kayenta is the smaller, quieter option of the two towns. It is located near the south entrance of Arizona. It is a better option for those wanting to go on day trips to Arizona attractions like the Grand Canyon or Navajo National Monument. Kayenta has several town facilities, like Amigo Cafe, the Kayenta Recreation Park, and primarily 3-4-star inns.

Wetherill Inn

Wetherill Inn  is a modest 2-star property ideal for anyone looking for budget-friendly accommodation near Monument Valley. It does have its comfortable perks, though, including an indoor heated pool and a continental breakfast.

Hampton Inn Kayenta

Hampton Inn Kayenta  is a 3-star property, best for those wanting a more mid-range to luxury option. It is a modern property with a tasteful desert-color palette that’s perfect given the reason for your stay. It has an onsite restaurant, which is convenient after a long day in Monument Valley, and a gym and outdoor pool.

Bluff is slightly bigger and best for those who want a busier base while visiting the valley. It has more luxurious places, like Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa. Bluff also has a few attractions, like the Twin Rocks Trading Post, the Bluff Great House Museum, and the Sand Island Petroglyphs. It is located in Utah, near the north entrance to Monument Valley.

La Posada Pintada

La Posada Pintada  is first up. This 3-star property is beautiful, with traditional rooms, log cabin features and views over the surrounding red rock scenery. A daily continental breakfast is included in your booking rate. Overall, it is ideal for those with a mid-range budget.

Desert Rose Resort & Cabins

Desert Rose Resort & Cabins  is as luxurious as it comes. The property has a deluxe indoor pool, an onsite business center, and thoughtfully decorated rooms featuring traditional stone and wood details. You have all the Bluff facilities on your doorstep and a base where you can rejuvenate between sightseeing in Monument Valley.

Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa

Bluff Dwellings  is another gem in Bluff. The resort has absolutely glowing reviews and a stunning mixture of rooms and suites. The resort is set within a section of rock formations, giving it a remote appeal despite its central Bluff location. As if that wasn’t enough, you also get an onsite pool, gym, and hot tub. Plus, there is an onsite restaurant for those days when you need a quick meal.

Excursions Near Monument Valley

One of the most incredible things about visiting Monument Valley is how perfectly it combines with other bucket list experiences in Utah and Arizona. As you know, the valley is situated on the Utah-Arizona border, meaning it has almost unbridled access to some of the state’s most sought-after destinations and excursions.

You could be trekking through Canyonlands or snapping photos in Arches National Park. You could head south to spend a few days around the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Or you could take longer, multi-day detours through Utah to visit Las Vegas. There are tons of excursions and worthy destinations near Monument Valley.

In this section, we’ll introduce you to the best of these. Here are the top ten excursions – and multi-day detours – you should combine with a visit to Monument Valley.

1. Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park is a beautiful park just north of the valley. The San Juan River splits the park and contains over 300 million years of geology. Goosenecks is a great day trip if you want to spend a day admiring geological attractions and canyon river views. Pick a hike from the multiple trail options. You can even camp there overnight if you wish.

2. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is one of the leading national parks in the US, with some  brilliant hiking trails , including the route to Druid Arch and Lavender Point. You can admire plenty of viewpoints. There’s the stunning Needles District and Green River Overlook. Canyonlands National Park is split into four main zones, including the Island in the Sky mesa.

The national park is only a 3-hour drive from the center of Monument Valley. It is best experienced at sunset when the red rock scenery is even more beautiful.

3. Dead Horse State Park

Dead Horse State Park is just over a 2-hour from Bluff, near the valley’s north entrance. This state park is famous for its desert landscape and seriously stunning canyon scenery. While it is adjoined to Canyonlands, it offers a much more intimate experience, with fewer trails and less than 5,400 acres compared to nearly 340,000 acres.

If you want a more bitesize chunk, Dead Horse State Park is the perfect place to experience similar landscapes without the scale of Canyonlands.

4. Grand Canyon

Who doesn’t want to see the Grand Canyon ? The canyon is a great experience to add to your Monument Valley itinerary. You can visit the canyon in a single day from Monument Valley, taking 4 hours to reach one way. Or you can fly into Flagstaff and spend a few days visiting the canyon and its surrounding attractions before driving to Monument Valley. Either way, you can combine the two.

5. Visit the Four Corners Monument

This monument is extraordinary, marking the point where all four states – Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado – all converge. The Four Corners Monument is located in the Navajo Nation and has its own visitor center. If you want a novelty experience, you can’t beat this monument. After all, you can say you stood in all four states at once.

It takes around an hour to reach Bluff, making it one of the most accessible self-guided excursions from the valley.

6. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a brilliant excursion to take from Monument Valley. Once you’ve spent a couple of days exploring the valley, you can drive under 2 hours to Antelope Canyon – the famous canyon that looks like it has rock waves in its walls.

As the canyon is sacred in Navajo culture, it is vital to book through a company offering a Navajo guide for a guided tour.

7. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a brilliant excursion from the valley. It is most known for its abundance of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, most famously Cliff Palace. A visit to Mesa Verde is ideal for expanding your knowledge of Puebloan history after visiting the Navajo Nation. You can quickly drive to Mesa Verde National Park from Bluff, which takes around 1.5 hours. It is one of  Colorado’s best national parks  and worth the detour.

8. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a must if you are visiting Monument Valley. It is just too close by to miss out on. The park is named after its dozens of natural arches and is one of Utah’s most beautiful places to visit . It is just under a 2-hour drive from Bluff, near the valley’s north entrance. And you can enjoy  stunning hikes  to see the natural landmarks.

Look into national park passes for multiple parks if you’d like to combine a few of the national parks near Monument Valley.

9. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

This National Monument is one of the best areas of natural beauty within the Navajo Nation. And as a bonus, it is just over an hour’s drive from Kayenta. You can take guided tours, learn about sacred sites, and visit a cliff dwelling and petroglyphs.

10. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is another leading attraction and excursion from the valley. It is just over 1.5 hours from Kayenta by car by the valley’s south entrance. The park is best known for its dramatic river canyon landscape, featuring a curve in the Colorado River that looks like a horseshoe shape.

While there, you could go hiking or boating. Or sightsee other attractions near Page, like Antelope Canyon.

Visiting Monument Valley: FAQs

Are you excited about visiting Monument Valley? Whether you visit Mystery Valley, drive the Monument Valley loop road, or detour to nearby Goosenecks State Park, you’ll love seeing the part of the US. Monument Valley is a tiny section of fiery, red-rock intensity. It is the scenery of the old West that generations of people grew to love on their TV screens. From a sightseeing perspective, it is one of the nation’s most impressive areas of rock formations. That’s before you even get to the cultural side of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, with all its history of the Navajo people.

Before you rush to appreciate Monument Valley in person, check out these common FAQs. These FAQs could provide you with that extra information that transforms your trip.

Why is Monument Valley so famous?

Hollywood has immortalized Monument Valley. Sure, its culture and geology would have still attracted visitors even if Hollywood hadn’t scouted it as a movie set. However, its appearance in John Wayne films and blockbusters like Forrest Gump is what has made Monument Valley famous worldwide.

What town is closest to Monument Valley?

Kayenta is a super close town to Monument Valley on the Arizona side of the border. On the Utah side of the border, Bluff is the nearest town to Monument Valley. Bluff has more tourist infrastructure, with hotels, inns, and a few attractions.

Can you still drive through Monument Valley?

Yes, Monument Valley is open to drivers. The Monument Valley Loop Road is open all year round, although it does restrict its hours in winter, typically opening between 8 am and 2 pm. The Scenic Drive is available from 6 am until 8 pm in summer.

Is Monument Valley in Utah or Arizona?

Monument Valley straddles the border, meaning it is officially in both Utah and Arizona, not just one or the other. However, most of the park falls within the state boundaries of Arizona.

Monument Valley is exceptional; there’s no doubting that. These 92,000 acres contain so much natural beauty and culture. You can learn about the Navajo Nation and pay for a guided tour to embrace Monument Valley with the Navajo people. You can take a road trip through Monument Valley via Highway 163, passing Forrest Gump Point, Hollywood movie scenes, and stunning rock formations. Or, you can venture out on excursions nearby, like visiting Goosenecks State Park, the Grand Canyon, or nearby national parks. A visit to Monument Valley is one you won’t soon forget.

You now know all the practical information necessary to organize a trip to Monument Valley. We hope you have a wonderful time and encourage you to extend your stay to appreciate the wider region and its surrounding attractions. In need of some extra inspiration? These are the most  stunning places to visit in Arizona . And we have a complete guide on  Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ national parks . Make the most of visiting a destination right on the Utah-Arizona border.

Plan your Next Trip To Utah Or Arizona Here

• Utah National Parks: How to visit The Mighty 5
• 26 Stunning Places to Visit in Arizona That We Love
• 36 Fun Things To Do In Utah
• 33 Best Things to Do in Arizona

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

15 Fascinating Fun Facts About Hawaii You Will Love

Where to Stay In And Around Zion National Park: Our Favourite Places

Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A First Timers Guide to The Best Places

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

1 thought on “How To Visit Monument Valley in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide”

Just stumbled upon your Monument Valley guide, and it’s a game-changer for my travel plans in 2024! The advice on local culture and hidden gems is fantastic. Thanks for putting together such an informative piece. Excited to explore this iconic destination!

DownTheTrail.com

hiking guides, gear, and journals

The 3 Best Things to Do in Monument Valley for Free

updated: February 11, 2019

Of course you want to come here – there is no place in the world quite like Monument Valley.

If you’re from the east coast or overseas, this destination is even more likely to blow your mind.

It’s the most iconic landscape of the American Southwest.

When you think of “The West,” your subconscious conjures red rock pinnacles, sagebrush flats, sweeping views, and big sky.

It imagines western movies with Cowboys and Indians, a bearded Forrest Gump running through the desert… even the cartoon background where the coyote chases the roadrunner.

It all comes to life here. Monument Valley is The West.

Getting There

Monument Valley sits on a state border, straddling both Utah and Arizona. It’s entirely within the Navajo Nation, so the locals don’t particularly care which state they’re in.

We shouldn’t either – the allure of the place defies state lines.

It’s a long drive from most places, but I consider it to be a quintessential stop on any road trip in the Four Corners region. Monument Valley is:

• 180 miles from Grand Canyon South Rim Village
• 100 miles from Four Corners
• 130 miles from Page, AZ (Antelope Canyon)
• 180 miles from Flagstaff, AZ
• 200 Miles from Kanab, UT

Some of its magic lies in the journey:

Things you might see on the way include:

Before we get into the free things to do, let’s look some at some more logistics and sights along the way.

The Elephant’s Feet

East of Tuba City (Technically in Tonalea, AZ) you may pass these pinnacles along the road, known as the Elephant’s Feet. Sometimes it’s referred to as a “rest area,” but there’s just a pullout void of facilities, save for the occasional local artist selling jewelry.

Worth a quick stop? Maybe.

Agathla Peak

North of Kayenta you’ll begin to get a taste of Monument Valley when passing Agathla Peak.

A few rock climbers have scaled it, but the climb is extremely dangerous because of the fragile volcanic rock. It’s a fifth class ascent.

Sometimes called The El Capitan of the Desert, the USGS has settled on the name Agathla to avoid confusion with Yosemite’s El Cap. I’ve read that the formation is viewed as a sacrosanct “sky supporter” by the local people.

Sky supporter. I like that.

By this time on the road you should feel like you’re experiencing a real-life montage from Easy Rider . If not, then I think that you’re probably doing it wrong.

Mexican Hat Rock

Just a few miles north of the town of Mexican Hat you may also find yourself passing by its namesake. It’s a silly rock formation – not much more to it than that.

Accommodations

To have the best experience in Monument Valley, I recommend spending a night in the immediate area.

Lodging & Hotels

The View Hotel , built less than ten years ago, is the premier place to stay in Monument Valley. Its rooms look out on the central core of the park, and this is the only lodging that’s directly within it. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay the $20 park entrance fee in order to access the hotel.

Goulding’s Lodge is the traditional place to stay. In fact you could say it was the Gouldings who first put Monument Valley “on the map” when they convinced Hollywood director John Ford to film the classic John Wayne movie Stagecoach here in the 1930s. In case you didn’t know, Stagecoach basically created the “Western” movie genre as we know it today.

Goulding’s is where I stayed on a couple of my first visits to Monument Valley. I shot the sunrise photo from the top of this page after a short walk out one of the rooms.

Firetree B&B and Tear Drop Arch B&B are also in the immediate area.

The next-closest lodging is in the town of Kayenta, Arizona, where there’s a Hampton Inn and a couple other hotels.

Camping Under the Stars

Camping here in favorable weather conditions can be an exquisite experience. If you’re a hiker and backpacker at heart (Like me) then sleeping on the ground within sight of the Mittens may be just the thing for you.

The main campground is within the Tribal Park ($20 entrance fee). In years past, this site had virtually nothing in the manner of facilities, and I don’t think things have changed very much since then. You’re within site of the View Hotel and main parking area, but hey, it’s not every day you have the opportunity to camp in Monument Valley.

Goulding’s (Across the highway to the west) offers a campground too.

Both of the campgrounds listed above have RV sites, but Goulding’s is the only one with hookups.

The 3 Best Self-Guided Things to Do in Monument Valley for Free

The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Basically their version of a National Park) is the heart of the region. They charge a $20 fee (per vehicle) to enter the Park, so the last two items on this list are not technically free… but that’s as close as it gets where everything else requires a guided tour!

Rumor has it that if you arrive at the gate before 8am, you can skip the entrance fee (shhh). I don’t personally advocate this, but since the word FREE is in the title of this article I feel compelled to mention it.

Tourism is the primary economy for the local people. In addition to that, there’s a quite a few scattered homes in the area! It’s for these reasons that wandering off the roads is generally forbidden without a tour guide.

1) Tour the Highway to Forrest Gump Point

It’s certainly possible to have a great experience in Monument Valley without leaving US Highway 163. This is the only completely free option .

You’ll get a sense of the region when simply driving between Kayenta, AZ and Mexican Hat, UT. There are several dirt pullouts along the way where you can stop, smell the clean desert air, and take photos to your heart’s content.

Eagle Mesa is one of the largest and most prominent features of the area, and it’s right next to the highway.

The Forrest Gump Road

This stop is one of the greatest highlights in all of Monument Valley. The location of its specific pullout is near mile marker 13 on US Highway 163, north of the border in Utah. These days you can enter “Forrest Gump Point” on your favorite smartphone app and find it via GPS. There’s even a small sign there now:

“ I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now ,” he says in the classic movie scene. I was about thirteen years old when I first saw the film in theaters. The running across the United States montage has a special place in my heart, especially since I did something similar when Bicycling Across America in 2006.

When I first came out here in 2008, the phrase “Forrest Gump Point” did not exist, and there were only one or two websites that revealed the scene’s exact location. Nowadays the place has become a safety hazard with all the people found standing in the road, so be careful!

Don’t forget to get a cool shot of your vehicle here.

…or be sure to have a fancy rental car for the ultimate effect. 🙂

This “open” roadside stand at Forrest Gump Point always struck me as especially photogenic.

For the best color rendition in you photos from Forrest Gump Point, try to get there early in the morning. You’re more likely to beat the crowds and get a completely “open road” image too!

Later in the day it tends to get more hazy, which has a cool effect in photos too, but you’re also more likely to encounter traffic.

2) Explore the Valley Drive

The next most accessible way to touch the heart of Monument Valley is take the “Valley Drive” within the Navajo Tribal Park. The 17-mile scenic road weaves through the most impressive features of the Park, like the Mittens, the Sisters, John Ford’s Point (My personal favorite), and more.

It’s a dirt road, but in dry conditions I think a regular passenger vehicle does just fine. Maybe things have changed, but I used to drive my old Buick Century on here without any trouble at all.

Comments on TripAdvisor tend to say things like “4wd only,” but don’t let that stop you! Check it out for yourself. The initial descent into the valley tends to be the worst part of the road, and I think it scares people away.

In most cases I think a rental car would be fine too – just run it through a car wash before returning it in Vegas. 🙂 Otherwise you’ll have to pay for a guided tour to get out here.

You can go at your own pace, and even do some casual exploring within the road’s corridor. Doing any true hiking off the road is not allowed, unfortunately.

I highly recommend doing the drive in the late afternoon to catch the golden evening light into sunset.

3) Hike the Wildcat Trail

It’s necessary to go on a guided hiking tour to see all the trails in Monument Valley, except for one – The Wildcat Trail.

This is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the landscape, away from the roads!

Wildcat Trail Guide

MAP: available at Visitor Center PERMITS: $20 fee to enter park DESIGNATION: Navajo Tribal Park BEST SEASONS: anytime, but summer is hot! DISTANCE: 3.2 mile loop – some sources list closer to 4 miles WATER: none ELEVATION: ~5,000ft / ~350ft hill near trailhead ACCESS: paved roads to the trailhead DIRECTIONS: see above ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions

This is a simple loop hike that takes you on mostly flat terrain around the West Mitten Butte. The footpath can be sandy, and if you’re out there in mid-summer, it can certainly feel strenuous! Bring water. There’s no full shade.

This trail is the 3rd item on the list of the best free things to do here, so you’ve essentially reached the end of the article. Below you’ll see my trip notes from hiking the Wildcat Trail in 2008 – be sure to at least see the last picture before you go!

My Trip Notes and Photos

I hiked the Wildcat Trail on July 15th, 2008.

The route is punctuated by picturesque Juniper trees.

We were greeted by the unlikeliest of trail guides!

Stray dogs are a common site on the Navajo reservation, and Monument Valley is no exception. Before we even started down the trail, this dog ran up to greet us!

Soon after we began hiking, the dog started leading the way! He would run down the trail to the first tree with any semblance of shade. There he’d wait for us, and when we’d catch up, he’d run farther down the trail to the next tree, and so on.

Since we essentially had to chase after him, we called him Chase. We gave him some water and he seemed awfully hot and thirsty.

Don’t forget to watch out for these guys!

I saw this one along the Valley Drive on my first visit.

Have you been to Monument Valley? What did you think?

Related posts:

About Jamie Compos

I'm the guy behind DownTheTrail.com. I love the outdoors, and the Grand Canyon is my favorite destination. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter (at the bottom of the page), or else I'll slip a rock into your backpack when you're not looking.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

chart your course

Privacy overview.

Monument Valley: Everything You Need To Plan Your Visit (2024)

If you’re traveling through the southwestern United States, visiting Monument Valley is a must. There’s a reason this unique area has been featured in countless Hollywood films and it’s well worth a day or two of any road trip.

The southwestern states are home to some of the USA’s most dramatic landscapes, and one of the best places to visit when you are traveling through the region is Monument Valley, Utah.

Found within the vast expanse of land that forms the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is known for the imposing rock formations that rise sharply from the otherwise flat plateau.

This is arid, desert-like land too, and it’s Monument Valley that has been featured more than any other location in Hollywood movies set in the Wild West. 

While its landscapes might have been romanticized by famous Westerns, and more recently by Instagrammers living the Van Life and road-tripping west, Monument Valley will always be unnervingly beautiful to see firsthand.

It’s one of the best stops in the southwest, and to inspire your journey, here’s our ultimate guide to Monument Valley. 

Don’t leave home without:  Lonely Planet Southwest USA (Travel Guide)

Where is Monument Valley?

Table of Contents

Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Nation, and it straddles the border between the states of Utah in the north and Arizona in the south.

The valley is just a small part of the vast Colorado Plateau, and Monument Valley itself stretches for around 17 miles in length, through a protected area known as the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.  

How to Get to Monument Valley

Monument Valley is best accessed on a self-drive tour. If you don’t drive, then your best option is to join a multi-day excursion on an organized tour through the southwest because Monument Valley is in a remote location – it’s not exactly the day-tripping kind of destination! 

Monument Valley is located along Highway 163, which passes through the valley itself on its way from Utah south into Arizona. The highway is around 60 miles long, and starts in Bluff, Utah, and continues south to Kayenta in Arizona.

The entire highway is a beautiful place to road trip, as it passes not only through Monument Valley but through this spectacular desert-like part of the southwest. 

But part of the beauty of Monument Valley lies in its veritable isolation from the rest of the world. This is not a place you can simply visit on a whim, purely because it’s a long way from any major cities.

For this reason, you will want to consider putting together a longer road trip , that takes in many more of the sights in the Utah-Arizona area and across the Colorado Plateau. 

In fact, the nearest major cities are a long way from Monument Valley, and the closest large airport is almost 200 miles to the south in Arizona, in the provincial city of Flagstaff.

There are few connections here – certainly no international ones anyway – and you will need to pass through larger hubs such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Salt Lake City anyway, giving you yet another reason to simply turn this into one large road trip through the southwest.

Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City are all at least a 6 hour drive in different directions , but they are great places to start or end your trip, as you can easily pick up hire cars or campervans at the airports.

Depending on how much time you have, you can even start or end your trip on the Pacific coast, in Los Angeles , San Diego , or San Francisco, but be prepared for a lot of driving. 

There are a lot of great places to see in the area, and you can incorporate monumental destinations such as the Grand Canyon , Horseshoe Bend , and Antelope Canyon into your itinerary if you are traveling through Arizona.

To the north of Monument Valley, in Utah, you can call into the Canyonlands, into Moab or you can see the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, amongst many more sights and attractions too. 

Best Time to Visit Monument Valley

As with most other places in the American Southwest, the best time to visit Monument Valley is during the late Spring and early Fall. That is if you want to avoid the peak season crowds and heat that come with the summer months of June through September. 

If you want a totally unique visit, consider the off-season, which runs from late Fall to early Spring. There will be very few people and you will have a high degree of weather fluctuation. The days will be mostly sunny but that intense heat from summer will be gone. 

During these seasons you can also expect cold evenings, overnights, and mornings. Our visit to Monument Valley was in mid-March, during our road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. I can attest to both colder weather and small crowds. 

When we went to dinner in the evening, we had to wear sweaters. When we got up for a sunrise backcountry tour to photograph the sunrise, we had to wear down jackets . It was freezing cold until later morning when the sun was fully up. 

If you are really looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Monument Valley during the winter, when the valley is occasionally blanketed in snow. 

Things to do in Monument Valley, Utah

Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park and is administered and cared for directly by the Navajo Nation. For this reason, you must pay $8 per person to enter the park. National park passes are not accepted.

The Navajo Nation also arranges more in-depth tours, as some areas of Monument Valley can only be accessed with local guides. 

Our Top Recommended Tours in Monument Valley:

• Monument Valley Guided Tour
• Monument Valley Daytime Tour
• Sunset Tour of Monument Valley
• Monument Valley Extended Back-country Tour

Tribal Park Loop

The main thing to do in Monument Valley is to drive the beautiful Tribal Park Loop. This 17-mile long road passes through the best natural sights that the valley has to offer, including the iconic rock formations and rock pillars, and past excellent viewpoints.

In fact, if you are only paying the $20 entrance fee, this is the only part of the tribal park that you can actually access in your vehicle, as anywhere else requires you to be on a tour with a Navajo guide.

The Tribal Park Loop is the best way to see the highlights on an independent trip though, and if this is all you can afford or all you have time for, then don’t worry too much, because you’ll experience the best of Monument Valley anyway!

The Tribal Park Loop starts and ends at the local visitor’s center at the entrance to Monument Valley. While the road is a dirt track, it’s very well maintained and a four-by-four vehicle is not necessary to drive the loop.

West and East Mitten Buttes

One of the most iconic sights that you’ll see on the Tribal Park Loop, is the sight of the West and East Mitten Buttes.

These are the tall, imposing rock formations that rise dramatically from the otherwise flat valley floor, and it’s these rock formations that always seem to make it into scenes from Hollywood Westerns, they even formed an integral backdrop to the HBO TV series, Westworld, a few years ago. 

These enormous rocks are so named because they appear to look like hands wrapped in mittens, pointing toward the sky!

Wildcat Trail

The Wildcat Trail is a fantastic, short hiking trail that takes you around the base of West Mitten Butte. There are few trails in the park that you can hike without a Navajo guide, but the Wildcat Trail is one that you can self-walk.

It’s around 4 miles long, and quite literally takes you into the shadow of the butte, offering you the best view of the rocks. Remember to take lots of water, as the sun can be brutal in summer in Monument Valley. The hike will take around two hours, with plenty of time for taking photographs along the way. 

Lower Monument Valley

If you have more time to explore Monument Valley, then it’s worth joining a tour with a local guide to visit Lower Monument Valley. This area of the tribal park isn’t accessible by the public unless they are accompanied by a Navajo Guide. 

You will not only be given a four-by-four tour of more remote areas, but you’ll also have the chance to learn about Navajo history and culture at the same time.

The highlight of Lower Monument Valley is the Totem Pole, a tall, fragile, and thin-looking piece of rock that rises sharply from its base in the valley – like a Totem Pole.

Most tours last around three hours from start to finish and offer you the opportunity to experience not only a Monument Valley ‘safari’, as they call them, but parts of the park that you cannot visit on your own accord, and that consequently, are much quieter than points on the standard Tribal Park Loop. 

Forrest Gump Point

Monument Valley formed the backdrop to an iconic scene in the quirky movie, Forrest Gump. Partway through the movie, Forrest Gump begins running across the USA, and there’s a famed clip of the character, played by Tom Hanks, running along Highway 163, with the monumental rock formations of the Mitten Buttes in the background.

In fact, Forrest Gump Point, which is around 8 miles north of the state border, has become one of the most photographed spots in the valley, as the highway runs almost perfectly straight towards the rocks in the distance.

If you see a picture of Monument Valley from any road trip, on any Instagram account, it’s going to be from Forrest Gump Point. 

Take a Sunrise Photography Tour

We simply could not resist the opportunity to take a specialized sunrise tour into the backcountry of Monument Valley. We had the opportunity to see and photograph places in the park that are completely inaccessible to the general public. 

The tours generally start around 3 AM (or around there depending on the time of year and sunrise times) from the lobby of the View Hotel . So if you’re not staying there, you will need to make sure you have a rental car or have arranged a ride there from one of the other hotels nearby. 

The tour we did lasted 4 hours and took us to many iconic spots located in the private Navajo areas of the park. The guide was knowledgeable and great about showing us the famous angles for each stop. 

Plan Your Monument Valley Itinerary

One of the biggest challenges you’ll face is just how much time you should give yourself for this massive site. Truth be told, the more time you can give it the more enriching experience you will have. 

At the very least, try to give yourself 2 full days if you can. This would mean spending two nights, with a later in the day arrival before the first night. As we were pressed for time on our road trip and wanted to pack in several famous sites, we only spent one night. 

What it really comes down to is planning ahead and then making the most of your time while there. This is how we put together our itinerary in Monument Valley.

Day 1: Arrival at Monument Valley by car from Page, Arizona just after lunch. Drove the Tribal Park Loop for the afternoon, stopping at various lookouts for photographs. Checked into Goulding’s Lodge then drove up to Forest Gump Point. Dinner at Goulding’s Stagecoach Restaurant.  

Day 2: Early Sunrise Photography tour in the backcountry followed by breakfast at The View Restaurant. We then took a tour of the Lower Monument Valley before leaving Monument Valley and heading East to the Four Corners National Monument.

Where to Stay When Visiting Monument Valley

While you might pass through Monument Valley and spend a few hours exploring and driving around, before continuing your road trip north or south on the highway, you can also take the time to stay nearby and spend longer in the area. 

This is a great idea if you want to catch that early morning sunrise over Highway 163, over the epic rock formations, or if you want to join more in-depth tours with Navajo guides across the valley, rather than simply driving the usual loop.

The nearest towns are Kayenta, which is just under 30 miles to the south, while Bluff is around 50 miles to the north. The intriguingly named town of Mexican Hat is a little closer to the north, but there are fewer hotels or accommodations here than in Bluff.

In Bluff and Kayenta you can find an array of hotels, while you can also find a few camping areas along the highway. These are our recommendations for accommodation during your visit:

• Goulding’s Lodge : (we stayed here in a cabin) Located 2km outside of the park entrance, this hotel offers both standard room and cabin options. The cabins have stunning views over the valley. They have an onsite restaurant too. 
• The View Hotel : Offers comfortable accommodation with onsite dining. This hotel offers insane valley views. They also offer premium cabins too. 

Places to Eat Near Monument Valley

Your options here are limited if you are planning to stay at one of the two places we recommend above. Each of the hotels offers its own onsite restaurant. The options are limited and expensive but you can’t really trade the convenience.

The day we arrived, we ate dinner at the Goulding’s Lodge Stagecoach Restaurant . They were offering a salad bar and a menu with a variety of entrees. The salad bar reminded me of a typical dinner club salad bar, much as we have in Wisconsin. Fresh ingredients and a decent variety.

I would highly recommend that you give the Navajo Tacos a try! They are delicious. 

After our sunrise tour, we opted to try breakfast at The View Restaurant . They offered the typical breakfast options that you would find in any diner across the states. The food was good but as I said, options are limited so you’re going to be left with little choice. 

The alternative is making the drive to either nearby Kayenta or Bluff, where you can find a wider variety of options, gas stations, and some fast food. 

Monument Valley, Utah FAQs

Yes. Anyone can pay to enter Monument Valley and drive the scenic road, as well as partake in a few short hikes. Note that certain areas are off-limit unless you are with a Navajo guide.

Absolutely! It’s a very unique destination and even if you’re visiting other landmarks in the West, Monument Valley still stands out.

Mexican Hat is technically the closest town, though you’ll find little there. Bluff and Kayenta are where most people choose to spend the night.

It will take about 2 to 4 hours, depending on how frequently you stop. There are many different outlooks and photo opportunities, plus some short hikes, so take your time and enjoy!

It costs $8 per person to enter Monument Valley, plus additional fees for any tours with Navajo guides. Note that they do NOT accept national park passes.

The road in Monument Valley that you see in the movies (including Forrest Gump!) and on postcards is Highway 163 Scenic Drive.

Almost all cars can drive the scenic road through the valley. It is not paved but it is well kept, so in most cases, an SUV or even 4×4 is not necessary.

Yes, you can drive Highway 163 Scenic Drive without a Navajo guide. You just need to pay the $8 per person entry fee.

You might also like:

• What to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park Story
• 15 Amazing Arches National Park Hikes You Cannot Miss
• What to Do in Zion National Park – 15 Trails, Drives & Overlooks
• What to Do in Kanab, Utah (Attractions, Hiking, Canyons & More)
• St George, Utah Guide (What to Do, See & Eat)
• 13 Best Cities to Visit in the USA

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Visiting Monument Valley: A First Timers Guide

If you are on your way to visit Monument Valley, then you’re in for a treat! The desert scene of Monument Valley is the epitome of the American Wild West landscape. Most people also get intrigued by the coveted rock formation that has been featured in too many TV shows or movies to count. It’s definitely a great sight to visit.

Everything from the best things to do in Monument Valley to Monument Valley tours, we have a complete guide for any first timer looking to plan a visit to the beautiful and ever-impressive Navajo Nation’s iconic landmark.

Visiting Monument Valley

Jump Ahead To:

Monument Facts

• Navajo Name | Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii , meaning valley of the rocks
• Largest Butte | 1,000 ft (300 m)
• Elevation | 5,564 feet above sea level
• Land Size | 91,700 acres (37,110 hectares)
• How Was Monument Valley Formed | Millions of years of erosion
• Who Settled Monument Valley | First, the Anasazi. Then, the Navajo

Where is Monument Valley?

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park spans two states in the southwest of the United States. Located on the borders of Utah and Arizona, the entrance to Monument Valley is located directly off of U.S. Highway 163 in Arizona.

Highly visited sections of Monument Valley, like the Visitors Center and popular viewpoints, are located within the state of Arizona. For reference, the nearest towns to Monument Valley are Mexican Hat in Utah and Kayenta in Arizona.

Get our Ultimate Arizona Road Trip 2 Week Itinerary right here!

Getting To Monument Valley

If you are visiting Monument Valley, understand that Monument Valley isn’t close to anything. Meaning, wherever you are coming from, a rental car is needed to complete your trip to Monument Valley.

In addition, there is no public transportation, outside of taking a tour bus from Sedona , Flagstaff or Las Vegas , renting a vehicle is a must in order to get to Monument Valley.

—->  Check out the latest Van and RV rental pricing and availability at Outdoorsy!

Taking flights to the nearest international airports before renting a car is another easy way to get there. You’ll see more about flying to Monument Valley below:

What Are Some of the Nearest Airports to Monument Valley?

If you were hoping to fly your pretty little self right into Monument Valley, we’re sad to report, there are no commercial airports nearby.

Monument Valley’s closet airport is Pulliman Airport in Flagstaff, Arizona, located 3 hours away. If flying into Flagstaff doesn’t sound all that appealing, no worries! Below is a list of other nearby airports…

• Phoenix : 325 miles | 5 hours 8 minutes
• Albuquerque : 328 miles | 5 hours 21 minutes
• Salt Lake City : 390 miles | 6 hours 42 minutes
• Las Vegas : 430 miles | 6 hours 50 minutes

Once you land, make your way to your RV rental or car. Within a few hours, you’ll be staring at those iconic buttes of Monument Valley!

Monument Valley Nearby Attractions & Parks

When visiting Monument Valley, understand that it is conveniently located a few hours drive from popular attractions and National Parks.

Whether you are going to or coming from, below is a list of popular destinations that are near Monument Valley.

• Four Corners Monument to Monument Valley : 107 miles | 2 hours
• Antelope Canyon to Monument Valley : 122 miles | 2 hours
• Horseshoe Bend to Monument Valley : 130 miles | 2 hours 15 minutes
• Lake Powell to Monument Valley : 130 miles | 2 hours 20 minutes
• Arches National Park : 156 miles | 2 hours
• Grand Canyon to Monument Valley : 158 miles | 2 hours 45 minutes
• Zion National Park to Monument Valley : 232 miles | 4 hours
• Bryce Canyon to Monument Valley : 278 miles | 4 hours 45 minutes

If you’re heading to the Grand Canyon National Park or Antelope Canyon , be sure to read our travel guides for each destination!

Best Time To Visit Monument Valley

Even though Monument Valley is open all year long, the best time to visit Monument Valley is in the spring and fall. These two seasons serve as the peak season for visiting the valley, as the weather and the environment allow for a vast range of activities.

During winter, for example, certain fun experiences like mountain climbing and going for a valley drive is limited.

Also, due to a high number of people who may want to have a glimpse of the scenic views, doing an early booking during the peak times is highly recommended.

Here’s what you can expect during each season:

• Spring & fall: The spring and fall months tend to be cooler during the day and attract less crowds than the summer months do.
• Summer: During the summer, daytime temperatures get into the 90’s and with it being summer vacation, the summer months bring in lots or tourists and their families. Places like the Valley of the Gods that are in the desert parts can become unbearably hot during the summer. Most people will not want to be in these areas at that time. Nevertheless, they come with great amenities like bed and breakfast spots, and tourists can also erect their tents in allocated spaces.
• Winter: In the winter months, Monument Valley gets cold and receives the occasional light snowfall. That being said, the winter months see the least amount of crowds.

Monument Valley Hours

Monument Valley is open daily, but the hours fluctuate depending on the season. In peak seasons, the gates are opened a bit earlier than other times. When visiting Monument Valley, plan your visit around the hours of operation listed below.

Visitors Center Hours

• May – September: 6:00am – 8:00pm
• October – April: 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Scenic Drive Hours

• May – September: 6:00 am – 8:30 pm
• October – April: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

TIP: If you are wanting to see the stars, no worries, you can stay in the park after closing hours. You just have to be in the park before it closes up for the day. 

Monument Valley Entrance Fee

First things first, you should understand that visiting Monument Valley is not free. An entrance fee to Monument Valley must be paid in order to hike, drive the scenic loop, and visit the Visitor Center.

Separately, Monument Valley is a part of Navajo Nation, which means it is not a National Park. Therefore, your National Park and Golden Eagle passes are not accepted there.

Entry Fees:

• General Admission: $20/per vehicle (up to 4 people)
• Children Admission: Children 9 and under are free
• Commercial Fees: 1 – 6 passengers, $35 | 7-15 passengers, $100
• Individual / Bike Admission: $10

If you decide to book any tours , understand these tours are not included in your entrance fee. The most common tour is the Scenic Loop Drive , and we will talk about that under the things to do in the Monument Valley section.

What To Bring to Monument Valley

Regardless if you are hiking the trail or driving the scenic loop, below is a handful of great items and gear to have with you when visiting Monument Valley.

• Day Pack : REI Co-op Ruckpack  is a perfect day bag for Monument Valley. It’s a perfect size for your camera, water and snacks.
• Water Bottle : You can go two ways with a water bottle – CamelBak Reservoir  or a Hydro Flask . Both options will keep you hydrated in the hot, dry environment of Monument Vally.
• Sunscreen : Speaking of hot and dry, you’re going to want to protect that skin of yours. Best pack some sunscreen !
• Windbreaker : A windbreaker light jacket is a perfect for the windy and ever changing temps of the Southwest.
• Sunglasses : Having a good pair of polarized sunglasses is a must! Keep those eyes safe from the glare of the strong desert sun.
• Snacks: Last but not least, make sure you have some snacks handy for your adventures around Monument Valley.

How Long Do You Need in Monument Valley

Some may wonder, “Will I get to see all of the great sights and enjoy all of the activities in a single day?” The answer is yes, absolutely!

Spending five to six hours in Monument Valley will allow you to see the highlights. However, spending at least one night is our recommendation. By staying one night, you will be able to see a sunrise and sunset — and we must say, both are spectacular.

Things To Do In Monument Valley

Are you wondering what there is to do in Monument Valley? One of our misconceptions of Monument Valley was that there are endless hiking trails and activities.

To our surprise, there actually aren’t a ton of activities to do in the park, which is actually kind of nice! We got to focus on and enjoy what we were doing instead of trying to rush to the next thing.

Below is a list of the best things to do in Monument Valley.

Monument Valley Scenic Drive Loop

One of the major activities is the valley drive, otherwise known as the scenic loop drive . This is a drive along the dirt road that most people find fascinating. There are a number of local tour guides from the Navajo people who can help with this trip along the private roads in the valley.

The guides are knowledgeable of the routes, and you can also opt for a self drive under their close watch. However, most people prefer sitting in the passenger seats, letting loose, and just enjoying the dusty scenes.

The best way to see the famous Monument Valley buttes is by way of the scenic loop drive. You don’t know what this is? Let us tell you. ???? 

The Monument Valley Scenic Drive is a seventeen-mile loop that weaves throughout the park, taking you to the best sites in Monument Valley. In total, you’ll see eleven buttes and viewpoints, some of which you’ll get up close to, whereas you’ll admire others from afar.

Below is a list of sites you can expect to see. Don’t worry about trying to remember which butte is which. When visiting Monument Valley, you’ll be given a Monument Valley map upon entering the park. The eleven buttes you will see are listed as follows:

The Mittens & Merrick Butte

• Elephant Butte
• Three Sisters
• John Ford’s Point
• Camel Butte
• The Hub 
• Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei
• Sand Spring
• Artist’s Point
• North Window

Self-Driving Monument Valley’s Scenic Loop

The scenic loop road itself is far from a smooth ride. Dirt, holes, rocks, and dust are the components that make up the seventeen-mile loop. It’s a bumpy ride to say the least.

You should maintain a lower speed limit, basically no more than 15 MPH, because of the bumpy roads. Plus, having a lower speed limit gives tourists ample time to take pictures and take in the sights.

Visitors can drive the scenic loop themselves, meaning that you can visit Monument Valley without a Navajo Guide.

However, RV’s, motorcycles, low-riding vehicles, and hiking/walking are not allowed on the loop. If you are in one of these vehicles or on foot, you will need to book a Monument Valley Jeep Tour to experience the sites on the loop.

For those driving themselves, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary. However, a potential exception to this is if the road is muddy from a rain shower.

Below are a few general tidbits that will be helpful to know as you are planning your loop drive.

• You can expect to spend two to three hours exploring the eleven buttes and viewpoints.
• The scenic drive doesn’t require any permits or additional fees.
• Your entrance fee to Monument Valley is all you need to pay in order to experience the scenic loop drive.
• There are no restrooms on the loop.
• Members of the Navajo Nation do sell soda and water along with a handful of tribal souvenirs.

Hike The Wildcat Trail

Monument Valley isn’t full of hiking trails. Weird, right? The only hiking trail within Monument Valley is the Wildcat Trail.

The Wildcat Trail is a four mile, self-guided loop that takes you to the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. The trail is unpaved and full of loose rock and sand, so proper footwear is a must.

The Wildcat Trail starts from the visitor center parking lot. 

• Location: The Wildcat Trail starts from the visitor center parking lot
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Cost: An entrance fee to Monument Valley is all you need to pay to access the Wildcat Trail

Explore Monument Valley’s Visitors Center

Are you wanting to find one of the most iconic views of Monument Valley? Then head to the Monument Valley Visitor Center. Right outside the Visitor center, you’ll see a view like this.

Additionally, the Visitor Center has a gift shop as well as a small museum explaining the history of the Navajo Nation and Monument Valley.

Are you hungry? You can grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, The View. Needing to relieve yourself? The Visitors Center is also the place to find clean, public restrooms.

Stop at Forrest Gump Point

You know that scene where Forrest Gump stops running? Well, it’s right outside of Monument Valley!

Forrest Gump Point is the popular landmark where Tom Hanks (who played Forrest Gump) proclaims to his loyal running apostles, “I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll go home now.”

• Getting There: From Monument Valley, turn right onto U.S. Highway 163 and drive about 6 miles (20 minutes)
• Best Time To Go : Sunrise

Even if you are not a fan of the movie, the view and drive alone are worth the visit!

Witness a Monument Valley Sunrise & Sunset

If you’ve never seen a Southwest sunrise or sunset, oh maaaaaan, do NOT miss either at Monument Valley. The colors, oh dang the colors! The purples, pinks and blues are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Your eyes will cry with happiness, trust us.

Monument Valley Sunrise Photo Spots

• Forest Gump Point
• Visitors Center
• The View Hotel
• Lower Monument Valley Sunrise Tour

Monument Valley Sunset Photo Spots

• Artist Point
• Lower Monument Valley Sunset Tour

Monument Valley Itinerary

Like we said above, you can absolutely finish a Monument Valley visit in one day, but if you can, plan to stay one night. The below itinerary is a two day / one night itinerary for Monument Valley.

Speaking of staying the night, there are some top notch lodges around the area. Take the Goulding’s Lodge , for example. Who doesn’t want to enjoy Navajo delicacies and wake up surrounded by spectacular views? You may not see all of the awesome Valley in its entirety, but trust us, what you will wake up to will be very worth the stay. 

Alternatively, you can spend the night at The View just within the Monument Valley. This particular one offers more views than Goulding’s .

Mid-Morning: Arrive to Monument Valley

• Head to the Visitor Center to explore
• Get some photos of the icons views that lay right outside of the Visitors Center
• Peruse the Visitor Center gift shop
• Get a bit of Navajo / Monument Valley history at the museum

Afternoon: Drive The Scenic Loop

• Spend the next few hours with a Navajo Tour or self-driving the 17 mile scenic loop

Evening: Watch Sunset

• Catch an unforgettable sunset before heading to grab dinner
• For us, we watched the sunset from The View hotel – it was perfect

Early Morning: Watch Sunrise

• Wake up early and watch the sunrise
• We watched the sunrise from Forrest Gump Point
• Another great option is to book a sunrise tour with a Navajo Guide

Mid-Morning: Breakfast & Goodbye

• Grab some breakfast at The View restaurant, in Monument Valley, or at Blue Coffee Pot in Kayenta
• After breakfast, say goodbye to the beautiful Monument Valley

Monument Valley Tours

Outside of self-driving the Monument Valley Scenic Drive Loop or hiking the Wildcat Trail, booking a tour with a Navajo Guide is a must if you are interested in exploring other areas of Monument Valley.

Below are a few popular choices that allow you to have a few unique experiences during your trip.

Mystery Valley Tour

If you are looking for a more secluded experience away from tourists, consider booking a Mystery Valley Tour . To Anasazi and petroglyphs sites to beautiful views, Mystery Valley is a great way to experience areas around Monument Valley.

Monument Valley Horseback Tour

If you are looking for a unique way to experience Monument Valley, consider booking a Horseback Riding Tour to see the buttes by horseback.

Hunts Mesa Tour

Hunts Mesa is considered a southwest gem with some incredible picturesque scenes! Capture dramatic views on the Hunts Mesa Tour with experienced Navajo Guides.

Consider extending your stay on Hunts Mesa with an overnight campout on Hunts Mesa.

Cultural Tour

A Monument Valley Cultural Tour is a a perfect way to learn more about Navajo culture and history. For a few hours, be taken through centuries of Navajo tradition and learn about the lands the Navajo call home.

Tips For Visiting Monument Valley

• National Parks and Golden Eagle Passes are not accepted
• Alcohol is not served or allowed in Monument Valley
• Use of drugs is not allowed on Navajo Tribal Lands
• Drones are prohibited
• Rock climbing is not allowed
• Dogs must remain on a leash at all times
• If staying in Monument Valley, campfires are not allowed
• Visitors must remain on marked paths – off trail hiking is only allowed if accompanied by a Navajo Guide

The Best Monument Valley Photography Spots

First, understand there truly isn’t a bad picture of Monument Valley. Well, except for those with lots of people in them 🙂

One of the things we wanted to make sure we got when were visiting Monument Valley were pictures with those iconic views. Below is a list of the top three photo spots in Monument Valley.

John Ford Point

Located on the Monument Valley Scenic Drive loop, John Ford Point is the perfect photo op if you are looking for the classic Western Movie photo.

The Mittens and Merrick Butte are quite possibly the most iconic set of rocks in Monument Valley. Located just outside the Visitors Center and The View Hotel, this setting is a perfect backdrop for an epic photoshoot.

Forrest Gump Point

Honestly, just look at it. This view is mesmerizing! You can find Forrest Gump Point 5 miles outside of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley Time Zone

Monument Valley straddles the borders of Utah and Arizona. So, if you’re wondering what time zone is Monument Valley in, well it’s a good thing to wonder.

In all honesty, when we visited, our phones kept switching between Utah and Arizona time zones depending where we were standing in the park.

However, that being said, the time zone of Monument Valley that is honored is that of Utahs, which is Mountain Standard Time.

TIP: If you are traveling back into Arizona after leaving Monument Valley, make sure you are aware of the time difference, especially if you have to be somewhere by a certain time.

Monument Valley Restaurants

If you are looking for a thriving culinary scene, well, Monument Valley is not it. Wah, wah, wah. You do however have a few options when it comes to dining in and around Monument Valley.

Get the complete Monument Valley restaurant list below.

Restaurants in Monument Valley

We are going to shoot it straight, the below places are a tad overpriced and a bit mediocre. However, if you are looking for something with a view and conveniently located in Monument Valley, then these options should be fine for you.

• Stagecoach Restaurant – Located in the hillside of Goulding’s Lodge, Stagecoach serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner to the Monument Valley goers. From omelets to burgers and sandwiches to steaks, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from at Stagecoach.
• The View Restaurant – Located within Monument Valley’s Visitor Center, you’ll find The View Restaurant. You can expect to find items like Green Chile Stew, Navajo Tacos, steaks and salads.

Restaurants Near Monument Valley

The closest restaurants outside of Monument Valley can be found in the nearby town of Kayenta. Below are some local eateries where you can find options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Amigo Café (Mexican & American fare)
• Blue Coffee Pot Restaurant (Breakfast diner)
• Wagon Wheel (Native American and American fare)
• Reuben Heflin Restaurant (Native American and American fare)
• Fast food restaurants (Taco Bell, Burger King, Subway, etc.)

Since we rented and stayed in an RV, we cooked our own meals. However, we did eat at the Blue Coffee Pot Restaurant. It was a perfect stop for breakfast and coffee before we hit the road to our next destination !

Gas Stations in Monument Valley

If you are running low on gas, know that there is only one gas station in Monument Valley. You can find that one gas station at the Goulding’s Lodge hotel.

TIP: Do your best to fill up before you arrive to Monument Valley or after you leave as refueling in Monument Valley is expensive.

Can You See Monument Valley From The Highway ?

The short answer is yes. Once on U.S. Highway 163, you drive right through Monument Valley when you’re between Kayenta and Mexican Hat.

If you have no desire to stop and pay the Monument Valley entrance fee, you can see parts of Monument Valley from the highway. However, to be completely honest, the views are not as good from the highway.

That being said, if you can’t spare a few hours, seeing Monument Valley from the highway is definitely the next best thing! It’s better to see Monument Valley from the highway than to not see it at all 🙂

Movies Filmed In Monument Valley

Monument Valley was made famous on the big screen with its appearance in John Ford’s “Stagecoach” staring John Wayne in 1939.

Since then, the list of movies that have features Monuments Valley epic southwest setting have climbed. Below are a few popular movies filmed in Monument Valley.

• My Darling Clementine (1946)
• The Searchers (1956)
• How the West Was Won (1962)
• Easy Rider (1968)
• The Eiger Sanction (1975)
• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
• Back to the Future Part III (1990)
• Thelma & Louise (1991)
• Forrest Gump (1994) – Our below picture was taken from the place Forrest Gump was filmed
• Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
• The Lone Ranger (2013)
• Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Where To Stay In Monument Valley

Monument valley hotels.

If you are looking to stay directly in and/or a few feet from Monument Valley, there are a few accommodations to choose from. And in all honesty, if you are willing to pay a little more, it’s well worth the stay!

• Goulding’s Lodge – From private Cabins to hotel rooms, the views that can be seen from Goulding’s Lodge is why tourists flock to stay here. The location is superb and the rooms are clean – perfect for a few nights stay. This lodging is not technically in the park but offers shuttles and tours from their location.
• The View Hotel & Cabins – Does having the Mittens & Merrick Butte in your backyard sound amazing? Well, then you should reserve a room or private cabin at The View! Since this lodging is in Monument Valley Park, there is no better place to stay for amazing views.

Monument Valley Campground & RV Park

We are happy to report that you can camp in Monument Valley! There is camping directly within and close by Monument. Camping is by far the cheapest accommodation that lies within and near Monument Valley park.

• The View RV Site offers dry RV sites that have hookups with a view you can’t beat! Each RV site comes with a picnic table and is feet away from the shower house.
• Goulding’s RV Site , like The View, come with full RV hookups, Goulding’s hookups have water, 50-amp power, and cable-TV.
• The View Campground , offers campsites in Monument Valley for travelers to enjoy. The campgrounds are nestled within a hillside with direct views to the Monument Valley Buttes.
• Goulding’s Campground comes with a fire pit and picnic table that are nestled under the beautiful red mountains of Monument Valley.

Hotels Near Monument Valley

If staying in Monument Valley is not tickling your fancy, no worries, there are plenty of accommodations outside Monument Valley for you to call home.

• Bluff Dwellings Resort – If you are looking for a desert oasis to relax in, then Bluff Dwellings Resort is it. From an outdoor fireplace, pool & hot tub this desert accommodation is sure to please.
• Canyon Wren Bed & Breakfast – Charlie and Susan aim to please and make sure their guests are well taken care of. With a terrace garden and epic views of the desert landscape, Canyon Wren Bed & Breakfast is a great place to stay while visiting Monument Valley.
• Willow Street Cottages – Featuring an on-site vineyard, Willow Street Cottages is a quant and cozy accommodation. Close to Monument Valley and Mesa Verde Parks, your stay will no doubt be an enjoyable one.

For more accommodation choices and places to stay in and near Monument Valley,  you can check the latest place and prices here  to secure an unforgettable accommodation.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON ARIZONA?!

Havasu Falls Hike: The Ultimate Planning Guide

Arizona Road Trip: One Epic 2 Week Itinerary

Grand Canyon Day Trip: The Ultimate One Day Itinerary

Visit Antelope Canyon: The Perfect Canyon Trip Planner

PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus ,  Pinterest  and on  Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

Questions?! Let us know. Leave us a comment! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Guide To Visiting Monument Valley

Visiting Monument Valley is a must if you dream of seeing the American “Wild” West. When you get there, your imagination flies to old western movies “Stagecoach” and the “Rio Grande” with John Wayne. Or to the outstanding “Once Upon a Time in the West” by Sergio Leone with moving music by Ennio Morricone. The isolated red mesas and vast sandstone buttes, surrounded by an empty desert, are some of the most iconic views of the United States. Monument Valley is an area on the border of the states of Arizona and Utah, located entirely within the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is a Navajo Nation tribal park. How do you get there and spend time, and what rules apply in the Indian lands? How does Monument Valley scenic drive? Or is it worth buying Monument Valley tours? Check our ultimate travel & photo guide to visiting Monument Valley.

Guide to Visiting Monument Valley: Our Experiences

If you think of Arizona , one of the first impressions is Monument Valley, as it’s one of the most stunning landscapes and remarkable places in this state. Visiting Monument Valley was a great adventure during one of our Arizona road trips . We could imagine cowboy duels, shootings, and Indians galloping on wild horses through the red desert while taking Monument Valley’s scenic drive.

We admired the magnificent sunset with clouds over rusty rock formations. In this post, we share tips in this Guide to Monument Valley. All images presented in this article were taken by my partner Chris and me during our few visits to Monument Valley.

PRO TIP: Before visiting Monument Valley on the Navajo Tribal Nation Parks, check out their official website . Respect all the Navajo Nation rules.

Monument Valley History

In the Navajo language, Monument Valley is Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, which means valley of the rocks. Monument Valley is a large area, including Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Monument Valley sits 5,564 feet above sea level and encompasses 91,696 acres.

However, visitors have access and drive through the park on a 17-mile (27 km) dirt and rough road (a 2-4 hour trip). Finally, parts of Monument Valley, such as Hunts Mesa or Mystery Valley, are accessible only by guided tour.

Monument Valley Geology

The valley’s vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide. The valley is famous for towering sandstone rock formations that have been sculpted over time and soar 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor.

Monument Valley was formed due to erosion. Small sediments formed a basin for millions of years that eventually became a plateau. Finally, water and wind removed parts of the plateau, creating surrounding mesas, buttes, and desert environments. So, it truly is one of the world’s natural wonders and an iconic symbol of the American West.

How To Get To Monument Valley

Monument Valley is located on the border between Utah and Arizona near the Four Corners area. So, it’s worth adding this point to the road trip itinerary. It lies within the territory of the Navajo Nation Reservation and is accessible by car from U.S. Highway 163.

It is worth considering a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for the Monument Valley scenic drive. If you have to rent a car, we recommend Alamo, which we have used for years. However, if you know how to drive, a regular car should be good enough most of the time.

Distances to nearby cities and attractions:

• Four Corners Monument – 105 miles
• Page, Arizona – 125 miles
• Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) – 180 miles
• Kanab, Utah – 195 miles

So, if you’re visiting from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon , it’s about 3-4 hour drive. If you are going from Page, where you can see Horseshoe Bend and famous Navajo slot canyons like Antelope Canyon X , Lower Antelope , or Upper Antelope , it’s about a 2-3 hours drive to get to Monument Valley. From Kanab, it is about 3 hours.

The closest international airport to Monument Valley is in Las Vegas. So, if you are going from Las Vegas to Monument Valley, it will take you 6.5 – 7 hours.

However, if you prefer not to drive from LV, you can buy this 3-day tour to Monument Valley from Las Vegas . Furthermore, it is one of the best trips from Vegas because you will also visit Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Route 66.

Closest international airports to Monument Valley:

• Las Vegas – 400 miles
• Phoenix – 320 miles
• Salt Lake City – 380 miles

Visiting Monument Valley – Weather

What is the best time to visit Monument Valley? The weather is pretty mild in the winter, making it a perfect year-round travel destination. Below, we have prepared charts with the average highest and lowest temperatures in Monument Valley and average rainfall.

Peak Season is from May to September, and the off-season is from October to April. In our opinion, the best time to visit Monument Valley is during the off-season. You will avoid crowds. But remember to always check the weather before you go. The road may be impassable after rainfall.

Visiting Monument Valley – Entrance Fee & Visitor Center

Remember that Monument Valley is not a National Park; hence, you cannot use your National Parks Pass. It is a Navajo Nation Tribal Park, and you must accept their rules. So, the Monument Valley entrance fee is $35 per vehicle (up to four people and $6 for each additional passenger).

You can pay for entry when you get to the Park, or you can buy a ticket online .

Monument Valley Visitor Center

The Monument Valley Visitor Center is one mile east of U.S. Highway 163 on the Arizona-Utah border. Monument Valley Visitor Center’s hours of operation are as follows:

• April 1 – September 30 (Peak Season): 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week
• October 1 – March 30 (Off Season): 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., 7 days a week
• The Visitor Center is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Monument Valley Ruls

It is the visitor’s responsibility to know and obey Navajo rules in the Park . So, the most important rules are:

• drones are prohibited,
• rock climbing is not allowed,
• do not desecrate Navajo lands,
• firewood gathering is prohibited,
• campfires are permitted only at designated campsites and fire sites,
• permits are required for camping, hunting, fishing or investigative projects,
• the Navajo ask prior consent before photographing them or their property,
• commercial photography requires a permit from the Navajo Film and Media Commission.

Where To Stay when Visiting Monument Valley?

If you can stay overnight in Monument Valley to admire the sunset or sunrise, it is worth booking lodging in advance. Below are some of the most interesting and best hotels and RV campsites in the Monument Valley area.

Monument Valley Hotels

Goulding’s Lodge ($$$) offers an excellent location in Monument Valley. Also, the view is soul-inspiring. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi, which is not easy to find in this area. The resort has an indoor pool and a tour desk.

Kayenta Monument Valley Inn ($$$) is located around 24 miles from Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Kayenta. And it takes around 35-40 minutes to get to the park. Book it here. Styled in dark wood furnishings, each Kayenta Monument Valley Inn room includes a flat-screen TV and a seating area. It offers free Wi-Fi and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Furthermore, the Wagon Wheel Restaurant provides on-site dining. Classic American dishes inspired by Native American cuisine are provided daily at Valley Inn Kayenta Monument.

Wetherill Inn ($$) motel is in Kayenta, 40 minutes drive from Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Each room includes free WiFi. It offers an indoor heated pool and laundry facilities.

Kokopelli Inn ($) is located in Bluff, 48 miles from Monument Valley. Each air-conditioned room at Kokopelli Inn Bluff has a flat-screen satellite TV, a small refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. Finally, it is a great option if you are looking for budget accommodation.

The View Hotel ($$$) is owned by a local Navajo Tribe Woman named Armanda Ortega. Fully-furnished valley rim cabins offer a unique way to experience Monument Valley. It is the only hotel inside the Monument Valley Tribal Park. Every guestroom has a private balcony with a view of the iconic formations of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley Campground

Goulding’s Monument Valley Campground & RV Park is the best place to stay overnight if you travel in RV or with a tent. It offers 66 full hookup sites and 100 tent sites. There is WiFi at Park, restroom, showers, and laundry. The views are spectacular.

Things To Do in Monument Valley

Admire monument valley sunrise and sunset.

The best idea is to stay overnight in Monument Valley to admire the sunrise and sunset. Due to the park’s opening hours (the same as the Visitor Center), it can be difficult to take a sunset or sunrise photo without staying overnight.

However, an organized sunset or sunrise tour , is worth considering because you will get access to the best photo spots.

So, during a 3-hour Sunrise Tour , you will admire the glowing sunrise across the landscape, then enjoy a ride through the valley to learn about the natural landmarks of this incredible location. During the 3-Hour Sunset Tour , you can enjoy the moment and experience the magic of the changing colors and famous rock formations.

Take a Monument Valley Scenic Drive

Driving across the Monument Valley Scenic Drive is the best way to explore the incredible landscapes of Monument Valley. The road is dirty and rough. But it is only 17 miles, so do not hesitate to take this drive. It might be challenging to do it after rain.

You need at least 2 – 4 hours to do Monument Valley Scenic Drive with stops and photos. When you enter the Park, you will get a Monument Valley map with marked the most exciting points.

If you do not have experience in driving on such rough and bumpy terrain, check out the organized 4×4 tour . Trips are not expensive, and you will see the whole park safely. Furthermore, you will learn interesting history about the Navajo Indians’ land and rock formations.

Visiting Monument Valley – Take Photos During Scenic Drive

The Monument Valley self-guided tour loop is around 17 miles. So, the best idea is to visit the 11 main viewpoints during your trip. They are:

• The Mittens and Merrick Butt e. The most famous rock formations of Monument Valley – The East and West Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte you will see just when you start your Monument Valley Scenic Drive. They rise 6500 feet above the vast plains.
• Elephant Butte is a rock formation in the shape of an elephant sitting on desert sand.
• Three Sisters is three high pinnacles that recall the figure of a teacher and two students.
• John Fords’ Point is a must-see if you are a fan of western movies. Film director John Ford brought Monument Valley to the big screen in 1939 within “Stagecoach” with Jone Wayne. Since then, Monument Valley has become one of the most filmed locations.
• Camel Butte looks like a camel lying in the desert. However, you must use more imagination to see this shape.
• The Hub has a unique, solitary needle shape and rises 164 feet above the ground.
• Totem Pole & Yei Bi Chei is a group of needles called Yei Bi Chei (Navajo spiritual gods) and Totem Pole.
• Sand Springs : formation of different red-orange dunes.
• Artist’s Point it is the best viewpoint to photograph Monument Valley at dawn.
• North Window opens like a window to the north so you can see East Mitten Butte between Elephant Butte and Cly Butte.
• The Thumb is the last point of interest in the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. The rock formations look like a thumb. However, some say it like a cowboy boot.

TRIP TIP: For more inspiration with the most exciting places in Arizona, check out our Arizona Photography & Travel Guide !!!

Visiting Monument Valley – Take a Hunts Mesa Tour

Hunts Mesa is accessible only with a Navajo-guided tour . Hunts Mesa is a hidden jewel of the South West. This place offers incredible photographic opportunities, from grand vistas and panoramas to unique vantage points of Monument Valley. However, this is not a cheap tour, but worth considering.

On this exceptional all-day tour, you will capture both sunset and sunrise from a unique place in Monument Valley. Furthermore, you can achieve dramatic views of Monument Valley from atop Hunts Mesa with a vantage point 1,600 feet above the valley floor.

Visiting Monument Valley – Hiking the Wildcat Trail

If you have two-three hours, extra time, consider the Wildcat Trail. It is the only trail in the Park that is free and accessible to tourists without an organized trip. Its length is only 3.7 miles loop with elevation gains up to 656 feet. It is a moderate hike. The trail starts near the Visitors Center.

Visiting Monument Valley – Stop at Forrest Gump Point on the Highway 163

Have you seen the Forrest Gump movie with significant Tom’ Hanks role from 1994? Or maybe you have read a novel by Winston Groom on which the script of the film was based?

There is a famous scene in a film shot on Highway 163 to Monument Valley when Forrest Gump stopped running. So, you can stop at the exact point where Forrest Gump stopped running through the United States.

This stop takes place at mile 13 of Federal Route 163; the GPS coordinates are 37.101393, -109.990973. This is just a 20-minute drive from the Visitor Center.

Monument Valley Movies

First of all, at least 99 feature films were shot in Monument Valley. It’s worth seeing a few of them to get inspired by movie scenes before visiting Monument Valley. The truth is, that Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the United States. John Ford initiated a movie location and put his films there.

John Ford’s first western, whose action took place in the valley landscape, was Stagecoach shot in 1939. The film marked the beginning of John Wayne’s great career. Furthermore, Ford made classic westerns in Monument Valley such as The Searchers , Fort Apache , and How the West Was Won . Finally, despite the absence of any river here, most shot the film the Rio Grande here.

Sergio Leone in Once Upon a Time in the West also used the Navajo Nation landmark as a backdrop for filming in 1968. Furthermore, Once Upon a Time in the West was the first of the “spaghetti Westerns” to be filmed outside Europe, with Ennio Morricone music .

Typically, these projects were shot in Spain or Italy. But Leone was set on honoring Ford. In addition to Ford’s films, Monument Valley was the scene of such famous films as Easy Rider , Mackenna’s Gold , 2001: A Space Odyssey , The Eiger Sanction , National Lampoon’s Vacation , Back to the Future Part III . Finally, the 2013 version of The Lone Ranger .

Agnes Stabinska is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of The Van Escape. She loves wildlife, landscape photography, and outdoor adventures, especially hiking, camping, and exploring U.S. national parks. Although she has traveled to many countries for almost 20 years, her favorite places are Alaska, the American Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest, which she often visits and explore with her partner, Chris. Their travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations will help you get away from it all and plan a wonderful vacation.

14 Comments

Piękne zdjęcia! Niesamowita przygoda!

You had me at seeing a glimpse of the Old West in your opening paragraph! I’ve traveled so much, and have never done anything like this in my own country, and I’m kind of ashamed. Living in NYC, it’s amazing to me that this much open space exists. I really need to make this a trip once this COVID19 business is over. I love indigenous cultures and would love to take the Navajo guided tour. 

Monument Valley was on our list when we visited this area.  But we just ran out of time to see it all.  I love that view of the rock monuments standing all alone on the plains.  That red rock is such a draw for us.  Too bad our National Park pass does not cover this!  Sunrise and sunset surely are a magical time to visit.  Maybe we will try the Wildcat Trail on a return visit.  A great reason to go back.

Monument Valley looks amazingly beautiful! We’re going to Page later this year, so we will definitely have to check it out! Thank you for the recommendation on taking a sunrise/sunset tour. I can’t imagine how gorgeous it is! 

Prior to the pandemic week, we did our road trip to some dry places here in Australia. Although not as beautiful as Monument Valley however, I could get the gist of the place.. and the dry weather. It is fascinating to see those red dry mountains, that look like skyscraper buildings afar.

The Monument Valley looks absolutely fantastic. Those towering rocks are so photogenic  that I’d grab my camera right away and go there. I like how you shared everything we need to know, from getting there to tours and even graphs with everything. Thank you for sharing this with us. 

I didn’t realize this was so close to phoenix! I’ll be there in a few weeks!

I love Monument Valley and you captured it beautifully. Clearly we need to go back and do tours like Hunts Mesa tour and hike the wildcat trail. A suggestion for your lodging section, we’d highly recommend Monument Valley Tipi Village for the chance to have a contextual stay in a native dwelling, including the Navajo hogan, plus they have regular campsites and RV sites so good for all types of travelers.

You have seriously triggered my wanderlust! This looks like an amazing place to visit and the photos are truly making me just jump on a plane and get over there. It found it funny about the amount of time it would take to do various things around there. For me, it would definitely take double the time, as I like to stop and take tons of photos, when driving around. I would absolutely love to stay at The View Hotel. It looks so cozy and intimate and the views are breathtaking. Monument Valley is now definitely going on my list of places to visit in a lifetime!

It is hard to believe that these are natural formations. We have a few in Ladakh and I remember being mesmerised by them. Am sure the monument valley will dazzle me. Did not realize that it can be done from the Grand Canyon. I should include that into my plans. Good advice on what are the dos and don’ts in the park. Helps one to travel in a more responsible manner. 

Dying to visit here! I’ve seen so many posts about this area lately and think it’s a sign to make a trip out there ASAP. This post is so helpful and detailed. Also your photos are spectacular btw! I think growing up in the east coats, this part of the USA has always interested me since the landscape is so different. Thanks for noting about the 4×4 tour, that’s something I would like to add to my itinerary!

Monument Valley is gorgeous! I drove through it on an Arizona road trip a few years ago. I didn’t explore it as well as you did, but it is certainly a destination. All of Arizona is simply stunning.

I loved driving through Monument Valley such breathtaking scenery! Great write up, thanks for sharing!

We have driven through this road on the way from Pgoenux to Denver. We should do the 17-mile scenic drive@

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

Simply Wander

curated travel guides to help you wander simply and simply wander

Meet the Youngs

• Privacy Policy

Search this site

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Arizona , North America , Utah , Western US & Canada · July 21, 2022

First Time Guide To Visiting Monument Valley

The vast landscape of Monument Valley sprawls across the Utah/Arizona border within the Navajo Nation. The towering buttes and imposing mesas boast an unworldly beauty and you’ll feel as if you’re on another planet.

If Monument Valley is on your Southwest road trip itinerary, then keep reading to discover the best tips for visiting Monument Valley!

* Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or book a reservation through the provided link then we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!

A Complete Guide to Visiting Monument Valley

Table of Contents

The view cabins at monument valley, other places to stay at monument valley, best places to eat in monument valley, drive the monument valley scenic loop, take a guided tour of monument valley, take a photo at forrest gump point, monument valley faq:, best place to stay in monument valley.

Many visitors opt to make Monument Valley a day trip, but to truly make the most of your experience I would highly recommend spending the night.

The View Hotel and Cabins are the only lodging accommodations located inside the Monument Valley Tribal Park.

The View Hotel offers traditional hotel rooms overlooking Monument Valley.

However, for the best views and a more intimate experience, I highly recommend booking The View Premium Cabins .

The cabins are perched on the rim with unparalleled views of the valley.

It is honestly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed and my best tip for visiting Monument Valley!

There really is nothing quite like waking up to the sun peeking over The Mittens.

There are two rows of cabins, the cabins in front are considered “Premium View Cabins” and cost a little more.

It is well worth the additional charge to have unobstructed views without any cabins in front of you.

Each cabin has a queen bed and a set of bunk beds. The executive cabins also offer an additional living room with a single pull-out sofa bed.

The cabins are cozy and basic but provide all the necessary amenities including a full bath, refrigerator, microwave, heating, and cooling.

However, the crowning feature is having Monument Valley right at your doorstep.

Only cabin guests are allowed to enter this area of the park, so it feels as if you have the entire valley to yourself.

You’ll be able to explore the landscape long after the park has closed to outside guests and experience it in a way that most people don’t get a chance to do.

There really is nothing quite like experiencing the tranquility of the setting sun reflecting off the monoliths, the sun rising over the mesas, or the coal-black sky twinkling with a sea of stars.

If you’re looking for more unique places to stay in Utah, check out Whispering Pines glamping and the Goblin Valley yurts !

The View Cabins book up far in advance, so here are a few more options if you are unable to make a reservation:

• The View Hotel : The View Hotel offers basic guest rooms with spectacular views of Monument Valley.
• The View Campground : The View Campground is also located within the Monument Valley Tribal Park. It offers RV and tent sites with unparalleled views.
• Goulding’s Lodge : Goulding’s Lodge is a historic hotel and campground located about 2.5 miles outside of Monument Valley. In the 1930s, Harry Goulding introduced director John Ford to the beauty of Monument Valley and solidified its star on the Hollywood map. For the best deal, also check Hotels.com and Expedia .
• Kayenta Monument Valley Inn : Kayenta is about 30 minutes outside of Monument Valley. This hotel is affordable and conveniently located near stores and restaurants. Compare rates on Expedia , Booking.com , and Kayak .
• Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa : Bluff is located about an hour north of Monument Valley and is home to one of the most beautiful resorts in Utah. Definitely add it as a stop on your road trip!

When visiting Monument Valley, keep in mind that it is located in a remote region of the Navajo Nation with limited dining options.

The View Restaurant is located at The View Hotel and is the only restaurant found within the Monument Valley Tribal Park.

Guests staying at the hotel or in the cabins can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast at the restaurant.

The restaurant is also open for dinner. We found the food to be mediocre, but it is convenient and the view from the dining room and patio make up for any shortcomings!

After your meal, be sure to stop in at the trading post next to the dining room for authentic hand-crafted souvenirs.

If you are looking for more traditional dishes, Linda’s food truck serves some of the best Navajo and Mexican cuisine.

The food truck is temporarily closed, but inquire at The View Hotel’s concierge desk for delivery options.

The Stagecoach Restaurant at the nearby Goulding’s Hotel also offers authentic dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to try their traditional Navajo Tacos!

Best things to do at Monument Valley

This comes as no surprise, but the best thing to do when visiting Monument Valley is to get out and explore!

The entrance fee to Monument Valley is $20 per vehicle for up to 4 people and $6 for each additional person.

Once you enter the park, there is a 17-mile scenic loop through the valley.

The entire road is dirt and gravel with a few larger bumps and potholes. We saw several sedans on the road, but I would highly recommend a high clearance 4×4 vehicle.

The beginning of the road is particularly steep and bumpy and would be especially challenging if it is rainy and muddy.

The speed limit is 15 mph so plan for about 2-4 hours to complete the loop, depending on how many stops you make along the way.

The road is also a one-way loop for 13 of the miles, so once you reach that point you must continue the entire loop without turning around.

*Related post: Moab is another popular stop on a Southern Utah road trip. Check out our Weekend in Moab guide for recommendations!

Another option is to take a guided tour. The tours are led by local Navajo guides and it is truly an enriching experience to hear their stories and insights.

Your guide will point out famous landmarks such as the Mittens Buttes, Three Sisters Spires, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole, and the Yeibichai rocks.

It was also fun to see some famous landmarks from different movies such as the monolith that Tom Cruise was rock climbing on in the opening scene of Mission Impossible 2, and the butte that Metallica performed on top of for their “I Disappear” music video.

You’ll also get a chance to visit the famous John Ford’s Point.

This is perhaps the most iconic location in the entire park and has appeared in several of John Ford’s movies as well as other western films.

This point makes for a great photo op and often times you’ll find a man with a horse that you can pose on top of for $5.

There is also a trading post and Linda’s famous fry bread stand at this location.

Another benefit to taking a tour is that the guides have access to parts of the park that are off limits to the general public.

Your tour guide will take you to a traditional hogan where you’ll be able to see demonstrations and learn more about the Navajo culture.

The hogan is built using local juniper wood and can last for 2-3 generations, it truly is remarkable to see the construction.

You’ll also visit several sandstone arches and have the chance to view petroglyphs and pictographs dating back between 900 to 1200 AD.

Keep in mind that these formations and features can only be visited while on a guided tour.

One of the highlights was listening to our guide play the flute in a natural amphitheater while the sound echoed off the surrounding cliffs.

The tour trucks have shaded open-air seating so that you can take in the 360-degree views while driving along. The seats are also relatively comfortable as you bounce along the bumpy road and deep sandy trails.

We took the 2.5-hour guided tour with Dineh Bekeyah and had such a great experience. The sunset tour would also be phenomenal for pictures.

There are several tours and tour providers to choose from. I would recommend checking Viator , Expedia , and Trip Advisor to compare options.

If you have the time and a sense of adventure, consider booking the Hunts Mesa Tour to reach one of the most epic viewpoints in all of Monument Valley!

*Related post: If you’re passing through Flagstaff on your way to Monument Valley, be sure to check out our guide 10 Fun Things to do in Flagstaff with Kids !

Forrest Gump Point was made famous in the movie as the point where Forrest Gump ends his cross country run with the line, “I think I’ll go home now”.

If you are visiting Monument Valley, be sure to make a stop here!

This scenic stretch of road is located about 20 minutes north of the Monument Valley visitor center and is a popular photo spot.

It is quite easy to find Forrest Gump Point. As you drive along Hwy 163 around mile marker 13 you’ll see a sign and several places where you can pull over to take a photo.

The location will even pull up on Google maps.

Just keep in mind that this is a public road and the cars have the right of way. If you do choose to take a photo, use extreme caution and keep an eye out for vehicles coming from both directions.

And if you’re looking for the best stops while driving to Monument Valley, check out our guide Arizona Road Trip: 8 Things to do from Flagstaff to Monument Valley !

• Where is Monument Valley Located? Monument Valley Tribal Park is part of the Navajo Nation. It is located near the Four Corners area on the southern border of Utah and the northern border of Arizona.
• When is the best time to visit Monument Valley? The best time to visit Monument Valley is during the shoulder season in spring and fall. The temperatures and crowds can be quite high in the summer, and it can be surprisingly cold in the winter months.
• Do you have to pay to drive through Monument Valley? Yes, the entrance fee to Monument Valley is $20 per vehicle for up to 4 people and $6 per additional person.
• How long is the Monument Valley scenic drive? The scenic loop through Monument Valley is 17 miles long. Plan for about 2-4 hours to complete the one-way loop, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
• Do you need 4WD to drive through Monument Valley? A 4WD high clearance vehicle is highly recommended when driving the Monument Valley scenic loop, although many people still attempt it in a car. Much of the road is passable by sedan, but there are some parts that are particularly steep and bumpy that would be better equipped for a high clearance vehicle.
• How many movies were filmed in Monument Valley? Monument Valley has served as the filming location for over two dozen major motion pictures, as well as several commercials and music videos. The first movie to be filmed in Monument Valley was Stagecoach , directed by John Ford. Other popular movies include Mission Impossible 2, Back to the Future Part III, National Lampoons Vacation, and Forrest Gump .
• Is Monument Valley on daylight savings time? Monument Valley crosses the border of Utah and Arizona. Utah utilizes daylight savings time while Arizona does not, so it is easy to get confused with the time. However, Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation adhere to daylight savings time, so set your clocks to Utah time.
• How do you get to John Ford’s Point? John Ford’s Point is located about 3.7 miles (15 minutes) from the beginning of the Monument Valley scenic loop. You’ll find a fork in the road near the Three Sisters and Camel Butte, take a right at the fork to reach John Ford’s Point.

I hope this guide has helped you discover the best things to do while visiting Monument Valley, it truly is a remarkable place!

Pin it for later:

About Jamie

Family travel expert and content creator who has been inpsiring millions with her travel guides since 2018.

You’ll Also Love

Reader Interactions

[…] *Related post: If Monument Valley is part of your Southwest road trip, then be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Monument Valley! […]

[…] the 17-mile scenic road through towering buttes and mesas on a guided or self-guided tour. See our Complete Guide to Visiting Monument Valley for more […]

[…] For another unique place to stay in Southern Utah, check out The View Cabins at Monument Valley! […]

[…] *Related post: For another unique place to stay in Southern Utah, check out The View Cabins at Monument Valley! […]

[…] *Related post: If Monument Valley is also on your Southwest road trip itinerary, then check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Monument Valley! […]

[…] For more information about the cabins and tour, see our Monument Valley Guide. […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2024 Simply Wander · Theme by 17th Avenue

Home > USA Parks > Monument Valley > Visit Monument Valley: Things to Do and How to Plan Your Trip

Visit Monument Valley: Things to Do and How to Plan Your Trip

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

The three red sandstone buttes that mark the horizon of Monument Valley have now become a symbol of the ideal of the American Far West (great Hollywood westerns were shot here). It is no coincidence that we have chosen them for our page dedicated to the US parks .

So let’s talk about visiting Monument Valley , focusing in particular on what to see and what to do along the scenic drive, the best route to reach the valley, what organized tours are available for the visit and where to stay overnight in Monument Valley or in the immediate surroundings.

How to Get to Monument Valley?

Monument valley time zone, where to stay overnight in monument valley, entrance to monument valley: prices, admission and hours, best time to visit monument valley, monument valley tour, valley drive map: visit monument valley park by car, trails and walks, video: the best things to do in monument valley, monument valley map, restaurants, attractions nearby…, first, some useful recommendations.

Before we focus on the beautiful natural attractions of this wonderful tribal park, here is some useful information for planning your visit.

Monument Valley is run by the Navajo Nation  and is located on the border between Arizona and Utah . To get there we recommend taking I-163 (Scenic Byway 163), a scenic road that will take you straight to the majestic buttes of the valley.

Can You See Monument Valley from Highway 163?

On Highway 163 you will find the famous Forrest Gump Point (picture above), a picture that any tourist with self-respect will take on the road in America.

How to Get to Monument Valley from Las Vegas?

To complete this stretch you can refer to Bernardo’s detailed upcoming travel diary: From Las Vegas to Monument Valley: itinerary between Utah and Arizona.

Pay attention to the time. Unlike Arizona, which is always on daylight saving time, Monument valley is on daylight saving time in spring and summer, so there is a difference of one hour with the surrounding areas and cities (the ones you’ll probably travel from to get to the park). We talked about it extensively in our article about the Arizona-Utah time zone .

If you are looking for accommodations overnight the best are probably The View and Goulding’s Lodge . Both have wonderful views of the valley. Alternatively, you can look in the nearest town, Kayenta , which is not particularly charming, but with a number of different hotels where you can stay for a good price. For more information about finding accommodations you can have a look at our article on Monument Valley Hotels .

Our tips for sleeping in Monument Valley

The general admission to Monument Valley costs $8 per person (children 0-7 are free). There is an option to purchase admission online at the official website ($9 including tax), but this does not allow you to skip the line at the park entrance (“first come, first served”).

Can I get in with the America the Beautiful Pass? As it was explained in a previous article, Monument Valley is not included in the national parks pass because is not managed by the National Park Service; instead, it is managed by the Navajo Nation.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center Hours

• Peak season (22 April – 30 September) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 7 days a week
• Low season (1 October – 30 March) 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, 7 days a week
• Thanksgiving Day – 8:00 am – noon
• New Year’s Eve – Closed
• Christmas Day – Closed

Scenic Valley Drive Hours

Valley Drive Hours:

• 6 AM to 8 PM (peak season). Last entry: 6 PM
• 8 AM to 5 PM (October to March)

Monument Valley is open and can be visited year round and each season can obviously present, as expected, both pros and cons, but nothing that would prevent you from enjoying the beauty of the site. The best seasons are spring and fall , when, thanks to favorable temperatures, your visit will be more enjoyable.

Summertime, the time of year when there are more tourists, can be very hot and you must take the usual precautions (we are in a desert after all). Even if you drive through Monument Valley, the “standard” way to visit the park, you will suffer somewhat from the heat. In winter if you’re lucky you can see snow and take some unforgettable pictures of the snow-covered buttes. For more information I recommend our guide on the best time to visit Monument Valley .

 How to Visit Monument Valley: Take a Tour or Visit It on Your Own?

When you visit Monument Valley you have basically 2 possibilities. Either book one of the many guided tours organized by the Navajo , or explore the valley by a self-guided drive tour . A less commonly chosen option is to go on a hiking tour. Each choice, as always, has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at all the possibilities:

There are 2 good reasons to opt for a tour:

• The possibility to explore otherwise inaccessible areas
• The fact that you don’t have to drive on Valley Drive, the unpaved bumpy scenic road of Monument Valley

Below is a short list, but for a more detailed overview you can read our article on the Monument Valley tours available.

Guided tours starting from the park

These are guided tours on foot, by bus, 4×4 or on horseback that allow you to explore the park more deeply, visiting places that you would not be allowed to access on your own. Obviously these tours have a cost and they begin directly at the park, so you will have to reach Monument Valley on your own. You’ll find many tours on this page , but the jeep tours available, I suggest you take a look at this one .

If instead you are looking for an unconventional tour that goes into the most remote regions of the park (and shows you breathtaking views!), I suggest you take a look at our in-depth guide of Hunts Mesa .

Some tours can also be found on the official website , although often times they are not really easy to book (often refers to rather outdated sites, not really well done and require  booking tours by phone). Also for this reason we have made a list of the best guided tours available in Monument Valley .

Monument Valley Tour Departing from Nearby Cities

Other tours are more convenient since they depart from nearby cities , often hubs for those wishing to tour the area: Flagstaff (enchanting city near the Grand Canyon ), Sedona (charming city, see the article “Sedona what to do” ), Page (ideal destination to visit Antelope Canyon , Lake Powell , Horseshoe Bend and Vermilion Cliffs ) and Phoenix itself (the capital of the State of Arizona ).

For those who plan their itinerary as they go, stopping in these cities can make the journey considerably easier, reducing the mileage and energy spent the journey. Below you will find some particularly interesting tours of Monument Valley :

1. Monument Valley and Navajo Indian Reservation Tour

• Departures: Flagstaff and Sedona
• Duration: 10 hours
• Pick-up directly at the hotel

A tour designed to explore the beautiful scenery of Monument Valley while getting to know the Navajo way of life. An experienced guide will accompany you not only as you explore Monument Valley, but will also take you to traditional Native homes, bringing you directly into contact with their customs and traditions.

About the tour

2. Navajo Monument Valley Air Tour *

• Departures: Page, Lake Powell
• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Do you want to be one of those who can say they flew over the natural wonders of Utah and Arizona by plane? This tour will give you the opportunity you to see not only the stunning Monument Valley from above but also other natural marvels such as Rainbow Bridge National Monument , Lake Powell and more.

*Tour momentarily not available

3. Monument Valley Tours by Plane and Jeep

• Departure: Phoenix
• Duration: 8 hours

“The Best of Both Worlds” as the Americans would say. This is the best solution for those who do not want to miss the thrill of an airplane flight over Monument Valley, but at the same time do not want to give up the exploring it in a jeep, for a closer view of the wonderful valley.

If you plan on driving, you will be a little more limited in terms of where you can go (you will not be allowed to access in some areas, or to stray too far from the road to make an excursion near the hills), however you can travel along the entire Valley Drive , a beautiful scenic road, bumpy but still drivable, which will allow you to go through the buttes and bizarre rock formations of the valley. Right now we will talk about this is the route!

Along Valley Drive you can enjoy a dozen truly spectacular places . Here are the main ones, arranged in order starting from the visitor center. To find your way around, you can also consult this map, with the numbers marking the stops of the route (click to enlarge):

This map is part of the brochure that you will receive at the entrance once you have paid the admission fee. The star indicates the starting point and the route marked in red is the road that you can drive. The southern part (under Rain God Mesa) is accessible only with organized tours.

1) The Mittens and Merrick’s Butte

These three sandstone buttes form one of the most famous landscapes in the world, the true symbol of Monument Valley; it is impossible not to see them, they are close to the visitor center and The View hotel.

2) Elephant Butte

One of the many gigantic and bizarre rock formations of this park. The name comes from the fact that it’s supposed to resemble an elephant. What does it look like to you?

3) Three Sisters

Three rather peculiar thin pinnacles stand out among the much thicker and denser buttes of the surrounding landscape.

4) John Ford’s Point

A decidedly scenic area dedicated to the director who immortalized Monument Valley as the Hollywood symbol of the Far West. Here, if you want, you can take the picture on a horse, just like John Wayne, for just a few dollars. Be careful not to try not to miss this point because it is not well marked. During the route on Valley Drive, near Camel Butte (on your left), you will find yourself at a fork in the road. Instead of continuing on the main road, turn right. You will arrive at a clearing with some shops, where you can view John Ford’s Point .

5) Camel Butte

A large, complex and striking rock formation, called “camel’s hump”.

6) Rain God Mesa

It is a magnificent rock formation situated in the center of the valley, which is striking for its size and grandeur.

7-8) Totem Pole

The strange pinnacles of Totem Pole offer some of the most beautiful views of the Monument Valley. Don’t miss them!

9) Artist’s Point

Another exquisite overlook, where the horizon fades into view.

10) North Window

The “North Window” is the ideal place for a scenic view of the valley from the North.

11) The Thumb

This is another bizarre monolith in its own right, the landmark along the way.

Would you like to get an even better idea of what it means to drive on Valley Drive ? Watch this video below.

Since is on a reservation managed by the Navajo, a good part of the territory is not freely accessible and as a consequence there are not many trails. However, you can still take a nice walk with a close view of the famous  buttes of the valley. The trail is called Wildcat Trail and is the only one in Monument Valley that can be accessed without a guide.

The trail is a 3.7 miles loop round trip and is quite easy and is on predominantly flat sandy terrain. The only real obstacle may be the temperatures that are typical of a desert area. To go on this trail you need to look for the Wildcat Trail sign in the northwest area of the visitor center parking lot in Monument Valley. Along the trail you will also find the Navajo warning signs, including:

• bring enough water
• stay on the marked trail
• do not take plants or rocks
• Look out for animals which may include dangerous animals (such as snakes and various insects)

Another much shorter trail (0.6 miles round trip) that is rewarding and requires minimal effort is located outside the park, just before the entrance. It is called Goulding Arch Trail and it starts at the Goulding Campground ( here the address ). The trail leads to a beautiful natural rock arch unknown to most people.

The GPS coordinates of the Monument Valley visitor center are: 36.982259, -110.111372. Below you can find your way around with an interactive map.

Monument Valley is certainly not known for excellent cuisine, indeed, in general you can say that the quality of the dining options near the park is nothing special. Not to mention the above-average prices of food due to the beautiful landscape that surrounds you and certainly not due to its quality. That being said, here are the places where you can stop for a bite to eat:

• The View Restaurant (inside the park): The food is average and the view is amazing. Probably the best choice if you do not want to leave the beautiful rock buttes of the valley.
• Linda’s Frybread Stand (inside the park): near the John Ford Point and not far from the Ericson Cly Memorial and the Navajo All Native Arts & Craft market is Linda’s traditional frybread stand, which specializes in frybread (a typical Navajo flatbread) that you can enjoy in front of a beautiful view.
• Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room (1000 Gouldings Trading Post Road): Goulding ‘s Lodge   dining room lacks a great atmosphere and the food is nothing special either. The menu includes meat dishes, Mexican specialties and frybread.
• The Swingin Steak (2265 US-163, Mexican Hat): in my opinion the best place around . It is located in Mexican Hat, a tiny village with a small population 20 minutes away from the park. The specialty of this place is the way that the meat is prepared. It is cooked on a giant tilting grill. Since it only has outdoor seating (even though it’s sheltered from the elements), the restaurant closes during the coldest months of the year (usually from November to February). NOTE: The restaurant has changed its name and is now simply called Mexican Hat Grill, but everyone still knows it by the old name.
• Olde Bridge Grille (2256 US-163 Scenic, Mexican Hat): Also in Mexican Hat, this restaurant is part of the San Juan Inn hotel complex, which also includes a food court (Trading Post). Here they serve breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and you can also try the typical frybread. According to my experience (I had breakfast here) the quality of the dishes is average.
• Amigo Café (US-163, Kayenta): If you head to Kayenta (but this is more than 30 minutes away from the park) you will find a better value for your money and if you like Mexican cuisine this place is for you.
• Twin Rocks Cafe (913 East Navajo Twins Dr, Bluff): Located at the foot of the scenic Twin Rocks , this is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. The food served is phenomenal, served in good portions and you can have a nutritious breakfast here as well. The only drawback is that it is located near Bluff, about 1 hour away from Monument Valley. However, it can be easily included in an itinerary going from the park to the Moab area or vice versa.

The most interesting attraction you’ll find just outside the park is certainly the Goulding’s Museum & Trading Post ( 1000 Gouldings Trading Post Road), a museum (and at the same time historical residence), which can be visited quickly and is in my opinion worth it, because it gives you a taste of the history of this park and helps you understand how it has established itself as an iconic location for western movies over the years.

This was once the home of Harry Goulding , who moved to the valley in the ’20s and started a profitable trade with the Navajo. In the ’30s, it was he who went to Hollywood to propose to director John Ford that he use the Monument Valley as a set for his western movies. Thus beginning the long history of using this park as a film location and symbol of the American Far West.

In the museum, housed in the current hotel Goulding’s Lodge (1000 Gouldings Trading Post Road), there are preserved frames, posters, photos and other documents that attest the so-called “Golden Age” of Hollywood, well represented by a topographic map with all the locations where the movies were shot. Another interesting place for movie lovers is the John Wayne’s Cabin , whose exterior was used for the film The Knights of the Northwest

But this museum goes far beyond the purely cinematographic interest. It also has a comprehensive display on the historical and cultural aspects that determined the history of the place, Navajo artifacts and objects belonging to the Goulding family, and it gives a small but interesting insight into the lifestyle and commercial activities of the time.

A short distance from the valley there is another park that can be considered basically a counterpart of Monument Valley. Its called the Valley of the Gods and I suggest you consider it as a stop on your West Coast travel . Another area unknown to most but worth a visit is Mystery Valley , an arcane place where, beyond red rock landscapes there are ruins of ancient peoples.

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

Related posts

White Pocket in Arizona: a marvel in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

The Wave in Arizona – A Complete Guide to get your Permit

Things to Do in Kolob Canyons, a beautiful and remote area of Zion National Park

Traveling from Las Vegas to Yellowstone: recommended on-the-road itinerary

16 thoughts on “visit monument valley: things to do and how to plan your trip”.

Can I drive my Honda CRV on this road through the park in October?

Hi Sharon. There are no restrictions for driving on Valley Drive based on a specific type of vehicle; nevertheless, one must exercise caution to avoid issues as indicated in our article.

Good morning!

I happened to be looking at your article and I used your link to see the main page for buying tickets to see Monument Valley. I noticed that the Navajo Nation has posted on their page that during the off season, October 1 – March 30, they have listed that they park is only open Mon thru Fri, 8am – 4pm.

Your article shows it to be open 7 days a week.

I wanted to let you know, just so you have up-to-date information.

Thank you for your article. I have it saved for my family and I to use on our trip this year!

Honestly, it’s quite challenging to understand the official Navajo website. In fact, even though the schedule is as you say, it’s possible to book tickets on weekends even beyond October.

Do you need a jeep or 4WD for the drive?

Hi, yes. Generally, a 4wd vehicle is recommended.

I’ve been visiting Monument Valley for over 25 years. And, still, when I visit, with all the photographic stops, it can take me 4 – 6 hours; especially to catch the light, shadows and coloration of the monuments during the morning glow and evening glow. Slow down to Mother Nature’s pace otherwise, you will miss alot, like the wild horses. sheep herds and photo opportunities of the formations thru the juniper.

Please keep in mind Valley Drive is on Navajo Tribal land, is not very well maintained and is extremely bumpy in places (i.e. rocky); especially on the back side of Thunderbird Mesa near Totem Pole view point.

If you just drive through with no stops, you can do the drive in about 90 minutes; perhaps a little less.

Check ahead of time when the Tribal Park opens and closes as their times often changes with the seasons and they only take debit or credit at the entrance station: no cash.

You can drive a little north of MV (i.e. near Forrest Gump point) to avoid the lights from Gouldings Lodge and villas area. It is very close, away from any lights.

We are going to drive through the valley in our car. Would we be able to take our dog? Thanks

Hello, we think there is no problem with dogs, but we suggest you check the official website of the park.

Hi Cooper I am planning to visit Monument Valley for the first time after completing the Antelope Canyon around 12 pm. If I start my trip from Antelope Canyon by 12:30 in the afternoon, will I have sufficient time to explore Monument Valley and nearby areas before returning to Antelope Canyon by night? I have already booked a hotel stay and plan to visit Bryce Canyon the following day.

You can spend a few hours in Monument Valley and then return. It’s not the ideal solution, but if you don’t have any other choice, you can do it.

Thank you!!!

Hi Bernardo Pacini, If I arrive at 3PM. Is that enough to visit? and I don’t stay at The view hotel at night. Where I can to stop to see start at night.

Hei Yang, you will need about 2-3 to travel Valley Drive. Outside the park, you can go in the Goulding’s Lodge area for stargazing.

I was wondering how long the trip to Monument Valley should take assuming I choose to drive it myself according to your itinerary?

Hi Robert! I would say about 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Experience the thrilling adventure of Mo... Read More

H: 93º L: 75º

H: 93º L: 70º

H: 97º L: 73º

• Overview Lodges Gallery Activities FAQ View Map Our Terms

FAQ About Monument Valley

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Monument Valley Tribal Park.

Q: Where is Monument Valley?

Q: what should i see when i visit monument valley, q: when is the best time to visit monument valley, q: is biking allowed in monument valley, q: what are the monument valley fees.

• Entry Fee: $8 per person, per day
• Additional Person: $8 per person, per day
• National Parks and Golden Eagle Passes are not accepted.
• Operation Hours
• April 1 – September 30 (Peak Season): 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7 days a week, MST.
• October 1 – March 31 (Off Season): 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week, MST. Last Entry at 3:00 pm
• Monument Valley Closures

Closed during all major Holidays in accordance with the Navajo Nation.

• Monument Valley Veteran Marathon – Nov 19
• Thanksgiving Day – Nov 24
• Christmas Day – Dec 25
• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Monument Valley Ultra Marathon – March 4

Q: What is the recommended stay duration at Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park?

• Driving/Sightseeing: ½ day
• Hiking/Exploring: 1 day
• Activities/Tours/Special Programs: ½ day
• Driving/Sightseeing: 1-2 day
• Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 day

Q: What is the weather like at Monument Valley Park?

Q: are pets allowed in monument valley navajo tribal park.

Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object.

Q: Is there cellular and WiFi service?

Cellular service is very limited and spotty in the park and parts of the loop drive. WiFi is available at most stores, restaurants, and hotels.

Reserve a Lodge

Park activities.

Guided by local Navajos, jeep tours are a perfect way to learn about Mounument Valley ...

Horseback Riding

Of the various ways to tour Monument Valley, this brings out the adventurer in you ...

• Monument Valley
• Book Online
• General FAQ

• Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam, and Seven Magic Mountains Tour
• 2 Day Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon Tour
• Hoover Dam Walk On Top Tour with Seven Magic Mountains
• Antelope Canyon Tour from Las Vegas
• Hoover Dam: From Above - On Top - And Below
• Grand Canyon Sleep-In Half-Day Tour
• 3 Day Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley Tour
• Private Tours
• Team Outings

Can You Tour Monument Valley on Your Own?

Yes, you can tour Monument Valley on your own. This entails driving the 17-mile loop and planning your own itinerary. Alternatively, you can book a tour that will take you around the area.

The unique, red rock formations of Monument Valley make it easy to see why it’s so popular with tourists. Like a Bryce and Zion tour , a visit to Monument Valley will let you see some of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes in the world.

In this article, we'll show you how to enjoy Monument Valley on your own , discuss tips on what to do if you're planning to drive , as well as share the benefits of booking a guided tour .

How to Tour Monument Valley

If you're planning to drive, the 17-mile loop is the driving trail of Monument Valley . It's also called Valley Drive or the Tribal Park Loops. It takes you to some of the most scenic attractions within the valley (more on those in the next section). 

You will need to pay an access fee of $20 per vehicle, which will also get you a map that lays out the route to see all of the attractions. It's important to note that the 17-mile loop is a one-way road.

The road is unpaved and pretty bumpy. Regular cars can take it but it can be a bit challenging if it'll be your first time driving in this area. Check out this blog post about driving through Monument Valley for tips on how to be prepared for your driving tour!

If you're not comfortable driving on unpaved roads or want to save yourself the hassle, then we recommend booking a tour from a reliable tour company like MaxTour. All the transportation will be taken care of for you and you'll be taken to all of the best spots!

Things to Do on a Self-Guided Monument Valley Tour

At first glance, it might seem like there's not much going on here. Make no mistake, though — there are so many things to see in Monument Valley !

The highlights of Monument Valley are, of course, the towering rock formations known as buttes . These natural sculptures come in all shapes and sizes. The most famous of them all are the two Mittens Buttes and the Merrick's Butte . Another popular trio is the Three Sisters . The oddly-shaped Elephant Butte is yet another must-see attraction.

To get out of the car and stretch your legs, take on the Wildcat Trail . This hiking trail is just over 3 miles (about 5 km) long. It's a loop that takes you around the West Mitten Butte.

During the summer. the Haskenneini restaurant within the visitor center is open for business. They serve up a fine selection of both Navajo and American cuisine. If you're a history buff (or a lover of Westerns), consider a visit to Goulding's Trading Post Museum !

If you're only interested in the few most popular sights, touring Monument Valley will take you about two to three hours . If you have the time, though, you can spend a whole day here and experience everything the valley has to offer!

Reasons to Tour Monument Valley on Your Own

Move at your own pace.

Guided tours will have some flexibility but, for the most part, they'll be working at a set schedule.  The biggest advantage of touring Monument Valley independently is being able to take things at your own pace. 

If you want to be in and out within an hour, you can do so. If you want to stay in the valley all day, you can do that, too! Change your mind about your plans halfway through the day? No problem.

Plan Your Adventure the Way You Want It

Everyone has different things they want to see at Monument Valley. Attractions like the Mittens and Merrick Buttes will be on most people's itineraries but even those will vary.

Some people want to hike all day. Others want to see every single exhibit at the museum. Many people visit the valley just for landscape photography and plan their whole visit around that.

Rather than sticking to a predetermined itinerary, touring Monument Valley on your own enables you to do things your way!

Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

Group tours, especially small group tours like those offered by MaxTour, offer a great opportunity to meet new people and broaden your horizons . 

Some people, however, simply prefer for themselves and their companions — whether friends, family, or a partner — to make the trip independently.

Reasons to Book a Guided Monument Valley Tour

Get a more in-depth experience of monument valley.

Tours can be a great way to learn about an area, especially if you have a knowledgeable guide . They can share interesting facts and stories that you might not otherwise hear. They can also provide you with expert knowledge of the area to help you understand the history and culture of the region.

Relax and Enjoy the Views 

A trip to a national park can be stressful , especially if you want to visit multiple places and have limited time. When you take a guided tour, you can relax and enjoy the sights without worrying about planning, transportation, or finding your way around .

A guide will ensure you make the most of your time by prioritizing what you should see and how much time to spend at each stop.

Visit Areas That Aren't Accessible to the General Public

While the general public is welcome to explore most of the valley, some areas are off-limits to all but guided tours . These areas include sensitive ecological habitats and private property .

By taking a guided tour, visitors can ensure that they can see everything the valley has to offer without damaging delicate ecosystems or trespassing.

Guided tours from MaxTour provide an opportunity to learn about the area from knowledgeable guides. You'll get the chance to sit back, enjoy the experience, and meet other travelers without worrying about logistics .

However, if you're short on time and in for more adventure, driving through the park on your own can still be a great way to see its amazing landscapes . No matter how you choose to enjoy the park, there's no doubt you'll be amazed by its natural beauty!

If you'd love to visit Monument Valley but you're actually not sure how to even get there in the first place, check out our post on how to visit Monument Valley !

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

You may also like.

7 top tips for photographing Monument Valley

F or many, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is the American West. It’s been the backdrop to countless movies and the subject of some spectacular landscape photography over many decades, Monument Valley on the Arizona Utah border is a destination that requires some research if you are to get the most out of it. 

The classic view in Monument Valley is of three Navajo Sandstone buttes called West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. There are many other compositions to try your hand at, but the view of these three buttes – as captured while standing next to the visitor center, of course – is the image most photographers want to capture. The joy is to get that image on your own terms, both at sunrise and sunset, and possibly at night, too, without ignoring the rest of the richly photogenic area. 

1. Understand the region

Monument Valley is within the Navajo Nation, the largest land area held by a Native American tribe in the U.S. that covers parts of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. As you stand beside the visitors center in Monument Valley Tribal Park and look at the three buttes you’re looking east and southeast. The position of the rising sun will differ depending on when you go, but at sunrise, you’ll get the three buttes in silhouette, with all three lit up and looking orange in the late afternoon ‘golden hour’ before sunset. It costs $8 per person per day to enter Monument Valley Tribal Park, where official opening hours vary throughout the year. In practice, it sometimes opens at 7:00 a.m. despite that not being advertised. 

2. Find a room with a view

If you want to guarantee being in the right place for sunrise and sunset then stay in the park itself. The View is a hotel beside the visitors center on the edge of the valley with a great view of West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. Even if you get a room with a perfect view for photography, you are yards away from a ringside seat. The best place to stay, however, is a cluster of simple rentable cabins slightly away from the crowds at the top of the valley side that has a stupendous view. Just as good is a basic campground in the sand dunes at the top of the Wildcat Trail. All are managed by The View, a Najavo-owned business.

If you can't get a room/cabin/tent in Monument Valley Tribal Park itself then you'll have to stay outside the park, which generally means staying around four miles away back down Monument Valley Road. The most accessible place to stay is Goulding's Monument Valley, a historic trading post that is now a hotel on one site and, slightly further away, an RV and campsite at another site. Gas stations and grocery stores are available, as is a basic restaurant, though you’re not going to get a view of Monument Valley – and you’ll need to get up that bit earlier to drive into the park. You can book a range of tours at Goulding’s. 

3. Tackle the Loop Road yourself

Most visitors to Monument Valley appear just to take in the view from the visitor center, you can get far deeper into the park without getting out of your car. The Valley Drive is a 17-mile dirt road that is best tackled slowly – particularly the first steep descent – though a 4x4 will help. It’s pretty rough all the way around, though mostly flat, and there are soft sand sections. You can book a tour and see it all on the back of a safari-style truck. Most of those tours do take you down private roads not accessible to those who take their own car, but compared to driving yourself you’ll have a lot less time for photography. While the tourist trucks stop in every third viewpoint or so of the dozen pullouts between the buttes and mesas, if you have your own car you can spend as long as you like. It’s generally agreed that it takes two hours to The Valley Drive, but photographers should plan on four or five hours. It’s best done as early in the morning as possible before the crowds arrive.

4. Take the ‘secret’ photography hike

Although you can stay in the park itself and have to yourself after the gates have closed and before they open, there is a budget option very close by that’s just as good. Before you reach the gates of Monument Valley Tribal Park there’s a Navajo Nation Monument. Take a left-hand turn onto a dirt road and, after a few hundred yards, you’ll reach a couple of campsites called Hummingbird, which you can book on Airbnb. As well as being far cheaper places to stay, whether you're camping or in an RV or campervan, there is a trail that leads from here to the edge of the valley that has genuinely stunning views. It’s the ideal place for a sunset if you’ve just arrived in the region and don’t want to pay the park’s daily entrance fee. It also offers a slightly different view of the three buttes, but is no less dramatic. 

5. Bring the right gear

When tackling a subject as vast as the landscapes of the American West, it's best to come prepared. If you can only bring one lens, make it a zoom lens that covers an effective focal length range of around 25 to 105mm. However, a telephoto stretching to 300-400mm can also be for isolating specific rock formations such as the Three Sisters, and Totem Pole and Yei bi Chei. A wide-angle lens is not so critical unless you are interested in astrophotography, though since The Loop is closed at night you’ll need to stick to the rim of the valley for that (though unless you’re here in early spring and prepared to stay up very late the Milky Way is not ideally positioned). In general, the light pollution and frequent car headlights in the area make Monument Valley less than ideal for astrophotography. 

6. Venture down the WildCat Trail

Few tourists do it, but the chance to get a close-up of one of the famous buttes is not to be missed. A 3.2-mile trail from the valley rim at the visitors center, the Wildcat Trail loops around West Mitten Butte and back up to the rim. It takes a couple of hours and is best done in the late afternoon when the shadows lengthen, with half the walk in its shadow and plenty of opportunities for starburst photography and silhouettes of the mighty butte. You need to sign out at the beginning of the trail and sign in when you return, but be sure to be back at the rim for sunset – it’s the perfect place. Just bear in mind that Monument Valley is 5,550 feet above sea level, so the hike back to the rim is best taken slowly. 

7. Explore the area

Although Monument Valley Tribal Park is the place to head, there are plenty of other spectacular views to be had in the general area. The most famous is a few miles northeast of Monument Valley on Highway 163 at what’s informally known as Forrest Gump Point. It’s actually three separate small parking areas, one of them unnamed and one called Monument Valley Overlook. For all three it’s possible to get an image of the highway snaking into the distance to Monument Valley. It’s an image that's on postcards literally millions of times and not surprisingly the highway is almost permanently covered in tourists trying to snap selfies. If you are a photographer you'll want to avoid all that, which you can do by going to the overlook closest to Monument Valley, which tends to be quieter. Other iconic red rock landscapes in the general area include Mexican hat about 25 miles further along Highway 163 and, about 10 miles further on than that, the fabulous 17-mile loop road called Valley of the Gods – though you’ll need a 4x4 to be safe. 

Check out guide to other great locations for photographers: the best places for photography around the world

1-Day the Monument Valley Itinerary

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• the Monument Valley in 1 day
• 2-Day the Monument Valley Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, monument valley tribal park visitor center.

The View Hotel

Wildcat Trail

Monument valley, john ford point, three sisters, north window, where to eat, the view restaurant, popular road trips from monument valley, what's the weather like in the monument valley.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in the Monument Valley for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in the Monument Valley in January
• Weather in the Monument Valley in February
• Weather in the Monument Valley in March
• Weather in the Monument Valley in April
• Weather in the Monument Valley in May
• Weather in the Monument Valley in June
• Weather in the Monument Valley in July
• Weather in the Monument Valley in August
• Weather in the Monument Valley in September
• Weather in the Monument Valley in October
• Weather in the Monument Valley in November
• Weather in the Monument Valley in December

All road trips from Monument Valley

• Monument Valley to Las Vegas drive
• Monument Valley to Los Angeles drive
• Monument Valley to San Francisco drive
• Monument Valley to Page drive
• Monument Valley to Sedona drive
• Monument Valley to San Diego drive
• Monument Valley to Grand Canyon National Park drive
• Monument Valley to Moab drive
• Monument Valley to Chicago drive
• Monument Valley to New Orleans drive
• Monument Valley to Phoenix drive
• Monument Valley to Seattle drive
• Monument Valley to Santa Fe drive
• Monument Valley to Denver drive
• Monument Valley to Tucson drive
• Monument Valley to Zion National Park drive
• Monument Valley to Vancouver drive
• Monument Valley to Albuquerque drive
• Monument Valley to Mexico City drive
• Monument Valley to San Antonio drive
• Monument Valley to Colorado Springs drive
• Monument Valley to Nashville drive
• Monument Valley to Durango drive
• Monument Valley to Williams drive
• Monument Valley to Bryce Canyon National Park drive
• Monument Valley to Salt Lake City drive
• Monument Valley to Branson drive
• Monument Valley to Greater Palm Springs drive
• Monument Valley to Dallas drive
• Monument Valley to Memphis drive

Explore nearby places

• the Monument Valley
• Mexican Hat
• Halls Crossing
• Montezuma Creek
• Teec Nos Pos
• Lake Powell
• Tonalea Coconino County
• Marble Canyon
• Kykotsmovi Village
• Pleasant View
• Second Mesa

All related maps of the Monument Valley

• Map of the Monument Valley
• Map of Mexican Hat
• Map of Kayenta
• Map of Bluff
• Map of Shonto
• Map of Halls Crossing
• Map of Rough Rock
• Map of Bullfrog
• Map of Montezuma Creek
• Map of Blanding
• Map of Hite
• Map of Kaibito
• Map of Teec Nos Pos
• Map of Lake Powell
• Map of Pinon
• Map of Tonalea Coconino County
• Map of Lukachukai
• Map of Chinle
• Map of Tsaile
• Map of Page
• Map of Monticello
• Map of Towaoc
• Map of Hotevilla
• Map of Polacca
• Map of Marble Canyon
• Map of Big Water
• Map of Kykotsmovi Village
• Map of Shiprock
• Map of Tuba City
• Map of Pleasant View
• Map of Second Mesa

the Monument Valley throughout the year

• the Monument Valley in January
• the Monument Valley in February
• the Monument Valley in March
• the Monument Valley in April
• the Monument Valley in May
• the Monument Valley in June
• the Monument Valley in July
• the Monument Valley in August
• the Monument Valley in September
• the Monument Valley in October
• the Monument Valley in November
• the Monument Valley in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in the Monument Valley?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Page Itinerary
• 1-Day Chinle Itinerary
• 1-Day Blanding Itinerary
• 1-Day Big Water Itinerary
• 1-Day Bluff Itinerary
• 1-Day Mexican Hat Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

• Monument Valley
• Monument Valley Travel Guides & Tips

Monument Valley Scenic Drive: The Ultimate Guide

• 2019-10-14 15:45:25

Monument Valley was a relatively unknown area until the 1930s. In 1938, John Ford, a director, fell in love with the area and chose the location for his well-known western film,  Stagecoach.  Monument Valley became an integral part of his films and was featured in many more over the years. Ford’s films made Monument Valley one of the most familiar landscapes in the United States. They really put the region on the map and were the beginning of its increasing popularity. The area’s beautiful red sandstone buttes and panoramic views have become symbolic of the American West and are usually the first thing that comes to mind when one pictures the southwest today.

Many visitors tend to drive into Utah and stop at the popular Forrest Gump Point. From here, they take advantage of the terrific photo ops and take in Monument Valley from a distance. However, Monument Valley is a place you should get up close and personal with. Trust me, you don’t want to skip over it. It will be a highlight of your southwest road trip. In this guide you will learn everything you need to know before visiting this incredible park and embarking on your own Monument Valley scenic drive.

What is Monument Valley?

Monument Valley Park is a desert region of the Colorado Plateau. It is not an official national park, but belongs to the Navajo Nation and thus, a Navajo Tribal Park. It’s a stunning collection of varying rock formations, famous for its dramatic sandstone buttes and mesas. The elevation from the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level, with the largest of the buttes being 1,000 feet above the canyon floor.

Where is Monument Valley?

Monument Valley is located off the US-163, just north of the Arizona and Utah border. It’s not a difficult place to reach, but it is somewhat remote and requires a car and a little planning. It’s best done as part of a Southwest road trip. There are a handful of airports you have the option of choosing from, but your best bet is to fly into Phoenix and rent a car. The closest airport is actually Flagstaff, but a change of planes is necessary, so it is easiest to just drive directly from Phoenix. The drive from Phoenix is 330 miles and takes about five hours, but there are some great stops along the way, such as the Grand Canyon and the beautiful sights of Page, AZ. Other airport options include:

• Las Vegas – 410 mi
• Salt Lake City – 390 mi
• Albuquerque – 330 mi

How to Visit Monument Valley

There are two options when it comes to exploring Monument Valley- either with a Navajo guide or through a self-guided tour. The self-guided tour is an easy-to-follow, 17 mile scenic drive loop, referred to as the Valley Drive. If you wish to explore beyond the loop, you will need to make tour arrangements since it is tribal land. Trespassing is not allowed and visitors need to respect and abide by the rules set by the Navajo government. There are sunrise and sunset tours, as well as photography tours available to choose from.

I recommend doing a self-guided tour, or scenic drive. General admission is $20 per vehicle, up to four passengers, with each additional passenger being $6. A map of the loop will be handed to you upon entry with all the major points marked. The entire loop is completely unpaved, so be prepared for a very bumpy and dusty ride. I knew very little about Monument Valley before my visit and when renting a car, I chose a small, compact vehicle. However, I would recommend renting a 4×4. I drove very slowly and didn’t experience any major difficulties with my car, but some of the steeper hills did present more of a challenge and were somewhat worrisome. There was some rain the day before, but I definitely wouldn’t have risked it if there was significant water on the ground.

What to See in Monument Valley

There are eleven lookout points along the loop and one self-guided hiking trail in the park. It’s easy to see all the major sights on the drive. Some points that you will want to be sure not to miss are:

• John Ford Point :  John Ford Point is probably the most popular stop. It is easily recognizable from Ford’s westerns. For an additional fee you can take a photo of a horse and cowboy out on the point or even sit on the horse yourself.
• Merrick and Mitten Buttes:  The three large buttes known as Merrick, East Mitten and West Mitten are located in the same general area and form a triangle. When viewed from the south, the Mitten Buttes actually resemble mittens with thumbs facing inward.
• Artist Pointe:  This lookout has an incredible view of West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte. It’s also a great spot for sunrise.

Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided hiking trail in the park. It’s a 3.2 mile loop that takes about three hours to compete. The trail offers hikers some amazing scenery and takes them to incredible views of the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. There are some other trails in the area, but you will need to be accompanied by a guide to access them.

How Much Time Do I Need There?

The Valley Drive can be done in two hours, but if you want to do any hiking or exploring beyond the loop, I suggest giving yourself at least a day and stay a night in the area. Monument Valley is a gorgeous place to catch either sunrise or sunset, which makes an overnight stay totally worth it.

While driving in and around Monument Valley, I noticed the time on my phone changing. It’s important to be aware of the time differences between Arizona, Utah and the Navajo Nation when planning your day. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time and uses standard mountain time. Utah and Navajo lands, however, do observe daylight saving. This is something you will want to keep in mind, especially if you have tours booked.

When to Visit Monument Valley

Monument Valley has a desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures can get high in the summer months, but it doesn’t get as hot as one would think because of the altitude. Summers, however, are the most crowded and the road is usually packed with visitors. Winters can see light snowfall, but the snow usually stays on the ground for only a day or two. Spring or fall is the ideal time to visit with mild weather. You’ll be able to avoid both the extreme temperatures and the crowds. April through June are the more windy months. I visited in May and temperatures were mild, but it was incredibly windy and made for a very dusty experience. I still had a great time; just be prepared and bring a jacket.

Where to Eat & Stay in Monument Valley

When it comes to hotels in Monument Valley, there are very few options. I would suggest The  View Hotel or Goulding’s Lodge. Both of these hotels book up well in advance and can get expensive, so I recommend making reservations as early as possible. If you find them booked, don’t let that stop you from visiting the park. I opted to use Page, AZ as a home-base and make Monument Valley a day trip, which worked out well for me. Goulding’s also offers camping with the option of an RV site or traditional tent.

When it comes to food in Monument Valley, the options are limited as well. There is The View Restaurant and Stagecoach Restaurant, which are located in the above mentioned hotels. They serve a combination of Navajo and classic plates, such as burgers. The food is pretty average. I would choose The View Restaurant, not for its food, but for its views of the valley. Be aware that the restaurants are not open at all hours and although they do serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, they have specific hours for each meal.

Other Things to Know

• You will want to check the  official site  of the Navajo Nation for park hours and Navajo holidays before planning your visit.
• If you’re only driving the loop, getting out of the car isn’t really necessary, but I would wear sneakers nonetheless. It’s really dusty.
• Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen.

Credit to travelworthtelling.net

Please contact us for removal if there is any copyright infringement.

Recent Posts

15 things to know before visiting monument valley park, the ultimate guide to a weekend in monument valley, quick links.

• Guided Tour & Tickets

Share With Friends

Get latest tour updates by signing up.

@ All copyright 2024, Monument Valley Tours Reserved

Monument Valley Loop Driving Tours with Three Sisters are Navajo owned and operated. Those are the ONLY Monument Valley Tours including Monument Valley Admission Fees.

Email Us Chat Now

Description

What's included, perfect for,   tiktok videos, packing list,   google reviews, rules & safety, nearby experiences.

•   My Account
•   Things to Do
•   My Bucket List
•   Settings
•   Support
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Services

CLOSURES MAY BE POSSIBLE, DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Monument Valley Tour Operators

Navajo nation park & recreation.

To book a guided tour in Monument Valley, please select a tour operator from the list below.

There are tour guides available upon arrival.

Hours of Operation:

The Monument Valley 17- mile loop is accessible by vehicle only. You can purchase Entry Fee and Guided tour upon your arrival. RV’s, Camper van’s, motorcycles and Large SUV’s or Off-Road Vehicles are Prohibited on the valley drive. Valley drive has rough terrain and deep sand dunes.

Entry to all Navajo Tribal Park areas are enter at your own risk. Dogs are Prohibited at all Navajo Tribal Park locations.

Designated Hiking Trails are at your own risk. We ask that you sign in/out at each location for trail usage. Trails are open during Navajo Tribal Park Hours of Operations 8am to 5pm. Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for unpredictable weather, always stay hydrated and be aware of your surroundings.

The mask mandate has been lifted and the use of a mask is at your discretion.

All Navajo Tribal Parks are Closed on: Thanksgiving Day, NN Family Day (day after Thanksgiving), Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Security will be on duty and monitoring the area.

MORE INFORMATION: PLEASE REVIEW.

Monument Valley Guided Tour Operators

• Bennett Tours   ph. 928-221-9975
• Sacred Monument Tours, LLC    toursacred.com   ph. 435-727-3218
• Phillips Photography Tours   monumentvalley.com     ph. 928-429-0040
• Explore Monument Valley  ph. 928-429-1959
• Navajo Spirit Tours   ph. 435-444-7773
• RGJ Inc dba Goulding’s Tour    ph. 435-727-3225
• Roy Black’s Guided Tours   ph. 928-429-0637
• Valley View Guided Tours  ph. 435-485-0103
• Monument Valley Tribal Tours     ph. 385-347-6243
• Monument Valley Holiday Tour   ph. 928-489-1732
• Mitten View Tours        ph. 928-429-4672
• Hunt’s Mesa Off-Road Trails – UTV Tour  Call/Text: 928-302-8398
• Monument Valley Tribal Tours  ph. 385-347-6243
• Tinhorn Tour   ph. 928-489-9128
• MV Dineh Bekeyah Tours   ph. 928-409-0088
• MV Twin Warriors Tours   ph. 928-429-8628
• Sandstone Tours     ph. 435-200-5450
• Monument Valley Rain God Mesa Tours   ph. 928-606-9422
• Monument Valley Safari, LLC     ph. 435-220-0539
• Three Sister Navajo Guided Tours    ph. 602-327-2472
• Blackwater Tours    ph. 435-727-3312
• Monumental Tours    ph. 435-444-9529
• Tinhorn Tours    ph. 928-383-0783
• Monument Valley Tours   ph. 435-727-3313.

Horse Trail Rides

• Dineh Trail Rides  ph. 928-209-2692
• Tse Bii Trail Rides  ph. 928-489-2593

San Juan River Tours

• Tse’kooh Outfitters    ph. 928-301-7060
• Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures  ph. 505-239-8505
• Dzil Taah Adventures, LLC.  ph. 928-429-8531.