Do I Need an SUV for Monument Valley? | Self-Guided (2024)

FAQs

Do I Need an SUV for Monument Valley? | Self-Guided? ›

In most cases, you won't need an SUV to take a Monument Valley tour. While the 17-mile scenic road through the park isn't paved, it's generally solid enough for a regular car to handle.

However, you can take the scenic drive through the park on your own as long as you don't wander too far away from the road. There's still plenty you can see from the 17-mile scenic road that winds through Monument Valley, so it's well worth a trip even if you don't hire a guide to gain access to the off-limits areas.

The drive through Monument Valley covers a 17-mile (27 km) loop road. Most people spend about 3 hours driving through the valley, but some people spend as little as 2 hours or even longer than 4 hours, and basically it all depends on you and how much time do you want to spend at Monument Valley.

Take a Hike Through Monument Valley

There are only three trails inside the park's boundary that you can hike without a guide or backcountry permit. You must sign in at the visitor center before you embark on your self-guided hike. For more hiking inside the park, see the section above on hiring a guide.

Private vehicles are allowed to enter the park as far as the main viewpoint at the visitor center. In addition, 25 private vehicles at a time are allowed on the 17-mile Tribal Valley Loop.

While the 17-mile scenic road through the park isn't paved, it's generally solid enough for a regular car to handle.

Valley Drive kicks off where the pavement turns to dirt. If you're not already in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll wish you were as you descend a very steep and bumpy hill. That said, postpone the drive if inclement weather is a possibility.

Monument Valley is a 2-2.5 hour drive, one way, from Page, Arizona. Simply proceed South on Coppermine Road, then turn left on Highway 98 East, past Antelope Canyon.

While visiting the Monument Valley, you will need to try the 17-mile loop drive for a view of the scenic beauty and magnificent formations. Currently, with the monsoon season we want all travelers to know that the valley drive has very rough terrain and deep sand dunes.

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.

Is Monument Valley tour or self guided? ›

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.

Most people will drive through Monument Valley in the middle of the day, but I think the best time to visit is the early morning or late afternoon. The rocks seem to change colour throughout the day and I definitely think sunrise and sunset was when they looked their best.

Each level is as much a puzzle as a work of art; it's contemplative and invites the player to do more than just play. Monument Valley is one of the best iPhone games available, and an Editors' Choice winner. Monument Valley is available in the Apple App store for $3.99.

If you're planning a trip near the region, a self-guided drive through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park will bring you the best of nature's wonderland–from gorgeous red rock creations to towering spires and buttes. And if you're wondering can you drive through Monument Valley, the answer is yes, and it's easy to do!

The scenic drive in Monument Valley includes 11 numbered stops, which are notated on the free map provided by the Visitors Center. Plan on spending at least two to four hours to get the most out of the experience.

Monument Valley Fees, Permits & Hours

Fees: $8 per person per day. Children 7 and under are free. Visitor Center hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round. Scenic Drive summer hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last vehicles are permitted onto the drive at 6 p.m. and must depart it by 8 p.m.

Monument Valley Fees, Permits & Hours

Fees: $8 per person per day. Children 7 and under are free. Visitor Center hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round. Scenic Drive summer hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last vehicles are permitted onto the drive at 6 p.m. and must depart it by 8 p.m.

Failure to have a permit is considered Trespassing on a Federal Indian Reservation. Per Individual Entry Fee: $8 per person, per location.

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.