How Long Does it Take to Drive Through Monument Valley? (2024)

A self-guided Monument Valley tour on the scenic drive should take between two and four hours, depending on how long you spend at each overlook. While visitors aren’t allowed to hike deeper into the park without a Navajo tour guide, you’re more than welcome to take stops along the way and enjoy the gorgeous views of Monument Valley’s iconic buttes and rock formations. While the road itself is only 17 miles, it’s entirely unpaved and some stretches are extremely bumpy, so it takes some time to drive the full loop. Most of the route has a posted speed limit of only 15 MPH. When you add in the time spent at the various attractions and overlooks by the side of the road, you can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon at Monument Valley.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Through Monument Valley? (1)

If you’re driving through Monument Valley without a guide, we highly recommend getting there as early in the morning as possible. Not only are the geological features especially striking when painted red by the rising sun, but you’ll also get to avoid the crowds that can slow you down later in the day. During the peak season in the summer, there are sometimes lines of cars waiting to park at the most popular overlooks, so visiting in the early morning allows you to skip those.

Unless you decide to take a guided tour, there’s probably no reason to spend more than five or six hours in Monument Valley. The sights are gorgeous, but the loop itself is fairly short and you can’t really do any exploring on your own. Still, it’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon with your family.

If you want to get the most out of your day in Monument Valley, we recommend trying out our Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Self-Guided Tour.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Through Monument Valley? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does it Take to Drive Through Monument Valley? ›

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.

How long does it take to drive through Monument Valley? ›

A self-guided Monument Valley tour on the scenic drive should take between two and four hours, depending on how long you spend at each overlook.

How long does it take to beat Monument Valley? ›

When focusing on the main objectives, Monument Valley is about 1½ Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 2½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.

How long does it take to drive from page to Monument Valley? ›

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.

Can you drive the 17-mile loop in Monument Valley? ›

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.

Is it worth driving through Monument Valley? ›

Exploring Monument Valley on your own can definitely be worth it and might actually be preferable, depending on what kind of traveler you are. If you want to have more control over your tour and explore at your own pace, a self-guided tour of Monument Valley is your best bet.

Can I drive my own car through Monument Valley? ›

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!

What is the best month to visit Monument Valley? ›

Fall and spring are the best times to visit Monument Valley. This is when temperatures are most pleasant. If you are looking for warm days and comfortable nights, we recommend September as the best month to visit Monument Valley. Monument Valley is cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

Can you see Monument Valley in a day? ›

Monument Valley is an iconic Navajo Tribal Park located on the Utah-Arizona border. It is a stop that many people miss on their Utah road trip adventures, but I highly recommend spending one full day there (you don't need any longer) to experience its beauty.

Which is better Valley of the Gods or Monument Valley? ›

Monument Valley is a very popular tourist destination, while the Valley of the Gods is a hidden gem. If you're visiting the area in peak season and want to avoid crowds, Valley of the Gods might be the choice for you.

How long do you need to stay in Monument Valley? ›

Immersing in the Landscape: A Full Experience

To truly immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Monument Valley, consider spending a night or two. Staying overnight allows you to experience the sunset and sunrise, which are absolutely magical here.

Is it worth staying overnight at Monument Valley? ›

Short answer to this would be - definitely yes.

Staying overnight in Monument Valley offers an experience that goes beyond the typical day trip, allowing visitors to witness the park in all its changing lights and moods.

Can you do Monument Valley without a tour? ›

Yes, you can tour Monument Valley on your own.

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.

How long does it take to drive Monument Valley Scenic Drive? ›

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.

What is the famous road in Monument Valley? ›

From the Arizona border, Scenic Byway 163 travels northeast through Monument Valley past Mexican Hat and then ends in Bluff, Utah. The redrock desert and spires of scenic Monument Valley have been the setting for countless movies and advertisem*nts.

Can I tour Monument Valley on my own? ›

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.

What is the best time to visit Monument Valley? ›

Fall and spring are the best times to visit Monument Valley. This is when temperatures are most pleasant. If you are looking for warm days and comfortable nights, we recommend September as the best month to visit Monument Valley. Monument Valley is cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

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