Last Update onJanuary 05, 2024
by Marko Milin
Monument Valley, with its iconic sandstone buttes and vast, stark landscapes, is a place that captures the imagination like few others. If you're planning a trip to this stunning location, a common question might be: How much time should I spend at Monument Valley to truly appreciate its beauty? Whether you're a photographer, a nature lover, or just someone looking to escape into the wilderness, the time you spend in Monument Valley can vary based on your interests. In this blog post, we'll explore how to make the most of your visit, including a highlight of MaxTour's Bryce, Zion, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley 3-Day Tour.
Understanding Monument Valley's Unique Landscape
Monument Valley is not a typical park with designated trails and viewpoints. It's a vast, open landscape that's part of the Navajo Nation. The Valley Drive, a 17-mile dirt road, runs through the park and takes you past some of the most famous buttes and formations. The drive itself can take about 2 to 3 hours, including stops for photos and short walks.
For the Day Trippers
If you're short on time, a day trip can give you a taste of Monument Valley's grandeur. You can drive through the Valley, stop at the major viewpoints, and perhaps even join a guided tour. Many guided tours offer deeper insights into the history and culture of the Navajo people and take you to parts of the Valley that are off-limits to the general public. A day in Monument Valley will leave you with a sense of awe at its natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Related Reading: Where Do You Stop Between Monument Valley and Grand Canyon?
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. The play of light on the buttes and mesas during these times is something that can't be fully appreciated in just a few hours. There are several accommodations options, from hotels to campgrounds, that offer stunning views of the Valley.
Photography Enthusiasts
For photographers, Monument Valley is a paradise. To capture the best light, you'll want to be there for both sunrise and sunset. The changing light conditions and shadows can dramatically alter the landscape, offering a multitude of perspectives of the same scene. Spending a full day, or even two, can be very rewarding for those looking to capture the perfect shot.
MaxTour's 3-Day Tour Inclusion
If you're looking for an organized way to explore Monument Valley along with other iconic locations in the region, MaxTour offers a comprehensive 3-Day tour. This tour includes visits to Bryce Canyon, Zion, Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley. It's an excellent option for those who want to experience the best of these stunning locations without the hassle of planning and driving. The tour provides ample time in each location, ensuring you get a full and enriching experience.
Tips for Visiting Monument Valley
- Check Weather Conditions: The desert climate can be extreme, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
- Respect the Land: Remember, Monument Valley is a sacred site to the Navajo people. Respect the land and follow all guidelines.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water, as the desert heat can be dehydrating, especially during the summer months.
- Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour for a more comprehensive understanding of the Valley's cultural and historical significance.
Conclusion
The time you spend in Monument Valley depends on your interests and schedule. Whether it's a quick day trip or a more extended stay, the Valley's majestic beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression. And for those looking to explore more of the American Southwest's wonders, MaxTour's 3-Day tour offers an unforgettable experience, combining the beauty of Monument Valley with other breathtaking destinations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marko Milin
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FAQs
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 much time do I need in Monument Valley? ›
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.
Can you do Monument Valley in one 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.
What is the best time of day to see Monument Valley? ›
Here are a few tips on hiking Monument Valley and the Wildcat Trail: Early morning sunset hikes offer beautiful colors, less crowds, and solitude. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, bandana, and comfortable shoes. Hike the loop counterclockwise for the best view as the sun rises.
Can you drive through Monument Valley on your 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.
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.
How long does it take to play 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.
Is Antelope Canyon close to Monument Valley? ›
The drive from Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon takes about 2 hours and covers roughly 115 miles (185 km). These locations are not right next to each other, but they're not too far apart either. If you're staying in a town near one or the other, such as Page or Kayenta. doing both in a day is much more doable.
Can you see Monument Valley without paying? ›
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.
How much is the Monument Valley entrance fee? ›
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.
The formations in Monument Valley have achieved some Hollywood fame as the backdrop of many movies and television shows, beginning with several John Wayne films including Stagecoach in 1939. The visitor center offers museums, souvenirs, restrooms, a restaurant, a lodge, and much more.
Is sunrise or sunset better in Monument Valley? ›
I would do a sunset tour that takes you out and about at a reasonable time of day then experience sunrise from your room. Just thinking that the sunset tour will give you a more enjoyable overall experience. The monuments are well positioned to be spectacular at both times.
How much time is needed at Monument Valley? ›
The scenic drive through Monument Valley lasts 2–4 hours.
With its awe-inspiring rock formations, rich Native American heritage, and cinematic views, this journey promises visitors an unforgettable experience.
How long does it take to drive Monument Valley Scenic Drive? ›
This Monument Valley to Bluff Highway 163 Scenic byway takes approximately two hours for the 45-mile scenic byway. Plan extra time to enjoy side trips and photo stops.
Do you need a tour guide for Monument Valley? ›
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.
How long does it take to complete Monument Valley 2? ›
1½ Hours
| Single-Player | Polled | Rushed |
|---|
| Main Story | 147 | 1h 17m |
| Main + Extras | 22 | 1h 28m |
| Completionist | 160 | 1h 16m |
| All PlayStyles | 329 | 1h 14m |
One day in Death Valley is absolutely enough time to see many of the park's highlights. With two and three days, you can of course see a few more of the off the beaten path places and is ideal to cover pretty much all the park's best places to visit.
Is it worth it to buy Monument Valley? ›
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. The Forgotten Shores expansion is available as an in-app purchase for $1.99, while Ida's Dream is a free update.
Is Monument Valley worth the drive from Moab? ›
“As we drove closer and closer, the infamous rock formations (buttes) began to come into sight and I could feel the adrenaline kicking in.
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