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. It is home to high sandstone mesas, towering buttes and stunning panoramic views. You won’t regret exploring this region!
Here’s how to spend one action packed day in Monument Valley:
Complete the Valley Drive.This is a 17-mile bumpy route that passes by the most popular sights and viewpoints in the area. My favourite stop was John Ford’s viewpoint.I recommend renting a high clearance vehicle for this experience.
Hike theWildCat trail.Since Monument Valley is a protected area, there is only one hiking route available. This 3.2-mile loop takes you around the base of the famous buttes and is well worth doing to see them from a fresh and unique perspective.
Forrest Gump Point.The iconic road from this world famous movie is about a 15-20 minute drive from the valley, and well worth pulling over to have a look at. The views are incredible and it’s a great photo spot.
If you have more time in your schedule, consider booking onto a guided tourwith a locally owned Navajo company. This is the only way to access more of the valley, for example popular tours run to Lower Monument Valley, Teardrop Arch and Hunt’s Mesa. These are a great way to escape the crowds too!
Nearby Sights & Attractions:
Monument Valley is admittedly a little out in the sticks, so there aren’t too many other activities or attractions close by. However, if you are continuing on a road trip towards Moab, then you will pass a couple of beautiful spots on your route.
Goosenecks State Park.This small but mighty state park is stunning, pop in and have a look at the incredible San Juan river winding through a seriously deep canyon with multiple horseshoe bends.
The Valley of the Gods.A 17-mile bumpy route through a “mini monument valley”. This is much quieter and you will likely have the road to yourself, so it’s a great place to stop off if you want to escape the crowds. Again, I recommend a high clearance vehicle for this.
In terms ofaccommodation,I highly recommend staying in The Premium Cabins atThe View Hotel, Monument Valley. They are cosy, comfortable and give mind-blowing views – they’re theperfectspot to watch sunrise, so make sure you wake up nice and early the take it all in!
Food-wise,there areverylimited options in the area and when we went, the nearby food trucks as well as the restaurant in the hotel were closed for lunch. So I recommend bringing lots of snacks, a picnic lunch or picking up some bits from a local grocery store.
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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.
The Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided trail in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, but the route offers some world-class scenery as it takes hikers for a walk through the world-famous Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
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.
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 offers majestic views and is worth the visit, especially with a vehicle that can handle the rough spots. It is advised to take your time and enjoy the incredible scenery. Typically in May, the trail conditions are dry and warm, making it easier to drive, but it may be more challenging when it rains.
The entrance fee for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is $10 per person or $20 per vehicle up to four people ($6 each additional). Children 9 and younger are free.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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