The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley – The Wandering Suitcase (2024)

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If you’re traveling through USA’s Southwest – specifically through Arizona or Utah, you need to include Monument Valley on your itinerary.

For travelers visiting the southwest, Monument Valley is a can’t miss on your southwest road trip. The views here are beautiful, and you can’t help but feel like you’re in an old black and white western film when you’re here!

So, if you’re planning a to pass through this part of the US, read on for everything you need to know about visiting Monument Valley!

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What is Monument Valley?

Monument Valley or the Navajo Tribal Park is part of the Navajo Nation, the largest land retained by a Native American tribe. Monument Valley specifically is famous for being the filming location of many John Ford country films.It has also featured in many modern films, including Forrest Gump and even Disney’s “The Lone Ranger” starring Johnny Depp.

Monument Valley has featured so heavily in western films that people now think of Monument Valley when they think of American West. The area is recognizable for its massive sandstone “buttes” or monuments.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley – The Wandering Suitcase (1)

How to get to Monument Valley

The best way to get to Monument Valley is via car. If you’re visiting from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, it’s about a 2.5 HR drive.The area is not accessible via public transport (it just doesn’t exist!) and there are very few tour options available unless you are on a longer tour of the Southwest.

The entry fee for Monument Valley is $20 per car. You pay your fee upon entry (remember that Monument Valley isnot a National Park and hence you cannot use your National Parks Pass).

Make sure you look up opening hours beforehand, especially if you are short on time. If you want to sightsee, you will need to visit during 6 am to 8:30 pm (during peak season,May 1-Sept 30) or 8 am to 4:30 pm (during off-peak seasonOct 1 – Apr 30).

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Taking the Self Guided Driving tour of Monument Valley

There are two main ways you can get around or see Monument Valley. One of them is via a self-guided driving tour or a guided tour.

Upon entry to the Navajo Tribal Park, you’ll get a self-driving map with information on points of interest. The self-driving roads aren’t paved here (apart from in front of the visitors center) and can be incredibly steep.

If you have a small car or aren’t comfortable driving in such conditions, you may not want to do a self-driving tour. The roads are more suited to 4WD (though we did see a couple of sedans and small cars!)

Make sure you give your self enough time to take in all the sights if you’re driving yourself around. The recommended time is 3 to 4 hours. Also make sure you check out the hours that the self-driving road is open until (they close at 4:30 pm during off-peak season and 8:30 pm during peak season!)

If you’re planning a road trip through Arizona and Utah, make sure you download my free 7-day itinerary (which includes tips for places to visit!)

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Taking a Guided Driving tour of Monument Valley

Another option is the backcountry tour. The tours aren’t as popular as self-driving, but, I highly recommend it! There are many parts of Monument Valley which are not accessible to private vehicles. You’re only allowed to access these areas with a guide, who will take you out on a 4WD.

We took a Backcountry group tour with Majestic Monument Valley Touring Co. and found the tour worth the cost. We ended up being the only people on our tour (the other couple canceled) and so our tour guide took our preferences into account when deciding where to take us. We love photography (as did our tour guide!) so we got to make regular photography stops. The tour went for 3 hrs (make sure you visit the toilet beforehand!)

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As Australians who knew very little about the history of the Navajo Tribe or the experiences of Native Americans, we found the tour educational. I’m not sure whether our tour guide had taken around many visitors who weren’t from the US before, however, he was patient in answering our many questions. He even had questions for us about Australia’s history.

If you know very little about the Navajo tribe and you want to see the back roads of Monument Valley, I would highly recommend a backcountry tour.

Check out the TripAdvisor reviews here | Book a tour here

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The 4WD for our backcountry tour of Monument Valley

Where to stay when visiting Monument Valley

If you’re looking to stay the night in Monument Valley, you have a couple of options.

For Budget travelers: Goulding’s Lodge

Goulding’s Lodge is just outside Monument Valley and it’s prime location means it can fill up during busy periods! Every unit has a kitchen (great for cooking your own meals) and comes fully air-conditioned. Some of the rooms come with a balcony, giving you beautiful views of Monument Valley. Check out the Tripadvisor Reviews here.

Book on Booking.com | Book on Expedia

For mid-range travelers: The View Hotel

The most popular option (but also most expensive) is The View Hotel, which gives beautiful views of Monument Valley. The View Hotel is the only accommodation option located within Monument Valley. Every room comes with a balcony and has prime views of the valley.

We wanted to spend the night here when visiting, but booked our accommodation too late. It was booked out!Check out the Tripadvisor Reviews here.

Book directly through their website

Other accommodation options

There are also a couple of towns nearby that you can stay in. If you’re heading onwards to Page (where Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are located), we’d recommend staying in Kayenta.

It’s a small town, but there are a couple of budget-friendly options available. Kayenta is also a great place to spend the night if you don’t want to drive all the way to Page on the same day.

When visiting, we stayed at theWetherill Inn in Kayenta.

Rooms here are budget-friendly, spacious and quiet. You can check out the Tripadvisor Reviews here.

Book on Booking.com | Book on Expedia

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Some wild horses we saw on our guided tour

Where to eat in Monument Valley

There aren’t many food options in Monument Valley. If you’ve got time, however, we’d recommend eating at The View Hotel.

The restaurant has Navajo inspired food (and the portions are quite generous!) We really enjoyed the food and highly recommend it if you’ve got time. Make sure you get a window seat – the restaurant has beautiful views of monument valley!

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If you’re planning a road trip through USA’s southwest or through Arizona and Utah, I would highly recommend a visit to Monument Valley. Regardless of whether you’re a movie buff or not, Monument Valley is a beautiful place that everyone can appreciate.

And if you’re planning a road trip through Arizona and Utah, make sure you download my free 7-day itinerary (including tips of what to see/do!) Just click the image below to download your free copy:

Are you planning a trip to the southwest?

Are you visiting Monument Valley?

Leave me a comment and let me know!

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley – The Wandering Suitcase (2024)

FAQs

Can you visit Monument Valley without a guide? ›

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.

How much time do you need to see Monument Valley? ›

The drive through Monument Valley covers a 17-mile (27 km) loop road. Most people spend about 3 hours driving through Monument Valley, but some people spend as little as 2 hours or even longer than 4 hours.

Is it worth staying overnight at Monument Valley? ›

Conclusion. Staying overnight in Monument Valley is more than worth it for those seeking to fully experience the beauty, culture, and tranquility of this iconic landscape.

How do you get to the Teardrop Arch in Monument Valley? ›

Teardrop Arch is located west of Interstate 163 near Gouldings Lodge. From the Monument Valley Visitor Center, it is about a 15 minute drive to get here, the last portion on unmarked, sandy roads.

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.

Is the 17 mile loop in Monument Valley paved? ›

Valley of the Gods

The 17-mile loop drive on (mostly good) dirt road is suitable for all but the most low-slung passenger vehicles in good weather.

Can you drive through 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.

Was Forrest Gump filmed in Monument Valley? ›

Finding the Forrest Gump filming locations in Monument Valley is actually really easy. While the buttes look amazing up close, to find the perspective that's in the movie, you want to be heading North on Highway 163 towards Mexican Hat, Utah.

How long does it take to drive the loop at 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.

What is the closest town to Monument Valley? ›

The nearest town to Monument Valley is Mexican Hat, a short drive to the northeast on U.S. 163. For more lodging and dining options, continue along this same highway for another 20 minutes to reach Bluff.

Where is the best part of Monument Valley? ›

These are the very best things to do in the incredible valley.
  • Experience Monument Valley Tribal Park on Horseback. ...
  • Take a Jeep Tour. ...
  • Navajo Shadehouse Museum. ...
  • Visit West, East, and Merrick Butte. ...
  • Drive Monument Valley Drive with Photo Stops. ...
  • Elephant Butte. ...
  • John Ford's Point. ...
  • Wildcat Trail.
Jan 31, 2024

What is the best time of day to go to Monument Valley? ›

Re: What is the Best Time of Day to Tour Monument Valley? Early morning or sunset, always. If you are into night/stars photography, you can do that too if you stay at the campground or the hotel that is there.

How do you get to the eye of the whale arch? ›

To get there, take the Arches Entrance Road from the bottom up to the Balanced Rock turnoff. Instead of turning right, into the Windows area, turn left, onto the Willow Flats Road. Just under a mile up the Willow Flats Road, visitors will find the jeep trail that meanders 2.2 miles up to the trailhead.

How do I get to tapestry Arch? ›

To get there, take the Broken Arch Trail from the campground. The trail heads northeast for just under 1/5 of a mile before it turns for Broken Arch to the southeast. At the turn, a smaller trail heads northwest to the base of the second large sandstone fin, and the Tapestry Arch.

How do I get to the tower arch? ›

How to get to Tower Arch Trail? Directions from Main Park Entrance: Drive northward 16.7 miles along the main park road to Salt Valley Road. Turn left and follow Salt Valley Road 7.7 miles through the valley to a fork in the road. Bear left at the fork and drive 1.3 miles to the Klondike Bluffs trailhead.

How much is 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.

Can I drive my own car through Monument Valley? ›

Although you can drive the road through Monument Valley yourself, for a deeper experience, hire a guide.

Is Monument Valley 1 free? ›

The second is also fairly short. It has a few slightly more complicated levels, and a new mechanic of having two characters on some levels. And of course the music, visuals, etc are all beautiful.

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