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Visiting Monument Valley was a highlight of our West Coast America road excursion.
Our American expedition ultimately started as we walked through the reddish lands of the far west. Up until then, we only got to delight in these vast territories through classic western movies.
As you explore Monument Valley, allow your imagination to soar to a life-or-death fight between cowboys or an ambush of Native Americans riding untamed horses.
In this manual for arranging your visit to Monument Valley in the United States, you will discover the entirety of the data you have to make the most out of your excursion.
We spent one night and one morning in Monument Valley during our 10-day Western United States self-guided holidays. However, if you want to explore this Navajo Indian Reservation thoroughly, I recommend a minimum two-day visit.
TO SUMMARIZE, THESE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MONUMENT VALLEY:
- The Mittens and Merrick Butte: See the sunrise from the most famous viewpoint in Monument Valley.
- Hiking routes: Hike the “Wildcat trail”, the only route that you can hike independently in Monument Valley.
- John Ford’s Point: Capture the classic western scene of the cowboy and the horse in this viewpoint.
- “Elephant Butte”,“Three Sisters” and “Camel Butte”: Visit some of the most peculiar formations found in the valley.
- Visit the route made famous when Forrest Gump stopped running, located at kilometer 20 of Federal Route 163.
- Participate in a guided Navajo Tour: Such as “Hunts Mesa” or “Mystery Valley”.
- Starry Skies: Enjoy one of the finest night skies in the United States with the silhouette of the main rocks of the Valley.
- View historical film sets: Such as “Stagecoach”, “Fort Apache” or “Back to the Future III”.
Table of Contents
VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY
After seeing images of this place, everyone who is planning a West Coast USA road trip wants to experience Monument Valley.
However, you will notice that Monument Valley is located on the border shared by Utah and Arizona, likely the most eastern point of your West Coast trip. Following this, you may consider removing it from your travel plans because it’s too distant from other places you want to see.
Well, if you ask me whether visiting Monument Valley is worthwhile, I would most definitely say yes.
After driving for seven hours from Las Vegas, we pitched our tent upon arriving at Monument Valley at night. However, it took us only five minutes there to realize how much we would have regretted failing to include Monument Valley on our Western USA trip.
If we have encouraged you to feature this wonder in your trip organizing, I recommend paying close attention to the specifics of this guide to visiting Monument Valley.
- When is the best time to visit Monument Valley
- How to get to Monument Valley
- Primary attractions accessible in Monument Valley
- Monument Valley Opening Hours
- Monument Valley entrance fee
- Accommodations in Monument Valley
- Monument Valley Map
BEST TIME TO VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY
Visiting Monument Valley is an incredible experience throughout the year, yet spring and fall are the most proposed seasons.
While viewing the arid and desert-like landscape, one may think that temperatures are high during summer. However, being situated at a high altitude (5577 feet), it rarely exceeds 90oF. The primary reason to avoid Monument Valley during summer should be the large number of visitors who come here during these months.
On the other hand, if you visit Monument Valley during winter, temperatures can be around 32°F, so it is not unusual to find Monument Valley covered by snow.
HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY
Our initial recommendation would involve renting a vehicle (or using a Zipcar) to explore the areas north of the city, though we realize that option isn`t feasible for all as we earlier advised AGAINST renting a car at the beginning of this guide. Fear not – we have an alternative tour option available for those traveling car-free.
For us, the sole justification for not visiting Monument Valley would have been the significant travel required to arrive there. However, beyond all doubt, our excursion to Monument Valley was worthwhile, and the perspectives at the conclusion of the road will compensate for it.
If you are unaware of where Monument Valley is located, I suggest examining this map of the West Coast that we created to assist in selecting your travel route to the West Coast.
HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM PAGE (ANTELOPE CANYON)
Visitors who head to Monument Valley frequently also check out Antelope Canyon. This canyon formed into the reddish sand of Arizona lies in Page. As Page and Monument Valley are just 124 miles apart, it is not unusual to see Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley on the same trip.
I also advise visiting Horseshoe Bend as it is also in Page a brief distance from Antelope Canyon and can be explored on the same day.
Note that while the Page and Monument Valley are just three hours apart within the same state of Arizona, the time distinction between the two varies during the summer. Although Page also belongs to the Navajo Indian Reservation, it does not observe daylight saving time, which maintains a continuous time throughout the year.
If you are going to spend the night in Page, you can check where to lodge near Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend here.
HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM LAS VEGAS
The closest international airport with direct flights to Monument Valley is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, there are countless activities available in Las Vegas, so a visit there is very possible. To get from Las Vegas to Monument Valley by vehicle requires about 400 miles of driving, taking approximately 7 hours. This is one of my favorite road trips from Las Vegas.
However, if you prefer not to drive you can hire this 3-day tour to Monument Valley from Las Vegas, one of the best tours in Vegas, where you will also visit Horseshoe Bend and the Antelope Canyon.
If you choose to go on your own and spend a few days in the city, you can check the best lodgings in Las Vegas here and some directions to rent a car in Las Vegashere.
HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM THE GRAND CANYON
The Grand Canyon is the most famous National Park in the United States. There is a distance between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley of 186 miles, which takes about four hours.
While there are different organized trip packages that allow touring Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in a single day, I suggest visiting the two Arizona wonders over at least two days. If possible, I advise dedicating no less than two days for a well-paced visit to Grand Canyon.
🥾 Difficult | Around 3.2 miles | Google Maps | Park Website | Approximately a 45-minute drive from Denver | Cost: free
MONUMENT VALLEY OPENING HOURS
When planning your visit to Monument Valley without a guide, keep in mind that the visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. May to September and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October to April.
While you can still enter at any time of the day, the Monument Valley Visitor Center will be closed.
HOW MUCH DOES MONUMENT VALLEY COST?
The entrance fee for Monument Valley is $20 per vehicle (up to 4 people) + $10 for each additional passenger.
If wanting to visit Monument Valley free of charge, enter the park when closed and stay at one of its campsites or lodging. This allows viewing incredible sights the next morning without paying the Monument Valley entrance fee.
Remember that Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Indian Reservation and not a National Park or State Park, so you are unable to use your “America the Beautiful” Pass to enter.
The fee required for entering the Monument Valley corresponds with the charge needed to access locations within the Navajo Nation on that day, so if planning to explore multiple destinations under the Navajo Nation`s jurisdiction (such as Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley) on the same date, be sure to pay the cost just once.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONUMENT VALLEY
The prime attraction of Monument Valley is the diverse rock formations, which you will explore in this section.
Traversing the incredible landscapes comprising Monument Valley by vehicle along its Monument Valley Scenic Drive maximizes what one can glean from a visit.
Keep in mind that you will need between 2 and 4 hours to explore this arid landscape. Although it is a dirt road, a 4×4 vehicle is not necessarily required.
- Low-cost selection: Hotel Tamasite
Note: Take into account that some vehicles like motorcycles or RVs are not permitted at the scenic drive
1. THE MITTENS AND MERRICK BUTTE
From the initial viewpoint at the reserve entrance, we can see the reserve`s most renowned rock formations – The East and West Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. They undoubtedly rank among the most impressive structures in Monument Valley as they tower over 6500 feet above the vast plains.
The Mittens gained its name due to its silhouette – the form of a mitten. Merrick Butte, alternatively, was named after one of the two explorers who came across Monument Valley.
2. ELEPHANT BUTTE
Following the path, we find the Elephant Butte, a rock formation shaped like an elephant sitting on the desert sand, only recognizable when the shadows at the end of day are cast over the rock.
3. THREE SISTERS
If turning around, one will find Thee Sisters. These three tall spires recall the figure of a nun tutoring two students.
Mitchell Mesa stands nearby. This plateau was named after another explorer in the area.
4. JOHN FORDS’ POINT
The most stimulating viewpoint for Western film enthusiasts. Film director John Ford brought Monument Valley to the large screen in 1939, and since then, Monument Valley has become one of the most filmed locations.
To this day, it continues to serve as a filming location, not just for movies but also for cartoons and computer games.
This stop is also perfect for purchasing Navajo made crafts and taking the famous shot of a man on horseback over the ravine.
5. CAMEL BUTTE
Considering its given appellation, one would foresee that the landform of Camel Butte should vaguely imitate a camel lying down on the wilderness. However, do not feel dismayed if you fail to perceive it, as most others cannot observe it either. It is alleged to be discernible facing west.
6. THE HUB
The road continues toward the Rain God Mesa, named after a sacred place of the Navajos. It was also used by healers to praise the God of rain.
After this, we will achieve The Hub, which rises 164 feet above the ground. Its novel and stray needle state has a gathering of Navajo homes at the base.
A secondary route that can only be accessed with a guide starts from here, leading to places like Saddle Rock or Ear of the Wind near Thunderbird Mesa.
7. TOTEM POLE AND YEI BI CHEI
Past Rain God Mesa, we reach another viewpoint from which we can see a group of formations called Yei Bi Chei and Totem Pole, standing at 140 meters high.
We can also see Sand Springs from here, although you can see it more clearly from the next viewpoint.
8. SAND SPRINGS
On the route to this viewpoint, we come across the Sand Springs, differing reddish-orange dunes and the sole natural aquifer in the reserve .
From this position, we will gain an even better vantage point of Yei Bi Chei and Totem Pole. However, if we wish to come nearer to these rock formations, we must participate in the guided Thunderbird Mesa tour.
9. ARTIST’S POINT
It is located ahead of Spearhead Mesa, yet turning allows sighting of The Mittens and Merrick Butte from this end of the valley.
Many consider this to be the second best vantage point in Monument Valley, following the position featured in John Ford’s works.
Of course, it is the prime viewpoint to photograph Monument Valley at dawn, since it faces west and therefore the reddish stone will be illuminated by the first lights of the day making the color even more vivid.
10. NORTH WINDOW
North Window opens similar to a window to the north of the reserve in such a manner that East Mitten Butte is framed between Elephant Butte and Cly Butte. However, it will be difficult to identify from this position since the main finger of the mitten will be hidden.
11. THE THUMB
The Thumb is the final point of interest in the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. Some say that the form of the rock brings to mind a thumb and others of a cowboy boot.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MONUMENT VALLEY
In addition to this scenic drive, the park offers many other activities.
HIKING THE WILDCAT TRAIL
The next free activity to do in Monument Valley involves hiking the prominent Wildcat Trail. This is the sole hike that can be undertaken at no cost in the reserve, involving traversing one of the most renowned rock formations, the West Mitten Butte.
It is a 3.7 mile loop with elevation increases up to 656 feet that takes two hours to finish.
We didn’t do it since we were informed that it could be a bit redundant.
STOP AT THE EXACT POINT WHERE FORREST GUMP STOPPED RUNNING
The last freely accessible activity in Monument Valley will take you to one of the most iconic spots, a stop at the precise point where Forrest Gump stopped running in the United States.
This stop occurs at mile 13 of Federal Route 163, where travelers will pass through on their way to Monument Valley. A small sign marks the stop, so drivers should have no trouble locating it.
TAKE A NAVAJO GUIDED TOUR
If you want to get a deeper understanding of Monument Valley, you can join a guided tour led by Native Americans. There are several officially approved companies by the Navajo Parks & Recreation Department. You can find a list of these authorized companies here.
Each company offers somewhat different yet comparable tours concurrently. Some tours focus on photography while others are eager to illustrate the Navajo culture`s spiritual meaning embodied by Monument Valley for the Navajos and can provide insights into their traditions, history, music, and potentially cuisine.
Additional tours focus on revealing the best spots to photograph Monument Valley. Some organize night photography excursions, while others schedule sunrise or sunset photo trips.
You can take your vehicle on some tours while others offer transportation aboard 4×4 vehicles, and some even provide the opportunity for experiencing Monument Valley from horseback. However, we do not recommend the horseback riding portion since it is unjust to exploit animals for tourist entertainment.
Although numerous tours take you through the equivalent Monument Valley drive that we can accomplish for free, other tours go across some of the private routes found in the valley. The following are the most remarkable ones:
HUNTS MESA
If you want to see the finest perspectives of Monument Valley, you must undertake a tour to the apex of Hunts Mesa in a 4×4 vehicle. After passing through dunes, the plateau rises 984 feet above Monument Valley, and from here you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the entire valley.
This excursion generally takes around 7 hours, but you can also find some tourist agencies that provide overnight tours with tents and sleeping bags included. This allows you to photograph Monument Valley at sunset and sunrise with an aerial perspective that is difficult to attain from any other vantage point.
While the costs are higher than other tours, one must consider that lodging, a unique Navajo dinner and breakfast, and priceless cultural experiences like listening to folktales, native songs, and flute music around a campfire are all included.
MYSTERY VALLEY
Mystery Valley, just by Monument Valley, is one of the most exclusive tours of the Navajo Indian Reservation. As the Navajo consider the valley to be sacred, access is only allowed if a member of the tribe accompanies you.
Also, the road is barely visible between the hills, and there are no traffic signals, so it is not a good idea trying to go by yourself.
Exploring this area requires a certain level of physical fitness since the significant landmarks would be discovered by walking. Across the valley, we will come upon Anasazi ruins (a tribe living in the valley before the Navajos arrived), Navajo family homes and spectacular scenes that incorporate stone arches and views of Monument Valley in the distance. The guide will also impart knowledge about Navajo culture and traditions.
The excursion typically spans between three to four hours and the optimal time to go is at sunset.
TEARDROP ARCH
Another regularly photographed point is one known as Tear Drop Arch, where you can frame Monument Valley in the tear-shaped opening of the rock. This tour is quite brief and can be done on foot.
As the location is relatively obscure, most opt to hire a guide to get there. Once familiar with the location (36 ° 59’59.5 “N 110 ° 11’16.3” W), it may not be necessary.
CURIOSITIES OF MONUMENT VALLEY
We did not aim to omit in our guide to touring the Monument Vally a segment to discuss the principal singularities of Monument Valley.
HISTORY OF MONUMENT VALLEY AND THE NAVAJO NATION
Did you know that the Navajo Indians are not originally indigenous to the United States, but rather from Canada? However, they had been inhabiting in Monument Valley, or Tsé Bii ‘Ndzisgaii (‘Valley of the Rocks’) in the Navajo language, long before the Spaniards arrived.
It was not the first people group to live in the Monument Valley. To this date, there are many signs of the existence of the Anasazis, an indigenous tribe that inhabited Western United States and ancestors of other native cultures like the Pueblo Indians, the Zuni, and the Hopi.
Politically, the Navajo Nation, Diné Bikeyah, or Navajoland is acknowledged as a nation within the United States. However, what may appear to be one of the most significant victories achieved by an indigenous tribe is fictitious, since the United States continues to impose its laws on the Navajo Nation.
HOW MONUMENT VALLEY WAS FORMED
Like the rest of the Colorado Plateau, Monument Valley was once beneath the sea covering western parts of the United States millions of years ago.
Over time, the movement of tectonic plates pushed up layers of siltstone and shale that had accumulated through deposition, raising them to heights over 5900 feet above sea level.
After this, erosion molded the landscape. Rain, wind, and rivers that flowed into the basin ultimately formed what we know today as Monument Valley.
The distinctive reddish and orange hues of the Monument Valley landscape stem from the iron-containing compound present in the geological structures.
MONUMENT VALLEY IN FILMS
Monument Valley is one of those locations in Western America that appears very familiar to you even if you have never visited there.
The initial scenes of Monument Valley on the large screen was thanks to film director John Ford, who utilized the landscapes as the main stage of the 1939 film Stagecoach, starring John Wayne.
Since then, it has been one of the most iconic spots for Western films such as Fort Apache or The Searchers.
Later on, other films took place against the incredible backdrop of Monument Valley, like Forrest Gump, Lone Ranger, License to Kill or Back to the Future Part III. Some cartoons and animated films set these landscapes as a base for their stories, such as Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner, and Cars.
Celebrate Christmas with the renowned “ Christmas Bracebridge dinner” at the Majestic Hotel
WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY
Other useful details we want to share about where to stay in Monument Valley includes the best places to lodge. In this part, you will find the best campsite, hotel, and resort in Monument Valley, so you can select the option that best fits your needs.
THE VIEW CAMPGROUND
We stayed one night at the Litli Geyser hotelduring one of our last visits and we witnessed one of the most exquisite sunrises of the year there. Also, its location is excellent, just 600 feet from the Geysir geothermal area and a 10-minute drive from Gullfoss waterfall.
The price is $20 per tent. The camp has bathrooms and a small kitchen. However, tent rental is not provided, so you must bring your own.
They additionally have space for recreational vehicles, however, reviews for just parking without connections or perspectives from the tent destinations are not as positive. However, if intrigued by that choice, inspect the RV rental in the USA
Though they say that you can make reservations online, the campsites can only be booked via phone by calling +1 435-727-5802. Book well in advance if you want to sleep in the best place in Monument Valley.
THE VIEW HOTEL
Another possibility is to book at The View Hotel, a sister establishment that also administers the campsite. While not as authentic as camping in Monument Valley, if you are seeking comfort, this is the best hotel in Monument Valley. Online booking is accessible for this hotel.
The high-end cabins, though much more expensive, offer very similar views you can see from the campsite.
A credit card will be necessary to complete check-in procedures for either the accommodation or campground.
GOULDING’S LODGE
Further away, but still very close to the valley, we found Goulding’s Lodge.
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MORE INFO ABOUT MONUMENT VALLEY
To conclude this extensive guidebook about Monument Valley, we are going to offer some helpful suggestions for visiting Monument Valley in this segment. We will clarify, among other things, the time zone followed there (one of the greatest curiosities of Monument Valley) to ensure you don`t arrive late at your next destination.
At the end of this section, you will have all the essential information needed to visit Monument Valley.
MONUMENT VALLEY TIME ZONE
Monument Valley lies within the Navajo Indian Reservation. The Navajo Nation follows Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) in the summer months to extend daylight hours.
However, you should recognize that Arizona, the state wherein Monument Valley is situated, observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) and does not participate in the summer time adjustment. Instead, it maintains an unvarying time all year round.
The reason Arizona selected not to observe Daylight Savings is because increased daylight hours likewise meant increased hours of heat and consequently more electricity usage from the air conditioners.
During the summer months, the state of Utah (north of Arizona) and the Navajo Nation (within Arizona) are one hour behind Arizona. However, for the rest of the year, all three observe the same time.
We advise keeping the time difference in mind, especially when scheduling tours, for example, to visit Antelope Canyon (which follows MST year-round) and planning to come from Monument Valley (which follow MDT in summer) or the other way around.
GAS STATIONS IN MONUMENT VALLEY
There exists a single gas station within the region of Monument Valley, belonging to the Goulding’s Lodge hotel. As with any service, when demand surpasses supply, obtaining fuel in Monument Valley will prove rather costly, so we advise entering Monument Valley having filled your tank to capacity.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN MONUMENT VALLEY
There are only a handful of places available to obtain a meal in Monument Valley, and they essentially consist of the hotel restaurants that have been previously cited.
One dining experience particularly worth highlighting is located at The View Hotel, where dishes representative of Native American cuisine, such as those inspired by Navajo traditions similar to Mexican fare, are presented alongside classic American options.
The Goulding’s Lodge also has a restaurant with common Navajo meals, although its menu is somewhat small.
If you choose to dine within Monument Valley, you can pick up meals to enjoy throughout your exploration across the Monument Valley Scenic Roadway.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR USA
Be certain to hire . While I consistently advise obtaining the highest quality travel insurance wherever you venture, for the US, your policy must have superior protection (never consider a plan covering less than $300,000).
The cost of medical care in the US is very high, and if you have to go to the hospital without any insurance, you will have to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 per night at the medical facility.
You can obtain the highest quality-price insurance coverage with Heymondo. Currently, I’m traveling using their long term travel plan.
MAP OF MONUMENT VALLEY
You will locate the Monument Valley map below. As indicated on the map, Wildcat Trail is designated as the sole hiking trail through Monument Valley accomplishable independently.
Also, you will find the route that can be completed in Monument Valley by vehicle, with the different stops and most remarkable viewpoints.
Finally, you can also see the various Navajo guided tours that can be hired to explore other places like Mystery Valley, Hunts Mesa and Lower Monument Valley which are off limits without a Navajo guide.
We hope you have found the data to successfully visit Monument Valley as depicted through this guide. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us 😉
