The image-perfect Monument Valley is without doubt one of the most-filmed areas on Earth. However it’s additionally a land wealthy in Navajo tradition and breathtaking surroundings. Right here is our full information to visiting Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a crimson sand desert area on the Arizona-Utah border well-known for towering sandstone formations. It’s an historical and rugged land, fashioned into stunning designs by the forces of abrasion and uplift.
The Navajo Tribe had been the primary group of individuals to settle in Monument Valley. In the present day they’re custodians of the lands; offering a singular expertise for vacationers.
From the second you first glimpse the enduring shapes of Monument Valley, it’s straightforward to see why movie producers are seduced by it. This can be a land of sandstone masterpieces Surging from a crimson horizon
However past the bewitching buttes and mesmerizing messas, there’s a bunch of rewarding issues to do in Monument Valley.
Our information to visiting Monument Valley contains the unmissable sights, the perfect excursions plus what to see round this particular place.
WHAT IS MONUMENT VALLEY?
Monument Valley is a stupendous place on the Arizona-Utah border, in america. It has putting crimson sandstone formations that stand tall within the flat, dry desert.
The world is deeply important to the Navajo folks, who’ve inhabited these lands for hundreds of years.
Its breathtaking landscapes have captured the creativeness of artists, photographers, and filmmakers. Their works have made it one of the vital recognizable locations on the planet.
GEOLOGY OF MONUMENT VALLEY
Monument Valley’s distinctive panorama is the results of tens of millions of years of abrasion on a layer of iron-rich sedimentary rock. Water and wind have chiseled away at softer rock layers, leaving the buttes, mesas, and spires you see as we speak.
- Mesas – The primary stage of abrasion, a mesa is a rock formation that appears like a desk.
- Butte – The second degree of abrasion, a butte is an remoted hill, smaller than a mesa, typically with vertical sides and a flat prime.
- Spire – The ultimate stage of abrasion, a spire is a skinny free-standing column of rock.
MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK
Monument Valley (typically known as Oljato-Monument Valley) is located throughout the Navajo Nation Reservation (also called Navajoland).
In 1939 as its fame started to develop, the Navajo folks put aside 92,000 acres of land to create the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The park is the center of Monument Valley and comprises a lot of the distinctive mesas, buttes, and spires.
MOVIES SET IN MONUMENT VALLEY
Monument Valley turned well-known when its distinctive landscapes appeared in Western classics equivalent to John Wayne’s “Stagecoach” and “Rio Grande.” Since then, the park has been featured in a number of well-known films. A few of them embody –
- Forrest Gump
- Mission Not possible II
- Simple Rider
- 2001: A Area Odyssey
- Again to the Future III
- Nationwide Lampoon’s Trip
- Indiana Jones and the Final Campaign
- Thelma & Louise
MONUMENT VALLEY OPENING TIMES
Monument Valley Tribal Park has totally different summer time and winter opening occasions that you simply want to pay attention to earlier than your go to.
PEAK SEASON | OFF-SEASON | |
---|---|---|
Dates | April 1 to September 30 | October 1 to March 30 |
Hours | 7:00 AM to six:00 PM | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
MONUMENT VALLEY COSTS
Entrance to Monument Valley value $8 per individual, per day. The price is paid on the entrance gate marked on the map beneath. Maintain the receipt secure as you will have it to enter each the 17-mile Scenic Drive and Wildcat Path.
ARE NATIONAL PARK PASSES ACCEPTED AT MONUMENT VALLEY?
Monument Valley tribal park is NOT a US Nationwide Park, so US Nationwide Park passes, like America the Lovely, are usually not legitimate.
MONUMENT VALLEY RULES
The Monument Valley Tribal Park is on the Navajo Nation Reservation and follows Navajo legal guidelines, a few of that are totally different from the remainder of the US.
Time Zone — Monument Valley runs on Mountain Time Zone and observes daylight financial savings (despite the fact that Arizona by which a lot of the park relies, doesn’t). In winter months Monument Valley is in the identical time zone as each Utah and Arizona, however in summer time months it’s the identical as Utah, however one hour forward of Arizona.
Alcohol — The Navajo Nation doesn’t enable alcohol on the reservation. It’s not served in eating places or that can be purchased in outlets.
COVID Restrictions — In January 2024, Navajo leaders lastly lifted the final of the Covid restrictions in Monument Valley. Masks are not required.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY
Monument Valley is an incredible place to go to any time of 12 months, however the shoulder seasons are the perfect.
Summer season (June – August) // Summer season is the busiest time of 12 months despite the fact that common temperatures are round 90°F (32°C) and the afternoons convey occasional thunderstorms.
Fall (September – October) // Temperatures drop to round 70°F (21°C) throughout fall, the crowds skinny out, and the climate is at its greatest. Each are nice months to go to however September is barely higher because the park is open longer all through the day.
Winter (November – March) // Day by day temperatures are 30 °F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C), with the odd dusting of snow, however crowds are fewer and lodging cheaper.
Spring (April – Might) // With common temperatures round 65°F (18°C) and crowds decrease than in summer time, Spring is an effective time to go to, however periodic gusty winds imply Fall is often higher.
HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY
Oljato-Monument Valley is in a distant a part of the Colorado Plateau and never significantly near an airport.
The closest airports to Monument Valley are:
Nearest Airport | Distance from Monument Valley | Driving Time from Monument Valley |
---|---|---|
Phoenix Airport | 320 miles | 5 hours |
Albuquerque Airport | 320 miles | 5 hours |
Las Vegas Airport | 400 miles | 6.5 hours |
Salt Lake Metropolis Airport | 380 miles | 6.5 hours |
ATTRACTIONS NEAR MONUMENT VALLEY
Most vacationers go to Monument Valley as a part of a highway journey across the sights of Utah and Arizona. Among the essential points of interest near Monument Valley embody:
When you’re visiting different locations within the space, learn our information to the perfect viewpoints on the Grand Canyon and our detailed information to Canyonlands Nationwide Park.
MONUMENT VALLEY GUIDED TOURS
We extremely suggest becoming a member of a dawn or sundown tour at Monument Valley as there are a number of experiences you may’t get with no information. Listed below are 3 nice causes to take a tour:
01. Some sights are inaccessible with no information
Again Nation excursions go to sights that you simply can’t get to by yourself. These embody the Ear of the Wind fantastically framed by a tree, Large Hogan Arch the place Navajo usually collect to sing, and the sleek sweeping rock of Moccasin Arch and Solar’s Eye.
02. The most effective views are usually not open for dawn and sundown
When you can absorb dawn and sundown views from the View Lodge, entry to the 17-mile drive and Wildcat Path opens after dawn and closes earlier than sundown.
03. You’ll study from the Navajo Guides
All excursions are run by Navajo Guides and spending a number of hours of their firm presents a compelling perception into their tradition, historical past, and deep reference to the land.
TOURS
OUR RECOMMENDED MONUMENT VALLEY TOURS
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SUNRISE TOUR
This 3-hour tour contains the perfect websites at Monument Valley and heads into the backcountry to see Large Hogan, the Solar’s Eye, and a Navajo Hogan.
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
Dawn excursions begin by watching dawn over Totem Pole earlier than visiting different backcountry sights. There’s loads of time for pictures and a few helpful suggestions from the information, Carl.
SUNSET TOUR
This 3-hour tour for sundown contains Moccasin Arch, Solar’s Eye, Totem Pole, and a go to conventional Navajo dwelling.
ALL-DAY TOUR
6-hour tour protecting a lot of the above in addition to exploring close by Thriller Valley and Anasazi ruins and petroglyphs.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR YOUR MONUMENT VALLEY TOUR
- The $8 park price is not included within the tour value and should be paid upon entrance to the park.
- It could get very popular through the day, so put on comfy sneakers and produce sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades.
- The mornings could be very chilly, so convey one thing heat to put on for the dawn tour.
- So that you don’t miss your tour, don’t overlook that in the summertime months, Monument Valley runs on Utah time (Arizona time + 1).
WHAT TO DO IN MONUMENT VALLEY
Blessed with superb surroundings and wealthy in Navajo tradition there are many nice issues to do at Monument Valley. Listed below are some issues we predict you shouldn’t miss whereas within the space.
1. TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM THE VIEW HOTEL
Simply after passing by way of the doorway gate to Monument Valley Tribal Park, there’s a giant car parking zone in entrance of The View Lodge. The view from the terrace (accessible to everybody together with non-guests) over the mesas, buttes, and spires of the valley is exceptional.
The three most putting options are the East and West Mittens and Merrick Butte. Collectively they create one of many iconic photos of Monument Valley.
Attending to The View Lodge, Monument Valley – Though the tribal park is just open from 7:00 AM to six:00 PM in summer time and eight:00 AM to 4:00 PM in winter, you may drive to the resort at any time. It’s nicely value making the hassle to be there for dawn or sundown.
2. DO THE 17-MILE SCENIC DRIVE
One of the best ways to correctly discover Monument Valley is by doing the 17-mile Scenic Drive. This self-drive grime path goes previous a few of the most dramatic sections of the park and could be pushed in a 4×4 or 2WD automotive.
The loop leaves from subsequent to The View Lodge. The velocity restrict is 15 miles per hour and it ought to take round 2 to three hours to finish.
Entrance is between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM in summer time (exiting by 7:00 PM) and 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM in winter (exiting by 5:00 PM).
The round part of the loop should be accomplished in a clockwise route. The route can typically be impassable after heavy rain.
Listed below are a few of the essential points of interest to see on the Scenic Drive:
Mittens and Merrick Butte // The East and West Mittens appear to be fingers rising out of the bottom whereas Merrick Butte was named after a prospector looking for silver within the valley.
Elephant Butte // Elephant Butte resembles a big elephant dealing with westwards over the desert.
The Three Sisters // Three spires of rock resembling a catholic nun dealing with her two pupils.
John Fords Level // Named after the director of a few of John Wayne’s most well-known movies – The Searchers, Cheyenne Autumn & Stagecoach. It’s an incredible spot for some selfies.
The Hub Overlook // A superb viewpoint over the southwestern part of the park the place Wagon Wheel Butte rises above the desert and shrubs.
Sand Springs // On the furthest a part of the loop, the skinny spire of Totem Pole could be seen within the distance. To get nearer you might want to be a part of a tour.
Navajo Code Talkers Outpost // Typically often known as Artists’ Viewpoint overlook, this can be a fantastic viewpoint over the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and the northern a part of the park.
The Thumb & North Window Overlook // Park subsequent to a big thumb-shaped spire and (if the trail isn’t closed) take a brief stroll to the North Window Overlook for good views over the Mittens and Merrick Butte.
3. HIKE THE WILDCAT TRAIL
The one unguided hike you are able to do in Monument Valley Tribal Park is the Wildcat Path. This 3.3-mile hike leaves from close to the View Lodge and makes a round loop round West Mitten. It’s an exquisite technique to take in the desert surroundings and rise up near one of the vital beautiful buttes.
The path is simple to observe, heading by way of a mixture of sandy washes and shrub, and the views from the far aspect of the West Mitten are fantastic.
- Distance – The three.3 miles
- Length – about 2 hours
- Entrance – Entrance is between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM in summer time (ending by 7:00 PM) and eight:00 AM and three:00 PM in winter (ending by 5:00 PM).
- Services – There aren’t any amenities on route, aside from a number of canopies with seats providing some shade from the solar.
- What to take – Take no less than 1 liter of water and a few snacks.
4. TAKE A MONUMENT VALLEY GUIDED TOUR
Lots of the greatest sights within the tribal park could be seen by yourself from both the 17-mile Scenic Drive or the Wildcat Path, however a guided tour will get you into areas of the park which might be inaccessible by yourself.
Moreover, a few of the greatest views at Monument Valley are usually not open for dawn or sundown until you’re with a information.
This Monument Valley Dawn Tour final 3 hours and takes in the perfect sights. You additionally go to the backcountry to see Large Hogan, the Solar’s Eye, and a Navajo Hogan – a primitive moveable construction that Navajo use to guard them in opposition to the solar.
All our really helpful excursions are listed above.
5. STAY IN THE VIEW HOTEL
The View Lodge is the one resort within the Monument Valley Tribal Park. Opened in 2008, it has been designed to mix into the panorama with its pink and crimson partitions showing to type one other layer of rock.
It’s not important to remain in The View Lodge to see the park. There are different lodging choices only a brief drive away. Nevertheless, every room has a balcony with fantastic views over the Mittens and Merrick Butte.
Reserving Tip – The resort can e book up months prematurely so it’s a good suggestion to e book early. When you miss out it’s value checking again, the resort has a lot of rooms and cancellations do crop up.
WHAT TO DO NEAR MONUMENT VALLEY
The unbelievable surroundings isn’t confined to the Monument Valley Tribal Park. We extremely suggest taking a 3 to 4-hour highway journey north on Route 163 and visiting all of the sights listed beneath.
6. GOULDING’S TRADING POST
In 1920 Harry Goulding and his spouse purchased a plot of land in Oljato-Monument Valley and began buying and selling meals and handicraft gadgets with the Navajo folks out of tents.
Inside a number of years that they had constructed a Buying and selling Put up. Then, within the Thirties, they enticed Hollywood director John Ford to movie Stagecoach within the space, making Monument Valley an icon of the west.
Services at Goulding’s Buying and selling Put up – In the present day, Goulding’s Resort has a restaurant, gasoline and comfort retailer, grocery retailer, laundromat, and museum. It’s a handy place to remain and the onsite museum and buying and selling submit assist guests perceive the Navajo lifestyle.
7. FORREST GUMP HIGHWAY VIEWPOINT
The views of Monument Valley from Route 163 are sensational. Drive alongside this highway at any time and the dramatic mesas, buttes, and spires fly previous your window.
Probably the most iconic spot on the highway was made well-known when Tom Hanks ran alongside it within the movie Forrest Gump. The pull-out for the view is 13 miles north of the doorway to Monument Valley on Route 163.
Forrest Gump Freeway Photograph Tip – Get your digicam low to the yellow traces on the highway and seize Monument Valley behind – though ensure you have somebody anticipating site visitors. Keep away from coming right here within the mid-afternoon if you’ll be capturing into the solar. Morning or simply after sundown are very best.
8. MEXICAN HAT & VALLEY OF THE GODS
Mexican Hat is a 30-minute drive north of Monument Valley. This unusual, formed rock that appears like a sombrero, friends over a tiny settlement of the identical identify.
Simply north of Mexican Hat is the Valley of the Gods. It’s not as grand as Monument Valley nevertheless it’s not as busy both. Utilizing a quite bumpy grime monitor you can also make a loop across the buttes and mesas. Nevertheless, it’s not in the perfect situation so a 4×4 may be helpful.
9. MOKI DUGWAY
The Moki Dugway is a dramatic sequence of switchbacks carved into the cliffs. It’s solely 3 miles lengthy however the views over the Valley of the Gods are beautiful.
The highway is a gravel monitor and shouldn’t be tried after heavy rain, however in most different situations it’s completely manageable in a 2WD. The velocity restrict is just 5mph, however there is no such thing as a must go any sooner because the views out the window are breathtaking.
10. MULEY POINT
Muley Level is 5 miles from the Moki Dugway alongside one other grime monitor. This viewpoint needs to be extra well-known than it’s. There’s a deep-cut valley resembling a small Grand Canyon with Monument Valley seen within the distance.
The sandy gravel monitor is 5 miles lengthy and takes about quarter-hour to drive. In most situations it’s simply navigable in a 2WD however needs to be averted when moist.
MAP – MAIN MONUMENT VALLEY ATTRACTIONS
The Monument Valley Tribal Park is shaded in inexperienced on the beneath map, with every of the principle points of interest in a distinct colour.
- Brown – Monument Valley Tribal Park Entrance Gate and The View Lodge
- Blue – 17-mile Scenic Drive
- Crimson – Wildcat Mountaineering Path
- Purple – Backcountry guided tour locations
The way to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the record of areas, then click on on the areas to show additional info. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to avoid wasting to your Google Maps.
WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY
Oljato-Monument Valley is without doubt one of the must-see locations in america. Lodging is restricted so e book nicely prematurely.
TOP PICK
LOCATION
THE VIEW HOTEL
The one resort within the tribal park, The View Lodge is designed to mix into the panorama and the views from the balconies are glorious.
GREAT FACILITIES
GOULDING’S LODGE
Goulding’s Lodge is a 3-star property just some minutes’ drive from the Monument Valley Tribal Park. It has an indoor pool, a solar terrace, and many conveniences.
BUDGET OPTION
HAMPTON INN
Positioned in Kayenta, a 30-minute drive from Monument Valley, the Hampton Inn is much less handy however a less expensive possibility. The rooms are comfy, clear, and spacious and the buffet breakfast is filled with selections. There’s a shopping mall close by.
COOL CABINS
DESERT ROSE RESORT & CABINS
Within the city of Bluff, a 50-minute drive northeast of Monument Valley, Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is a superb place to cease on a highway journey by way of the realm. They’ve trendy and conventional rooms, a terrace, an indoor pool, and a health middle.
MONUMENT VALLEY FAQs
HOW MANY DAYS IN MONUMENT VALLEY?
In half a day you may stroll the Wildcat Path, self-drive the 17-mile Scenic Drive and take within the views at The View Lodge and Forest Gump level.
However we extremely suggest staying no less than one evening within the space so you may benefit from the surroundings at nightfall or daybreak, ideally on a tour. Photographers could need to spend two nights.
CAN YOU DRIVE IN MONUMENT VALLEY?
The one part of the Monument Valley Tribal Park you may self-drive is the 17-mile Scenic Loop.
Nevertheless, most of the mesas, buttes, and spires within the space will also be seen from US Route 163 together with Forest Gump Level.
DO YOU NEED A GUIDE IN MONUMENT VALLEY?
There are three sections of Monument Valley Tribal Park for which you don’t want a information: the 17-mile Scenic Drive, the Wildcat Path, and the views from The View Lodge.
You too can see some nice surroundings from US Route 163 together with Forest Gump Level. Nevertheless, a information is required to go to the backcountry.
We extremely suggest taking a guided dawn or sundown tour.
WHERE NEXT AFTER MONUMENT VALLEY
Monument Valley is a part of an incredible space of landscapes unfold throughout Utah and northern Arizona. They are often explored on an exquisite 2-week US highway journey that features Utah’s Mighty 5, Monument Valley and Las Vegas.
Listed below are our suggestions on how one can see all of it:
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