The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley
Exploring the Sacred Landscape of the Navajo Nation
Have you ever watched Looney Tunes with Wile E. Coyote endlessly chasing the Road Runner through towering red rock cliffs and towering buttes? Visiting Monument Valley feels like stepping into one of those iconic cartoons. Surrounded by massive sandstone mesas, towering buttes, dramatic spires, and endless desert vistas, the landscape almost seems too surreal to be real.
Located within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Navajo Nation, this iconic landscape spans nearly 92,000 acres across the Arizona-Utah border at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet.
Some of its famous sandstone buttes rise 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor, while billowing white clouds cast ever-changing shadows across the desert below. As the sun begins to set, the entire landscape glows in brilliant shades of orange and red, creating one of the most breathtaking golden hours I've ever experienced.
It's easy to understand why Monument Valley is one of the most photographed landscapes in the world—and one of the most unforgettable places I've ever explored. Whether you're planning a quick visit or a multi-day Southwest road trip, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
👉 Monument Valley is spectacular on its own, but it's also the perfect base for exploring some of the American Southwest's most iconic landscapes. If you have time, don't miss my Road Trippin' Near Monument Valley: Top Attractions to Add to Your Monument Valley Road Trip Itineraryincluding destinations like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and more.
👉 Looking for the most unique stay in all of Monument Valley? Get my guide on How to Stay in Traditional Navajo Hogan.
Monument Valley at a Glance
📍 Location: Navajo Nation on the Arizona-Utah border
🏜️ Known For: Towering sandstone buttes, iconic desert landscapes, Western film history, and Navajo culture
🚗 Best Things to Do: Drive the 17-mile Scenic Drive, take a guided Navajo tour to Mystery Valley, and visit Forrest Gump Point
🕒 Recommended Visit: 1–2 days (or 5–7 days if exploring nearby attractions)
🚘 Transportation: Personal vehicle or guided tour
⭐ Perfect For: Road trips, scenic drives, photography, and first-time visitors to the American Southwest
🗺️ Interactive Map of Monument Valley
Planning your trip? Use this interactive map to explore Monument Valley's scenic drive, popular viewpoints, hotels, visitor center, Forrest Gump Point, and other must-see attractions before you go.
Table of Contents
Tips for Visiting to Monument Valley (Entrance Fees, Hours, Regulations & Rules, Where to Stay)
Getting to Monument Valley
Monument Valley is located on the Arizona-Utah border within the Navajo Nation. While it feels remote, it's surprisingly easy to reach by car and is often included as part of a Southwest road trip through Arizona and Utah.
There are no commercial airports in Monument Valley itself, so most visitors fly into a nearby city then drive to the park.
✈️ Nearest Airports
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG): Approximately 180 miles • 3-hour drive
Page Municipal Airport (PGA): Approximately 125 miles • 2-hour drive
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Approximately 320 miles • 5½-hour drive
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Approximately 450 miles • 6½-hour drive
✨ My Recommendation: Rent a car if you fly in. Public transportation to Monument Valley is extremely limited and not easy to navigate.
👉 Planning to explore beyond Monument Valley? Check out my Road Trippin' Near Monument Valley Guide featuring the best things to do near Monument Valley and scenic drives.
Tips for Visiting Monument Valley
The Navajo refer to Monument Valley as Tse'Bii'Ndzisgaii, meaning "Valley of the Rocks." The park is located entirely within the Navajo Nation and is managed by Navajo Parks & Recreation. As a result, visitors are expected to follow tribal rules and respect the land, culture, and traditions during their visit.
🕒 Time Zone
Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Nation, which observes Daylight Saving Time. This can be confusing since much of Arizona does not. If you're traveling between Arizona, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, double-check the local time before arriving, especially if you have a guided tour reservation.
🚗 Entrance Fees & Hours
Entrance Fee:$20 per vehicle (up to 4 people)
Park Hours:7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (subject to change)
👉 Be sure to check the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation website before your visit for current fees, hours, and temporary closures.
🚙 Stay on Designated Roads & Trails
Visitors are welcome to drive the 17-mile Monument Valley Scenic Drive, but you must remain on designated roads and parking areas. Off-road driving is prohibited.
With the exception of the Wildcat Trail, hiking anywhere else in the park is strictly prohibited unless you are accompanied by an authorized Navajo guide.
🚫 Drones Are Prohibited
Drones are not permitted anywhere within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
📵 Expect Limited Cell Service
Cell phone reception can be unreliable throughout Monument Valley and surrounding areas. Download offline maps before your trip and don't rely solely on GPS navigation.
⛽ Fill Up Before You Arrive
There are no gas stations inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, so plan ahead before beginning your visit. The closest place to fill up is Goulding's Gas & Convenience Store, located about 5.5 miles (a 9-minute drive) northwest of The View Hotel on Monument Valley Road. Goulding's also has a convenience store and restaurant making it a convenient stop before or after you explore the park.
🐶 Pets
Pets are generally alllowed within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, but must remain on a leash at all times, They are allowed in parking areas and along the Wildcat Trail, but they are not alowed in the Visitor Center unless they are service animals.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Monument Valley can become extremely hot, especially from late spring through early fall. Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, and be sure to bring plenty of water and protect their paws from the hot sand and pavement.
☀️ Prepare for Dry Desert Sun
Even on cooler days, the high desert sun is intense. Bring penty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
✨ My Recommendation: Arrive early or stay until sunset. Not only will you avoid some of the crowds, but you'll also experience the incredible lighting that makes Monument Valley one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. Watching the tops of the sandstone buttes glow deep orange and red during the golden hour is absolutley stunning.
✨ My Recommendation: Stay at least 1 night in Monument Valley at either The View or Goulding’s so you can experience the park both at sunrise and sunset. You won’t want to miss it by just driving through.
Where to Stay
The View Hotel is the closest hotel to the entrance of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and offers comfortable rooms and private cabins, many with breathtaking views of the iconic Mittens and surrounding sandstone buttes.
The property is adjacent to the Monument Valley Visitor Center and features an on-site restaurant, gift shop, and easy access to the park's famous scenic drive.
✨ My Recommendation: If your budget allows, book a valley-view room or cabin so that you can experience sunrise over the Mittens without ever leaving your porch. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the biggest reasons people choose to stay here.
The View Campground
The View Hotel also offers a campground with RV and wilderness sites. The RV sites are dry with no hook-ups but feature some great sunset views.
Goulding’s Lodge is a great place to stay and also very close to the entrance to the park. It does not have the incredible views that The View Hotel offers but does have standard hotel rooms, cute little cabins and a campground.
Gouldings also has a general store, showers, laundromat, restaurant, gift shop and gas station. There is a great little trail on the property that you can hike and you can book Mystery Valley Tours from here.
History buffs won't want to miss the Goulding's Trading Post Museum, which tells the fascinating story of Harry and Mike Goulding and Monument Valley's role in classic Hollywood westerns. In the evening, relax at the Earth Spirit Theater, where classic John Wayne films are shown nightly—a fun way to end the day after exploring the valley.
The Most Unique Stay in Monument Valley- Monet Valley Hogan Retreat ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently had the privilege through a special invite to stay with my dear friend Verna Yazzie in her traditional Navajo hogan.
I am excited to announce that Verna has now opened her eco hogan retreat “Monet Valley” within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience authentic Navajo culture in an area of the park that is not typically accessible to the public.
Her vision is to share Navajo traditions, stories, and hospitality while giving guests a deeper appreciation for the land and its history.
👉 If you're planning a visit, get my complete guide on what it’s like to stay in a hogan plus information on how to book your own stay in a hogan!
Best Things to do in Monument Valley
Explore the Navajo Tribal Park & 17-Mile Scenic Loop:
One of the most unforgettable drives in the American Southwest is without a doubt Monument Valley’s iconic 17-Mile Scenic Drive. The loop takes you past towering sandstone buttes, dramatic mesas, arches, and other incredible rock formations that have become symbols of the American West.
The scenic drive follows a dirt road that is generally suitable for most passenger vehicles in good weather, although the surface can be rough in places. If heavy rain is in the forecast, check current road conditions before entering the park.
There are 11 clearly marked stops along the route, and you can pick up a free map at the Monument Valley Visitor Center identifying each viewpoint.
✨ My Recommendation: While you could complete the drive in about 1 hour without stopping, I recommend allowing 2–4 hours to enjoy the overlooks, take photographs, and simply soak in the spectacular scenery.
✨ My Recommendation: Drive the 17-mile loop either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the lighting is at its best and the temperatures are cooler. The changing light dramatically transforms the colors of the sandstone buttes and creates some of the most breathtaking photo opportunities in the park.
Some of my favorite formations along the Scenic Drive include:
John Ford’s Point
John Ford’s Point is one of the most popular viewpoints in the park for good reason. It provides you with sweeping views of the valley and some of its most famous formations in the distance.
The point was named after film director John Ford who shot nine movies within Monument Valley, and is the spot you most often see in photographs of tourists on horseback.
The Mittens
The West and East Mitten Buttes, knowns as the Mittens, are two of the most popular sites to photograph within the park which you can’t miss given their prominent location.
Totem Pole
Totem Pole is a unique red sandstone pillar that is the remnants of what was once a butte. It stands 450 feet high but only 40 feet across and is slightly detached from its neighboring spires.
Hike the Wildcat Trail:
The Wildcat Trail is the only hiking trail within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that visitors may explore without a Navajo guide. This scenic 3.2-mile loop circles West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte, offering a unique perspective of some of Monument Valley's most iconic formations from the valley floor.
The trail is considered moderately difficult due to its uneven terrain and sandy sections. Plan on spending 1½ to 2 hours to complete the loop, and be sure to bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times.
✨ My Recommendation: The best time of year to hike the Wildcat Trail is April through October, when trail conditions are generally the most favorable. Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy softer light for photography. During the winter months, snow and ice can occasionally make the trail challenging.
Take a Mystery Valley Tour:
Mystery Valley is a spectacular area within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that can only be visited with an authorized Navajo guide.
Several tour companies operate in the area, including tours departing from Goulding's Lodge, taking visitors deep into a remote section of the backcountry that is otherwise inaccessible to the public.
Tours typically last 3–4 hours and cost around $90 per person. Along the way, you'll visit fascinating geological formations, ancient cliff dwellings, and centuries-old petroglyphs while learning about the area's rich history and Navajo culture from your guide.
Many of the ruins and petroglyphs are believed to have been created by the Ancestral Puebloans (formerly referred to as the Anasazi), whose name in Navajo has traditionally been interpreted as "Ancient Ones."
✨ My Recommendation: I rarely book guided tours when I travel because I usually prefer exploring on my own. However, this was one experience I was incredibly glad I didn't skip. Not only did our guide take us to places we never could have accessed on our own, but hearing the stories, history, and cultural significance of the landscape made me appreciate Monument Valley in a completely different way. It ended up being one of the highlights of my visit.
Go Horseback Riding:
One of the most unforgettable ways to experience Monument Valley is on horseback. Riding beneath the towering sandstone buttes offers a completely different perspective than exploring by vehicle, and it's easy to imagine what the landscape looked like centuries ago.
Many tours are led by local Navajo guides who share stories about the land, its history, and their culture along the way. Many also stop at John Ford's Point, where you'll take in one of the most spectacular views in Monument Valley—and it's hard to imagine a more fitting way to arrive than on horseback.
Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, several local outfitters offer guided horseback rides ranging from one-hour scenic rides to longer backcountry adventures. A few popular options include:
Sacred Monument Tours – (435) 727-3218 • Instagram: @toursacred
Roy Black's Guided Tours – (928) 429-0637
Dineh Trail Rides – (928) 209-2692
✨ My Recommendation: Even if you've never ridden a horse before, don't let that stop you. Most guides match you with a horse based on your experience level and provide instructions before heading out. Experiencing Monument Valley from horseback is one of the most authentic and memorable ways to appreciate its absolutely stunning landscape.
Explore the Visitor Center at The View
Located adjacent to The View Hotel, the Monument Valley Visitor Center is a great first stop to pick up a park map, browse the gift shop for authentic Navajo arts and crafts, and take in one of the valley's most spectacular viewpoints.
If you have time, plan to have lunch or dinner at The View Restaurant around Golden Hour where floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of Monument Valley as the sun illuminates the tops of rhe sandstone buttes in brilliant shades of orange and red. It’s one of the most scenic dining experiences in Monument Valley.
✨ Pro Tip: If you're short on time, The View Express located next to the restaurant, offers sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, and other grab-and-go options.
Take a Photo at Forrest Gump Point
Located along U.S. Highway 163, just 20 minutes north of the Monument Valley Visitor Center, is the iconic Forrest Gump Point (GPS coordinates: 37.101393, -109.990973).
This famous viewpoint marks the spot where Forrest Gump unexpectedly ended his cross-country run in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. Today, it's one of the most photographed places in the American Southwest drawing visitors from all around the world.
(Photo: King of Hearts - https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94689835)
Even if you've never seen the film, the panoramic view of Monument Valley framed by the long, straight highway is absolutely breathtaking and well worth the short drive to get there.
You will typically find several Navajo crafts and jewelry stands here if you’re looking to take home souvenirs.
✨ Pro Tip: This place draws quite a crowd so bring your patience especially if you want a shot without other people in the way during the busy summer months. If you're hoping to recreate the iconic movie scene, be mindful of traffic and use caution when stepping onto the roadway for photos.
✨ My Recommendation: Arrive early in the morning or around sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
👉 Have extra time? Check out my Monument Valley Road Trip Guide featuring Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Valley of the Gods, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
☀️ When is the best time to visit Monument Valley?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are generally considered the best times to visit Monument Valley. Temperatures are mild, crowds are more manageable, and the lighting is ideal for photography. Summers can be extremely hot and dry, while winters are cold and often bring snow, causing many visitors to skip this season altogether.
That said, winter may be Monument Valley's best-kept secret. If you don't mind bundling up, it’s stunning this time of year.
You'll be rewarded with unforgettable views of the stunning iconic red buttes dusted with the contrasting snow.
💵 How much does it cost to visit Monument Valley?
The entrance fee for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is $20 per vehicle (up to 4 people). Fees and park regulations are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the official Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation website before your visit.
🕒 What are Monument Valley's hours of operation?
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is generally open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary by season or due to special circumstances. Be sure to verify current operating hours before your trip.
⏳ How much time do you need to visti Monument Valley?
Most visitors can experience Monument Valley in one full day, allowing enough time to drive the 17-mile Scenic Drive, visit the major viewpoints, and even take a guided tour. However, I recommend staying at least one night at either The View or Goulding’s so you can experience the park at a slower pace and see it at both sunrise and sunset.
If you plan to explore nearby attractions like Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Horseshoe Bend, or Antelope Canyon, I recommend at least 3-5 days to avoid feeling rushed depending on exactly what you plan on seeing. For more information, get my full guide on the Top Attractions to Add to Your Monument Valley Road Trip Itinerary.
🚙 Do you need a guided tour in Monument Valley?
No. Visitors can explore the 17-mile Scenic Drive on their own. However, many of Monument Valley's most spectacular backcountry areas like the Mystery Valley are only accessible with an authorized Navajo guide. I rarely book guided tours when I travel, but this was one experience I was incredibly glad I did. Learning about the history, culture, and significance of the landscape from a local guide made my visit even more memorable.
📸 What are the best photography spots in Monument Valley?
Some of the best photography spots in Monument Valley include the Visitor Center overlook, The Mittens viewpoint, John Ford's Point, Artist's Point, North Window, and Forrest Gump Point located about 20 minutes north of the park. For the best photos, visit during sunrise or the hour right before sunset when the sandstone buttes are lit up in vibrant shades of orange and red.
🌅 Where are the best sunrise and sunset spots in Monument Valley?
The Visitor Center and The View Hotel offer some of the best sunrise views in Monument Valley, with the iconic Mittens illuminated by the morning light.
For sunset, some of the best spots are Artist's Point, John Ford's Point, and the Visitor Center overlook, where the changing light creates dramatic colors and long shadows across the desert floor.
Things to do Near Monument Valley
Monument Valley is the perfect base for exploring some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest. If you have a few extra days, consider adding one (or several!) of these unforgettable destinations to your itinerary.
🧭 The distances below use the Monument Valley Visitor Center as the reference point.
Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon (Page, AZ): 125–130 miles • About 2 hours
Grand Canyon South Rim: 180 miles • About 3 hours
Goosenecks State Park & Valley of the Gods: 35–50 miles • About 45–60 minutes
Moki Dugway: 41 miles • About 50 minutes
Natural Bridges National Monument: 95 miles • About 2 hours
Sunset Crater Volcano & Wupatki National Monuments: 170–180 miles • About 2¾–3 hours
👉 Planning a Southwest road trip? Don't miss my Road Trippin' Near Monument Valley: Top Attractions to Add to Your Monument Valley Road Trip Itinerary, where I cover each of these destinations in detail.
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