With sandstone buttes, colossal mesas, and panoramic vistas, Monument Valley is one of the USA’s iconic landscapes.
Sure, it’s possible to drive right through Monument Valley, visiting the main sites in just two or three hours, but if you really want to explore it, consider spending at least one day here. We were surprised at how much there is to do in Monument Valley. There are even quick excursions and scenic drives in the nearby area, if you are looking for even more activities to fill your time.
What is Monument Valley?
Located on the Utah-Arizona border, Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau. It is not officially a National Park since it sits within the Navajo Nation Reservation. Most of the area that is visited by tourists is called the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
Until the 1930’s, Monument Valley was an obscure, seldom visited location. The only ones who really aware of the beauty of this place were the Navajo Indians who lived on the land. It wasn’t until John Ford featured this landscape in his well-known films (including Stagecoach and Rio Grande) that Monument Valley began to experience some popularity.
Now, Monument Valley has been featured in a large number of popular movies, including Forrest Gump, National Lampoons Vacation, Mission: Impossible II, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the HBO series Westworld.
How to Get to Monument Valley
Monument Valley isn’t close to anything, which is why it stayed off the radar for so long. The closest airport is in Flagstaff, 176 miles away. However, to fly into this airport, you usually have to change planes in Phoenix, which does not save you any time.
Distances and driving times to Nearby Airports:
- Phoenix – 320 miles, 5 hours
- Albuquerque – 324 miles, 5 hours
- Las Vegas – 400 miles, 6.5 hours
- Salt Lake City – 380 miles, 6.5 hours
We flew into Phoenix and then drove to Monument Valley, which took about 5 hours.
Distances and driving times to Nearby Cities and National Parks
- Four Corners Monument – 105 miles, 1.5 hours
- Page, Arizona – 125 miles, 2 hours
- Grand Canyon (South Rim) – 180 miles, 3 hours
Access to the Monument Valley Tribal Park is on US-163 just north of the Utah-Arizona border. It costs $8 per person per day to enter the park. Once you pay this fee, you can come and go as often as you like.
Best Things to do in Monument Valley
Tribal Park Loop
This 17-mile loop, also referred to as the Valley Drive, is a scenic drive past some of the most popular sites in Monument Valley. It is a dirt and gravel road that starts and ends at the Monument Valley Visitor Center.
You can self-drive this loop. A 4×4 is not necessary; cars can drive this road without any real difficulty. It’s a bumpy, dusty road with a very low speed limit, but that’s OK, you want to take your time and enjoy the views. Note: RV’s and motorcycles are not permitted to drive Tribal Loop Drive.
The Mittens and the Valley Drive dirt road.
Please note: if it rains, this road can become impassable, even if you have four-wheel drive.
This is the only part of Monument Valley you can visit without taking a tour. To go off the Valley Drive and explore further, you must schedule a tour with one of the many companies.
Here are some photos of what you will see on the drive.
West Mitten Butte
John Ford’s Point
Another view of John Ford’s point.
If you only have a few hours to spare, your time is best spent driving the Valley Drive. Tours to places like Mystery Valley and Teardrop Arch are fantastic, but I think you would be missing out on something if you skipped John Ford’s Point or the Mittens.
Hike the Wildcat Trail
This is the only self-guided hike that you can do in Monument Valley. All other hikes must be done with a guide. This hike is a 3.2 mile loop that circles around the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. Click here to learn more.
Take a Tour of Monument Valley
There are many options for tours depending on your interests. If you want, you can start the day at sunrise and go all the way to sunset.
The Valley Drive on a Tour
You can take a tour on the Valley Drive with a Navajo guide. This tour takes you to all of the same sites you would see on your own, however, you do it with a guide and in their vehicle. This is best for people who do not feel comfortable self-driving the dirt road or for those who just want to sit back and relax and enjoy the views.
Lower Monument Valley
There is a second loop that veers off of the Valley Drive. This is only accessible by tour. This tour takes you up close to the Totem Pole and past other rock formations and mesas you would miss if you only did the Valley Drive.
We took a sunrise Lower Monument Valley tour and had a great experience. Even in late April temperatures were cold and of course, it’s a very early start to the day, but it was awesome watching the sunrise in Monument Valley.
Prices average around $80 per person (depending on the tour company) and last 3 hours. Photography tours (usually offered at sunrise or sunset cost substantially more, about $125+ per person).
Mystery Valley
This is a very popular tour that takes visitors on a three-hour excursion to see petroglyphs and Anasazi sites. It’s more of a cultural experience than a panoramic, scenic experience.
Prices average around $90 per person (depending on the tour company) and last 3 to 4 hours.
Teardrop Arch
This is an unpopular, off-the-beaten-path tour. Which is exactly why we did it. Was it worth it? For us, absolutely. We were able to do a little hiking, explored caves, and got one of the most unique views of Monument Valley.
It’s not for everyone, especially if you are short on time, but we recommend it if you want a little adventure or like to get away from it all.
Read more about our experience: Is Teardrop Arch Worth It?
Prices average around $80 per person and last 2 to 3 hours.
Backcountry Access Tour of Monument Valley
This 3.5 hour tour of Monument Valley includes the main highlights along Tribal Loop Road as well as backcountry sights that you can only visit with a Navajo guide. It ends with a visit to a Navajo Hogan, which is a traditional Navajo home, as well as a musical performance. This is a great tour to consider if you want to learn more about the culture and traditions of Navajo Nation from a local guide.
Hunt’s Mesa
The ultimate excursion in Monument Valley is the day trip (with an optional overnight stay) on Hunt’s Mesa. Pricing out around $300 per person, this was too expensive for our budget. But what you get are unbelievable sunset views over Monument Valley and a steak dinner cooked over a campfire. It’s a long excursion, lasting about 7 hours, and most of that time is spent driving over rugged terrain. It sounds awesome and we strongly considered it, but the price tag was too high. But if you are looking for an adventure and the best view of Monument Valley, put Hunt’s Mesa on your list.
How to Choose a Tour Company
There are at least ten reputable companies offering tours in Monument Valley. We use Trip Advisor to pick not only tour companies but also accommodations and restaurants. Take a look at the reviews on Trip Advisor and then visit the company’s website for pricing and full details on their tours.
We used:
- Phillips Photography Tours for the Sunrise Lower Monument Valley Tour
- Navajo Spirit Guides for the Teardrop Arch Tour
Quick Excursions from Monument Valley
If you have a little extra time and want to explore farther, here are some ideas for you. By the way, just driving down the road here is packed with stunning views. This really is a beautiful part of the USA.
Forrest Gump Point
Located on US-163, the famous view of Monument Valley featured in the movie Forrest Gump is not to be missed. GPS coordinates: 37.101393, -109.990973. This is just a 20-minute drive from the Visitor Center.
Note that this photo spot is located on a highway. There have been recent fatalities and injuries here. Here is information from the Visit Utah tourism website:
“Please be aware this iconic photo-op is located along a highly-trafficked road. Due to the road’s traffic leading to past injuries and fatalities, we urge you to take your safety seriously and refrain from taking photos from the middle of the road. Visitors are welcome to pull off safely on the side of the road and take photos from the shoulder only.”
The view of Monument Valley from the Forrest Gump pull out.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: The best time for photography is in the morning, midday, and early afternoon. In the late afternoon and early evening, you will be facing the sun. This creates a terrible sun glare. We have been to Monument Valley twice. On our second visit, at the end of December, we were staring directly into the sun and we were here at 4 pm. Our photos were terrible. The photos that you see above were taken in the early afternoon in May.
Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods features a landscape similar to Monument Valley. It may not be quite as spectacular, but it also has much less tourist traffic. If you like scenic drives and want to leave the crowds behind, put this spot on your list.
LEARN MORE: How to Visit the Valley of the Gods
Mexican Hat
This rock formation is named for its Mexican Sombrero-like appearance. You can see it from US-163 on the drive to the Valley of the Gods. If you want, you can hike up onto the formation.
Goosenecks State Park
For a view of the San Juan River snaking through a canyon, visit Goosenecks State Park. Imagine two Horseshoe Bends right next to one another! You will pay a $5 entry fee and it is a short drive to the viewpoint.
Moki Dugway and Muley Point
This short but scenic drive is located very close to Valley of the Gods. Moki Dugway is an unpaved road that is carved into the cliffs, offering stunning views over Utah and Valley of the Gods. If you are doing well on time, once on top of Moki Dugway, take Muley Point Road to the end for more spectacular views.
Moki Dugway | reisegraf.ch/shutterstock.com
How Much Time do You Need in Monument Valley?
Since it takes about three hours to get to Monument Valley from almost anywhere else in the vicinity, it helps to stay overnight, at least one night. This gives you the opportunity to do a sunrise and/or sunset tour if you desire.
The must-do activities are the Valley Drive and the view from Forrest Gump Point. In my opinion, doing at least one tour is worthwhile because it lets you experience more of Monument Valley.
However, if you are short on time, you can do the Valley Drive, taking just a few hours of your time, if you are on a road trip through the area.
How We Planned Our Time
Day 1 – We drove from Phoenix, Arizona. In Kayenta we stopped for lunch at Amigo Café. We spent the afternoon visiting Forrest Gump Point, the Valley of the Gods, and Mexican Hat. We ate dinner at Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room and then watched as the sunset over the Mittens.
Day 2 – Up very early for a cold but beautiful sunrise photography tour of Lower Monument Valley. After a late breakfast, we checked out of our cabin and spent the mid-part of the day driving the Valley Drive (Tribal Valley Loop). In the afternoon we took the three-hour tour of Teardrop Arch. Then we drove west to Page, Arizona to see Antelope Canyon.
When to Visit Monument Valley
The best time to go to Monument Valley is during the spring and autumn months, when temperatures are pleasant. During the summer, it can be very hot. Plus, this is when the Valley gets to be more crowded as many people are here during their summer vacations. In the winter, it does get very cold and it can snow here. That would be a sight to see!
Official Website for Monument Valley
Here is a link to the official website for Monument Valley. Get updates on conditions and possible road closures, as you plan your trip and just before your trip.
It costs $8 per person per day to visit Monument Valley. This fee will be paid at the entrance into Monument Valley.
Where to Stay in Monument Valley
There are not a lot of options in the nearby area.
The View Hotel
Located in the Monument Valley Tribal Park, The View Hotel offers several types of accommodations. The priciest option are the hotel rooms, all which offer a view over Monument Valley. The higher the floor, the more you will pay, but you will also get the best view.
The Premium Cabins. These are relatively new. These cabins overlook the Mittens and some have better views than others. We stayed in a cabin (in the front row) and loved it. We had a deck with a great view and we could lie in bed and look out at West Mitten Butte. The cabins are clean and warm (it got down into the low 30’s during our visit).
View from our cabin
Camping. There is a campground and RV parking. This is the cheapest option. The campground is located between the cabins and the hotel and the view is out to the Mittens. This is also a popular spot to watch sunrise and sunset.
Goulding’s Lodge and Campground
Located just outside of the Monument Valley Tribal Park, Goulding’s Lodge offers rooms with a view and a campground. They also operate one of the only restaurants in the area.
Firetree B&B is a B&B located in Monument Valley that gets good reviews (you sleep in a Hogan). The next closest towns are Kayenta and Mexican Hat.
Where to Eat in Monument Valley
This is not a place you visit for the food. Expect overpriced, mediocre food in and around Monument Valley.
Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room. We ate dinner here one night. Entrees cost about $25 but the food is very mediocre. Tim and I dined on salads, which were nothing special, but they were a fraction of the cost of an entrée.
The View Restaurant. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like Goulding’s Lodge, their prices are on the expensive side and the food is average. However, we did eat breakfast here after our sunrise photography tour, and we thought the food was pretty good.
Amigo Café. This restaurant is located in Kayenta, a half hour drive from the Visitor Center. This is a cozy restaurant with a local feel that serves Mexican and Navajo food. I ordered the Navajo Taco, which was enormous. This is enough food for two adults. Navajo fry bread is similar to funnel cake or doughnut dough, although it is not sweet. It’s delicious! On top of the fry bread were beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese and onions. If you don’t mind the drive, consider making the trip down to Amigo Café. Ray, one of our guides, also recommends the Blue Coffee Pot in Kayenta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive through Monument Valley?
You are allowed to drive the Tribal Park Loop, which is a 17-mile road that loops through some of the most iconic scenery in Monument Valley. To go beyond this loop, you will have to join a tour, of which there are several options.
What are the best things to do in Monument Valley?
Look out over the Mittens, drive Tribal Park Loop, take a tour to more off-the-beaten-path parts of Monument Valley, hike the Wildcat Trail, watch the sunrise and the sunset, take a photography tour, and visit Forrest Gump Point.
How much time do I need in Monument Valley?
With half of a day, you can drive Tribal Park Loop, hike the Wildcat Trail, and visit Forrest Gump Point. With more time, you can take one of several tours that go deeper into Monument Valley. For the best experience, spend the night here, to watch the sunset and the sunrise.
Is Monument Valley Worth It?
The view of the Mittens is one of the most iconic views in the USA. To look out across this landscape and drive and/or hike through a portion of it is one of the best things to do in the American Southwest, so Monument Valley is well worth your time.
If you have any questions about how to visit Monument Valley, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to the American Southwest
PLACES TO GO IN ARIZONA: Go hiking in Sedona, visit Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park, photograph Antelope Canyon, and visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary.
GRAND CANYON: Check out our guides to the Best Things to Do on the South Rim, how to spend one perfect day in the Grand Canyon, and which South Rim viewpoints are the best ones to visit. For amazing views of the Grand Canyon, check out our guide to the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours.
SEDONA: To learn what there is to do in Sedona, read our article Best Things to Do in Sedona. To help you plan your time, check out our One Day in Sedona Itinerary and Sedona Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 6 days. For links to all of our Sedona articles, check out our Sedona Travel Guide.
AMERICAN SOUTHWEST ITINERARY: On the ultimate road trip through the American Southwest, visit the Grand Canyon, Utah’s Mighty 5, and several awesome state parks. Get the full details in our American Southwest Itinerary.
USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in the United States, check out our article Best USA Road Trips, which has 18 sample itineraries for your next big adventure. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries.
If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide and our Arizona Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips.
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