Picture the backdrop of a Western movie and, likely, Monument Valley comes to mind — and with good reason. The sprawling desert landscape punctuated with towering buttes and pinnacles of rock has set the stage for countless movies, television shows and commercials since director John Ford first featured it in "Stagecoach" in 1939.
You can experience Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park yourself, which straddles the Arizona-Utah border, by driving the park’s dirt-and-sand scenic route, hiking its loop trail, hiring a Navajo guide or simply taking in the view. Here’s everything you need to know to visit Monument Valley.
Getting to Monument Valley
The most direct route begins at I-40 east of Flagstaff. From there, take US Highway 89 toward Tuba City. Turn right onto US Highway 160. Continue 80 miles to Kayenta, Arizona, then head north on US Highway 163. Drive 25 miles to the roundabout and exit at Monument Valley Road, which leads into the park.
The closest electric vehicle charging station is 25 miles from Monument Valley in Kayenta, in the Burger King parking lot. It supports Telsa vehicles only. For more options, drive 40 miles north to Bluff, Utah.
The Basics
When to go
Despite the heat and possibility of monsoon rainstorms, most people visit during the summer — May through September — when the park has extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can avoid the crowds and summer temperatures by planning a trip in April or October, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although the park has much fewer visitors from November through March, services are limited, and it can snow heavily.
What it costs
Park admission is $8 per person and includes the 17-mile scenic drive and Wildcat Trail, a 3.2-mile hiking loop. To explore further, you’ll need to purchase a backcountry permit, which costs $15 per person per day, or hire a Navajo guide. Prices for a guided, 1.5-hour jeep tour start at $75 per person.
What you’ll need
If you plan to drive the loop, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle that can manage the rugged dirt road. (Motorcycles and RVs are not permitted.) Bring plenty of water, snacks and an offline map since cell service is spotty.
What to pack
People travel from around the world to photograph the majestic beauty of Monument Valley. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring a standard (24-70mm) lens, tripod for long sunset and sunrise exposures and a polarizer to reduce glare and haze. A cellphone works, too. Leave your drone at home, though. The Navajo Nation doesn’t permit drones in its parks. Also bring:
- Clothing in layers
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
A Day at Monument Valley
If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle — RVs and motorcycles are prohibited because the road is so rugged and sandy — you can take the self-guided loop that passes John Ford’s Point, The Mittens, Merrick’s Butte and other iconic sites. Plan to spend two to three hours driving the sometimes-crowded route, which is impassable when it rains.
You can also hike the3.2-mile Wildcat Trail without a guide. The easy-to-moderate trail loops around The Western Mitten, providing stunning views of The Eastern Mitten along the way.
To see more of the park, you’ll need a Navajo guide. While most 1.5-hour tours follow the same public route, longer tours venture into the backcountry with possible stops at hogans (Navajo homes) and cultural experiences such as storytelling and flute-playing. Many tour companies also offer sunset and sunrise tours, horseback riding tours and photography tours.
Where to Stay
You have few options for an overnight stay in or near Monument Valley. The park has one hotel, The View, and a campground. Nearby, Goulding’s Lodge is a 10-minute drive from the park entrance.Otherwise, the nearest hotels are in Kayenta, Arizona and Bluff, Utah. Here are two suggestions:
- The View: Located inside the park, this hotel is a must for photographers hoping to capture The Mittens at dusk and dawn. It offers cabins as well as rooms in the main building, has an on-site restaurant and connects to the park visitor center and trading post.
- Hampton Inn Kayenta: This popular option sits on US Highway 160 next to the Navajo Cultural Center and the Burger King known for its Navajo code talker display. It features American Indian decor, a swimming pool and Navajo dishes in its restaurant.
Leave No Trace
The Navajo Nation considers Monument Valley sacred land, and some families still live there. Respect the land and their homes by following these helpful Appreciate AZ guidelines.
Teresa Bitler
Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.
