Things to do in Monument Valley

Things to do in  Monument Valley

Everybody’s favorite photo op

From classic Western flicks to Marlboro ads to license plates, America’s desert Southwest has no greater icon than Monument Valley. Hugging the Arizona-Utah border on Navajo land, most roadtrippers buzz down the looping, 17-mile (27-kilometer) Valley Drive through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, stopping at viewpoints such as John Ford’s Point to snap photos of the famous formations—”The Mittens” are a favorite. To get a deeper appreciation for the land, hike the 3.2-mile (5-kilometer) Wildcat Trail on your own, or take a guided hike or tour to parts unknown.

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Top 1 attractions in Monument Valley

#1

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is the full name for those red-rock landscapes you know so well. Beloved by Hollywood, this sacred area claims almost-eerie rock formations that soar up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) from the dusty desert floor. Under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation, you can see some formations from the highway, but to truly explore the area, you’ll need to go deeper.More
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Top activities in Monument Valley

Monument Valley 4x4 Tour

Monument Valley 4x4 Tour

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Monument Valley Tour

Monument Valley Tour

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3.0 Hours of Monument Valley's Sunrise or Sunset 4×4 Tour

3.0 Hours of Monument Valley's Sunrise or Sunset 4×4 Tour

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479
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US$85.00
2.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Backcountry 4×4 Tour

2.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Backcountry 4×4 Tour

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US$75.00
Dreamcatcher Evening Experience in Monument Valley

Dreamcatcher Evening Experience in Monument Valley

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140
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US$135.00
1.5 Hour Tour of Monument Valley's Loop Drive

1.5 Hour Tour of Monument Valley's Loop Drive

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199
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US$65.00
Monument Valley Daytime Tour - 3 Hours - Navajo Spirit Tours

Monument Valley Daytime Tour - 3 Hours - Navajo Spirit Tours

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282
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US$85.00
2 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour

2 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour

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160
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US$110.00
Sunset Tour of Monument Valley
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Sunset Tour of Monument Valley

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US$85.00
1 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour
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1 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour

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US$80.00
Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley

Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley

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US$85.00
1.5 Hour Jeep Tour in Monument Valley

1.5 Hour Jeep Tour in Monument Valley

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US$65.00
Monument Valley Extended Backcountry Tour

Monument Valley Extended Backcountry Tour

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US$90.00
Tour Monument Valley with a Navajo guide (1.5hr TSNGT)

Tour Monument Valley with a Navajo guide (1.5hr TSNGT)

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US$65.00
Monument Valley Backcountry Tour

Monument Valley Backcountry Tour

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US$75.00
3.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Cultural 4×4 Tour

3.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Cultural 4×4 Tour

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US$90.00
2.5 Hours Monument Valley Historical Sightseeing Tour by Jeep

2.5 Hours Monument Valley Historical Sightseeing Tour by Jeep

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Monument Valley's Mystery Valley 4×4 Tour

Monument Valley's Mystery Valley 4×4 Tour

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US$90.00
3.5 Hours Mystery Valley Navajo Spirit Tour
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3.5 Hours Mystery Valley Navajo Spirit Tour

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US$98.00
Full Valley Tour 2.5 Hrs.

Full Valley Tour 2.5 Hrs.

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All about Monument Valley

When to visit

If you can visit Monument Valley in winter, do. The crowds thin—as do the prices at The View Hotel—and a light layer of snow makes the rocky sea of orange and crimson absolutely pop. Temperatures rarely drop below 25ºF (-4ºC). Otherwise, spring and fall offer excellent weather before and after the summer vacationers hit the road. And sunrise makes for a magical, technicolor experience in the valley.

Getting around

Private vehicles—$20 per vehicle—are welcome to the visitor center at the main viewpoint. From there, 25 cars at a time are permitted on the 17-mile Tribal Valley Loop. Nab a free permit at your arrival, or hop on a Monument Valley guided tour (it might be quicker, depending on the crowds). If you take the scenic drive, do so in a high-clearance vehicle for the red-rock road, and leave some time to explore on the Wildcat Trail on foot.

Traveler tips

The area’s Navajo name is Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii. If you have the time, a much deeper experience can be had on a Navajo-led tour to see the best of the red rocks landscape. You’ll go off the scenic drive, see Monument Valley landforms such as Teardrop Arch, spot Anasazi petroglyphs, and hear how the Navajo continue to thrive on this land today.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MDT (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
1
Tours
36
Reviews
5,009

People Also Ask

Is Monument Valley worth seeing?

Yes. Monument Valley has red desert landscapes found nowhere else on earth. The “Mittens,” twin sandstone buttes along the valley’s 17-mile (27-kilometer) loop road, have appeared in countless films. Part of the Navajo Nation, the valley is punctuated by rock spindles jutting 1,000 feet (400 meters) into the sky.

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How much time should you spend in Monument Valley?

A half-day or full-day tour is ideal. It’s possible to see the main sights in 2–3 hours, as the 17-mile (27-kilometer) Valley Drive takes roughly 2–4 hours to complete. A half-day visit leaves time to stop at viewpoints and hike the Wildcat Trail around the Mittens and Merrick buttes.

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How long does it take to drive the 17-mile loop in Monument Valley?

Typically 2–4 hours. The drive, known as the Valley Drive, is 17 miles (27 kilometers) long with 13 miles on a one-way loop. While a 4WD is not required, the gravel and dirt road makes for a bumpy ride with low speeds—ideal for taking your time and enjoying the views.

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What can you see at Monument Valley without a tour?

Valley Drive and Wildcat Trail are open to the public. Valley Drive passes most top rock formations, including the Mittens and Merrick Butte, John Ford’s Point, and the famous Totem Pole. The valley is entirely within the Navajo Nation Reservation and much of it is accessible only via guided tours.

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What other attractions are near Monument Valley?

Travelers can drive along the Trail of the Ancients in the four corners area, check out the Goulding Film and History Museum at Goulding’s Lodge, or visit the town of Mexican Hat, Utah—featuring a namesake rock formation. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is roughly two hours away by car.

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Is Monument Valley in Utah or Arizona?

Monument Valley straddles the Arizona-Utah border near the four corners area, where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet. The territory lies within the Navajo Nation Reservation. The valley is on US Highway 163, 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Mexican Hat, Utah, and 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Kayenta, Arizona.

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