Cliquez ici pour la version Française

Monument Valley, located on the lands of the Navajo Indians, is one of the most iconic natural sites in the American West. Its spectacular landscapes, dominated by three massive rock buttes – West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte – immerse visitors in the heart of a desert valley painted in vibrant colors. Towering monoliths rise from the bright orange ground, creating a setting both majestic and timeless. This unique panorama has inspired countless cult movies, from Forrest Gump to Back to the Future Part III, including Thelma and Louise, Cars, and Transformers 4. Despite its popularity among tourists, Monument Valley has preserved its magic and remains a must-see for anyone dreaming of experiencing the American West.

What to see and do in Monument Valley and the surrounding area?

Practical information

• Park Entrance: Access to Monument Valley is via US163. At the Navajo Welcome Center, take Monument Valley Road heading east. After just over 4 km (2.5 miles), you’ll reach the park entrance (toll booth).

• Park Hours: The Valley Drive (a 27 km / 17-mile scenic loop) is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm from April to September, and from 8 am to 4 pm from October to March.
  You must start the Valley Drive before its closing time. Once the entrance closes, vehicles may stay on the loop until sunset.
  ⚠️ Note: Monument Valley follows Utah time in summer and Arizona time in winter. Be sure to account for this if you have a scheduled guided tour.

• Entrance Fee: The America the Beautiful Pass (also known as the Interagency Annual Pass) is NOT accepted since this is Navajo land.
  Admission: $8 per person (valid for 4 days).

• Visitor Center: Located at the end of Monument Valley Road, it offers stunning views of Monument Valley. Private companies providing 4×4 jeep tours or horseback rides can be found in two small huts on the parking lot.
  The Visitor Center is generally open daily from 7 am to 8 pm (May to September) and from 8 am to 5 pm (October to April). Sometimes closed due to staff shortages.
  More info: Navajo Nation Parks

• Recommended Visit Time: To truly enjoy the park, I recommend staying for one afternoon, one night, and the following morning (catch the sunrise and, for the more adventurous, go on a short hike).

• ATMs: Available at Goulding’s Grocery and the Gift Shop.

• Gas Station: Located next to Goulding’s Lodge.

Driving on Valley Drive: guide and practical advice

The Valley Drive is an iconic dirt road in Monument Valley, stretching for 27 kilometers (17 miles) and taking about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, including photo stops. It is without a doubt the must-do activity during your visit. The loop begins on the left as you arrive at the parking lot of The View Hotel and the Visitor Center. The first 500 meters are fairly technical, with two sharp turns leading down into the valley, but once you reach the heart of Monument Valley, the scenery is simply breathtaking: you will pass by the famous West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte, with plenty of viewpoints and parking areas to capture these grand landscapes.

The road is accessible by car, but caution is required: depending on the weather and road conditions, it can become very rough. A SUV or 4×4 is highly recommended to fully enjoy the drive, while a standard car requires extra care and prior inspection. Note that motorcycles and RVs are not permitted. The Valley Drive remains a unique experience to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Monument Valley, while discovering the rock formations that have inspired generations of filmmakers.

4×4 or horseback excursion: experience the Navajo adventure

It is also possible to discover Monument Valley through a guided tour with a Navajo, starting at $70 per person for 1.5 hours. While this option may feel a bit expensive, it allows you to explore Monument Valley with a local guide and access areas that are normally off-limits to the general public, offering a truly unique and authentic experience. Take some time to review offers online before your visit. You can also find the list of about 30 operators directly at the Visitor Center.

For an even more immersive experience, you can explore the park on horseback. Tours start inside the park—plan for about a 20-minute drive from the Visitor Center to reach the Corral. The price is around $80 per person for a 1-hour ride. Reservations are highly recommended to make the most of this activity, which lets you discover Monument Valley in an original and unforgettable way.

Trek around West Mitten Butte: hiking in Monument Valley

The Wildcat Trail is an easy 6.3 km (3.9 miles) hike (about 2 hours) that starts near the entrance of the campground, at the beginning of the Valley Drive. Although less well-known, this walk in Monument Valley is truly worth it if you have the time, as it offers a unique view of the buttes and allows you to get very close to them. No Navajo guide is required for this trek — you can do it independently by following the marked trail, while fully enjoying the park’s spectacular landscapes.

Sunrise and sunset: the best spots

Whether at sunrise or sunset, the best spots in Monument Valley are around the terrace of The View Hotel, directly facing the famous buttes. The natural spectacle is truly magical, with vibrant colors illuminating the rock formations and creating a unique atmosphere — perfect for unforgettable photos.

Sunrise:

Sunset:

Forrest Gump Point: strike Tom Hanks’ iconic pose

Take the time to stop along US163 to enjoy the exceptional panoramas of Monument Valley that unfold before you. The most famous viewpoint is the Forrest Gump Point, made iconic by Robert Zemeckis’ film, where Tom Hanks ends his legendary run across the United States. This must-see photo spot is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of Mexican Hat, with several parking areas set up along the road to make your visit easier.

Outside the park:

Discover the Valley of the Gods: road trip and breathtaking views

I highly recommend exploring the Valley of the Gods, a spectacular valley near Monument Valley. A SUV or 4×4 is normally recommended for this road (I mention this because we did it with a standard car, and in hindsight, it might not have been the best idea… we were lucky!). ⚠️ Note: this road should only be attempted in dry weather, as it sometimes crosses rivers, although they are often dry.

The main attraction of this site is the 27-kilometer (17-mile) scenic drive (about 1 hour), winding through the park amid the red-orange buttes and rocks. You’ll discover a mini Monument Valley, with ochre-colored desert, stunning rock formations, but without the crowds. It’s an ideal experience to enjoy a wild and spectacular landscape in peace.

Access: From the east, along US163 between Mexican Hat and Bluff, or from the west, along UT261 between Mexican Hat and Muley Point.

Price: Free entry, and there is no Visitor Center.

Viewpoint overlooking the meanders of the San Juan River

Goosenecks State Park is a spectacular canyon, 300 meters (984 feet) deep, carved into a dark, arid landscape. You’ll be amazed to see the San Juan River winding over 10 kilometers (6 miles), forming beautiful meanders. This site is a must-see if you plan to visit Monument Valley, offering a unique viewpoint over a wild and impressive landscape.

Access: From Mexican Hat, follow US163 toward Bluff for about 5 km (3 miles), then turn left onto UT261 for 1.5 km (0.9 miles), and finally left onto W316 for 5.5 km (3.4 miles).

Price: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people).

Panorama from Muley Point Overlook

This is an incredible viewpoint over the San Juan River and Monument Valley. The drive may feel a bit long, and you might wonder if you’ve taken the wrong road. But rest assured — it’s the right way, and just for this panorama, the visit is well worth it. The area is usually empty, making the experience even more magical and allowing you to fully enjoy the wild beauty of the valley.

Access: Continue on UT261 after the turn toward the Valley of the Gods. Shortly after, the unpaved road climbs in hairpin turns along the cliffs. At the top, where the pavement begins, take the track to the left for 8 km (5 miles). At the end of the plateau, you’ll reach an amazing viewpoint!

Where to stay in Monument Valley?

It’s important to know that Monument Valley is in the middle of nowhere. Even medium-sized towns are hours away by car. Despite the influx of tourists, accommodation options are very limited, and available spots fill up quickly. Here are 3 places I recommend.

• The View at Monument Valley : It is the only hotel located inside the tribal park, directly facing the famous West Mitten, East Mitten, and Merrick Buttes. Needless to say, you’ll have a front-row seat to enjoy the sunrise and sunset over this stunning landscape. The View offers rooms, cabins, and a campground.

• Goulding’s Lodge, bookable on Booking.com, is just a few kilometers from the park and is probably the best affordable option. If you don’t have an RV or tent, you can book a small cabin, which is perfectly sufficient for one night. Be sure to reserve well in advance (cancellations are not always possible). You’ll also find a few shops and a gas station along the road between the campground and the park.

• Dream Catcher House : This is a much lesser-known accommodation compared to The View. I haven’t stayed there personally, but the Airbnb reviews are excellent, and the view looks amazing.

Thank you for reading!

Mylène

This article contains affiliate links. If you found my advice useful in planning your trip, or if you simply want to support me, please feel free to make your booking using my links. This will allow me to earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!