Monument Valley simply hits in another way. The red-sand desert flooring stretches over 92,000 acres throughout the Utah-Arizona border, dotted with sandstone buttes and dust roads. This area is greatest identified for Monument Valley Tribal Park – a as soon as frequent filming location for outdated Western films. You’ve already seen the valley in your TV display screen. It has featured as a backdrop for all of the John Wayne movies, plus classics like Forrest Gump. However there’s extra to the valley than simply attractiveness. You possibly can go to sights just like the Navajo Shadehouse Museum and revel in unimaginable mountain climbing trails.
Researching Monument Valley is a lot enjoyable. It is likely one of the most well-known sections of any Arizona highway journey and one of many main US highway journeys. Between the red-sand surroundings and Hollywood-worthy scenic drive, Monument Valley has wiggled its method onto hundreds of thousands of bucket lists.
Easy methods to Go to Monument Valley
On this information, we’ll cowl the whole lot you want to know with the intention to have a unbelievable go to. Prepare for a radical ‘’ information; by the tip of this text, you’ll be well-equipped and raring to go. We’ll educate you all about the primary sights within the valley, like Elephant Butte and the Wildcat Path. However we’ll additionally present all of the logistics you want, like get there and when is greatest to go to. Among the best elements about Monument Valley is its location, so skip to the tip in the event you’d like some insights into combining your journey with different memorable sights, just like the Grand Canyon.
Are you prepared? Right here’s what you want to learn about visiting the valley.
What’s Monument Valley? A Fast Introduction
So, what’s Monument Valley? Properly, this 92,000-acre area is a very lovely space of red-sand desert. The valley sits on the border between Utah and Arizona, with land in each states. It’s most often known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which has an attractive assortment of sandstone buttes that attracted Hollywood’s consideration. Chances are high, you’ve seen Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, John Wayne films, or the well-known ‘Run Forrest run’ scene in Forrest Gump.
You possibly can drive via the valley on the 17-mile Valley Drive, a year-round accessible tarmacked freeway. Throughout your go to, chances are you’ll want an off-road automobile to deal with a dust highway or two.
The valley is stuffed with purple rock formations, and you’ll e-book experiences like guided horseback excursions. You can even embark on hikes to miss factors like John Ford’s Level or take guided mountain climbing excursions with a Navajo information to peaks like Totem Pole or the West and East Mittens. Most sights are off the primary Valley Drive, and there are many designated pull-in locations to admire views of particular rock formations. Or you’ll be able to cease by the Monument Valley Customer Heart and enquire about guided tour choices.
Easy methods to Get to Monument Valley
So, how do you get to Monument Valley? The best method is to fly into one of many main cities in Arizona or Utah, renting a automobile to highway journey your technique to this distant valley.
Las Vegas and Salt Lake Metropolis are the 2 most famed worldwide airports and round a 7-hour drive from the valley. Flagstaff is one other glorious airport to fly into, solely a 3-hour drive away and ideally situated to mix Monument Valley with the Grand Canyon. You possibly can e-book home or worldwide flights to one of many airports, hire a automobile, and drive the rest of the best way to Monument Valley.
Alternatively, you possibly can catch an Amtrak prepare to Salt Lake Metropolis or Las Vegas if touring from inside the USA. This may reduce pointless flights and supply extra adventurous, sluggish journey. You can then hire a automobile for the rest of the journey.
Studying this, you’ll be able to spot the recurring issue – automobile rent. You have to journey with somebody with a license in the event you can’t hire or deliver a automobile your self. The valley is likely one of the most distant locations to go to within the US. And also you’ll have to drive if you wish to see it independently. You possibly can examine the perfect costs right here on our favourite web site.
With that mentioned, there’s a caveat slash loophole to this. If driving actually isn’t an choice, you possibly can e-book a guided tour of Monument Valley. These excursions are costlier, and also you’ll be restricted in free time, however they’re the proper answer for these with out licenses. You possibly can e-book Monument Valley day excursions from Flagstaff and from Sedona. Price range round $250-300 for a gaggle tour, together with transfers, and prepare to kick your ft again with a guided tour expertise.
In abstract, your choices to get to the valley are as follows:
If you’re quick on time and need low-cost flights, Fly to Salt Lake Metropolis or Las Vegas after which hire a automobile to drive 7 hours to Monument Valley. If you’re quick on time, Fly to Flagstaff after which hire a automobile to drive 3 hours to Monument Valley. You probably have loads of time and need to keep away from flying: Journey by Amtrak to Las Vegas, Grand Junction, or Salt Lake Metropolis after which rent a automobile to drive to Monument Valley in 4.5-7 hours. If you happen to aren’t in a position to rent a automobile, Fly into Flagstaff and keep there or in Sedona. You possibly can then e-book a guided tour to Monument Valley on a day journey for between $250 and $300.
Finest Issues to do in Monument Valley
The sheer scale of issues to do in Monument Valley is awe-inspiring. It’s removed from only a place to drive via and passively gaze on the surroundings, though we received’t knock road-tripping its 17-mile Valley Drive. Monument Valley has a wow issue that evokes you to become involved with outside actions, whether or not mountain climbing to buttes or horse using via Monument Valley Tribal Park.
On this part, we’ll assist you embrace all the thrill that Monument Valley provides. Prepare for pure sights, trails, and sightseeing alternatives. These are the easiest issues to do within the unimaginable valley.
1. Expertise Monument Valley Tribal Park on Horseback
Among the best methods to expertise Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is undoubtedly on horseback. You possibly can drive the loop highway, however horses go the place automobiles can’t or aren’t permitted. You possibly can e-book a 2-hour Monument Valley tour by horseback, getting up near the buttes. We did this and completely cherished it. We do advocate you have got a little bit horseback expertise, although.
2. Take a Jeep Tour
A good way to expertise the valley is by way of jeep. E book a jeep tour throughout the desert flooring and previous vital sights just like the West Mitten butte. Most excursions final 1.5 hours to three hours. And also you’ll get a hassle-free driving expertise with narrated sightseeing. This can be a nice choice in case you are touring with the household.
3. Navajo Shadehouse Museum
Navajo Shadehouse Museum is a cultural attraction in Monument Valley price visiting. It explains all of the tradition, traditions, beliefs, and historical past of the Navajo tribe, together with issues like how Navajo drugs males pray and what hogan houses appear to be. Whereas the museum is small, it offers unimaginable perception into the Navajo Nation. And for the reason that valley is located on Navajo Tribal park land, it’s a must-have addition to your itinerary.
4. Go to West, East, and Merrick Butte
If you would like beautiful rock formations, West, East, and Merrick Butte are the perfect formations to see up shut. This iconic trio of buttes juts up from the valley flooring in lovely purple sandstone. The East and West Buttes stand over 6,000 ft above sea stage and are a dramatic sight to see up shut. It’s unlawful to climb the formations, however you’ll be able to stroll round their bases.
5. Drive Monument Valley Drive with Photograph Stops
We are able to’t point out the gorgeous Monument Valley Drive. In 17 miles of freeway, you embrace a few of Monument Valley’s iconic landscapes and rock formations. This scenic drive passes Forrest Gump Level, a.ok .a. the well-known Forrest Gump Freeway. The huge sandstone buttes additionally appeared in Western films just like the Wayne movies. It’s simply probably the most well-known scenic drives within the US. Enable 3-4 hours to finish the drive, relying on how lengthy you need at every cease.
6. Elephant Butte
This lovely butte is famously formed like an elephant and is a superb choice if you wish to see the rock formations outdoors of the usual trio. Once more, climbing is prohibited, however you’ll be able to stroll to its base and admire the pure landmark. Go to simply earlier than sundown for the perfect views.
7. John Ford’s Level
That is the cash shot overlook. It’s named John Ford’s Level after the American producer and director John Ford. Ford directed tons of films, together with a number of that includes John Wayne. John Ford featured this viewpoint in a number of outdated American West films. You’ll acknowledge the sweeping views of the buttes and desert panorama.
8. Wildcat Path
Wildcat Path is an roughly 4-mile loop hike that crams in the perfect of Monument Valley’s views on foot. It takes round 2 to three hours and is rated as average problem because of sections with thick sand. You possibly can simply navigate the path independently when you have a fundamental health stage. Your efforts will probably be rewarded with up-close views of the famed Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
Set off early within the day to keep away from the cruel warmth in spring and summer season. Be certain that to deliver a digital camera, too, as Wildcat Path is certainly one of Monument Valley’s greatest issues to do.
9. Climb Mexican Hat
Whereas climbing isn’t allowed inside the valley, you’ll be able to skip minutes over the border to climb Mexican Hat. This bizarre-looking sandstone rock seems like a tower with a sombrero on prime – therefore its identify. Mexican Hat is fashionable amongst skilled climbers. If you’re skilled sufficient to deal with medium difficult climbs confidently, you’ll be able to tackle the Bandito Route, a bolted, clip-up route.
If you happen to aren’t a climber, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to to see the rock up shut. Plus, you’ll be able to watch as others deal with the distinctive rock face.
10. North Window Overlook
Lastly, there’s North Window Overlook to go to within the valley. That is good if you would like a viewpoint expertise within the valley. North Window Overlook provides an alternate view of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to John Ford’s Level. It’s situated simply minutes from the Monument Valley Customer Heart and is ideal to expertise at dawn or sundown.
When to Go to Monument Valley
It goes with out saying that summer season is a more difficult time to go to the valley. The sky-high temperatures can attain 94 Fahrenheit in July and August, which isn’t conducive to abandon hikes or lengthy drives. Moreover, summer season additionally means floods of crowds. It’s the busiest time of 12 months to go to the valley. So in case you are contemplating visiting in summer season, we advocate shifting to the beginning or finish of the season. It’s largely crowded and scorching, with fewer parking areas and shared viewpoints.
So, if not summer season, when must you go to the valley? Ideally, you must go to within the fall or spring. Winter can get a little bit too chilly, dropping to 25 Fahrenheit generally, so fall and spring are an incredible compromise. September to early November and March to Could are the perfect intervals to expertise the valley. You’ll have gentle temperatures within the higher 70s Fahrenheit and fewer crowds – a win-win.
Be mindful what time of day you enter the valley, too. Visiting within the shoulder seasons like fall and spring helps to cut back the crowds. However you can too be tactical with what time of day you go to. Early morning is greatest if you wish to spend an entire day within the park, heading to the preferred websites first. In the meantime, in the event you want to go to only some websites, late afternoon is an efficient time to dodge the worst of the crowds.
After all, selecting lodging within the valley itself will assist you get forward of the crowds. You’ll additionally get to tick off dawn and sundown viewpoints from the consolation of your individual dwelling away from dwelling, particularly at locations like The View Resort and Campground.
The place to Keep in Monument Valley And Surrounding Space
The place to remain in and round Monument Valley is a wonderful query. There may be one necessary factor to notice, although. There are minimal lodging choices contained in the park itself. You’ll need to e-book upfront to remain contained in the park boundaries. There are additionally extra B&B or camping-style lodging choices inside the valley.
Thankfully, there are numerous extra choices for these staying simply outdoors the park boundaries. The small city of Kayenta close to the south entrance has a number of inns, and the city of Bluff close to the north entrance additionally has loads of lodging decisions.
Staying in Monument Valley
Staying inside Monument Valley’s park boundaries requires pre-planning and advance reserving, however it’s positively nonetheless potential. If you wish to make your expertise much more distinctive, snagging these sought-after lodging reservations is effectively price it. You can be bathing in an infinity pool overlooking an attractive purple rock formation or tenting in a conventional tipi village. Let’s take a look at the highest choices for staying inside the valley.
Goulding’s Lodge
Goulding’s Lodge is a beautiful property inside Monument Valley and simply one of many main locations to remain. Get your reservations in fast. Friends get pleasure from an indoor pool and a terrace – from which you’ll really see the buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It’s a lovely place to remain and revel in scenic sunsets and sunrises.
Monument Valley Tipi Village
Monument Valley Tipi Village is an attractive lodging alternative for experiencing conventional tipi and hogan stays in Monument Valley. The village is run as a part of the Navajo Nation and is a superb technique to put money into the local people.
The View Campground/The View Resort
The View Campground and View Resort are two adjoining properties in the course of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – probably the most scenic part of the valley with the dramatic butte surroundings. Every visitor room within the resort has a balcony to get pleasure from non-public dawn and sundown views over the Mitte buttes. And you can too enquire about tenting experiences in conventional tipis.
Staying Exterior Monument Valley
As we defined, the perfect locations to remain outdoors Monument Valley are Kayenta and Bluff. There’s additionally Mexican Hat, a tiny census-designated place proper on the north entrance with a collection of accommodations. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t advocate staying right here because it lacks amenities.
This part will take a look at the perfect locations to remain in Kayenta for inn-style lodging and a quiet vibe. Then we’ll take a look at the perfect locations to remain in additional luxurious and touristy Bluff.
Kayenta
Kayenta is the smaller, quieter choice of the 2 cities. It’s situated close to the south entrance of Arizona. It’s a higher choice for these desirous to go on day journeys to Arizona sights just like the Grand Canyon or Navajo Nationwide Monument. Kayenta has a number of city amenities, like Amigo Cafe, the Kayenta Recreation Park, and primarily 3-4-star inns.
Wetherill Inn
Wetherill Inn is a modest 2-star property best for anybody on the lookout for budget-friendly lodging close to Monument Valley. It does have its snug perks, although, together with an indoor heated pool and a continental breakfast.
Hampton Inn Kayenta
Hampton Inn Kayenta is a 3-star property, greatest for these wanting a extra mid-range to luxurious choice. It’s a trendy property with a tasteful desert-color palette that’s good given the explanation to your keep. It has an onsite restaurant, which is handy after a protracted day in Monument Valley, and a fitness center and outside pool.
Bluff
Bluff is barely larger and greatest for individuals who desire a busier base whereas visiting the valley. It has extra luxurious locations, like Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa. Bluff additionally has just a few sights, just like the Twin Rocks Buying and selling Submit, the Bluff Nice Home Museum, and the Sand Island Petroglyphs. It’s situated in Utah, close to the north entrance to Monument Valley.
La Posada Pintada
La Posada Pintada is first up. This 3-star property is gorgeous, with conventional rooms, log cabin options and views over the encircling purple rock surroundings. A every day continental breakfast is included in your reserving charge. Total, it’s best for these with a mid-range finances.
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is as luxurious because it comes. The property has a deluxe indoor pool, an onsite enterprise middle, and thoughtfully adorned rooms that includes conventional stone and wooden particulars. You’ve got all of the Bluff amenities in your doorstep and a base the place you’ll be able to rejuvenate between sightseeing in Monument Valley.
Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa
Bluff Dwellings is one other gem in Bluff. The resort has completely glowing evaluations and a surprising combination of rooms and suites. The resort is ready inside a bit of rock formations, giving it a distant enchantment regardless of its central Bluff location. As if that wasn’t sufficient, you additionally get an onsite pool, fitness center, and scorching tub. Plus, there’s an onsite restaurant for these days once you want a fast meal.
Excursions Close to Monument Valley
One of the unimaginable issues about visiting Monument Valley is how completely it combines with different bucket listing experiences in Utah and Arizona. As , the valley is located on the Utah-Arizona border, which means it has nearly unbridled entry to a few of the state’s most sought-after locations and excursions.
You can be trekking via Canyonlands or snapping pictures in Arches Nationwide Park. You can head south to spend just a few days across the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Or you possibly can take longer, multi-day detours via Utah to go to Las Vegas. There are tons of excursions and worthy locations close to Monument Valley.
On this part, we’ll introduce you to the perfect of those. Listed here are the highest ten excursions – and multi-day detours – you must mix with a go to to Monument Valley.
1. Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is an attractive park simply north of the valley. The San Juan River splits the park and accommodates over 300 million years of geology. Goosenecks is a superb day journey if you wish to spend a day admiring geological sights and canyon river views. Choose a hike from the a number of path choices. You possibly can even camp there in a single day if you want.
2. Canyonlands Nationwide Park
Canyonlands Nationwide Park is likely one of the main nationwide parks within the US, with some good mountain climbing trails, together with the path to Druid Arch and Lavender Level. You possibly can admire loads of viewpoints. There’s the beautiful Needles District and Inexperienced River Overlook. Canyonlands Nationwide Park is break up into 4 primary zones, together with the Island within the Sky mesa.
The nationwide park is barely a 3-hour drive from the middle of Monument Valley. It’s best skilled at sundown when the purple rock surroundings is much more lovely.
3. Lifeless Horse State Park
Lifeless Horse State Park is simply over a 2-hour from Bluff, close to the valley’s north entrance. This state park is legendary for its desert panorama and severely beautiful canyon surroundings. Whereas it’s adjoined to Canyonlands, it provides a way more intimate expertise, with fewer trails and fewer than 5,400 acres in comparison with practically 340,000 acres.
If you would like a extra bitesize chunk, Lifeless Horse State Park is the proper place to expertise related landscapes with out the size of Canyonlands.
4. Grand Canyon
Who doesn’t need to see the Grand Canyon? The canyon is a superb expertise so as to add to your Monument Valley itinerary. You possibly can go to the canyon in a single day from Monument Valley, taking 4 hours to achieve a technique. Or you’ll be able to fly into Flagstaff and spend just a few days visiting the canyon and its surrounding sights earlier than driving to Monument Valley. Both method, you’ll be able to mix the 2.
5. Go to the 4 Corners Monument
This monument is extraordinary, marking the purpose the place all 4 states – Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado – all converge. The 4 Corners Monument is situated within the Navajo Nation and has its personal customer middle. If you would like a novelty expertise, you’ll be able to’t beat this monument. In spite of everything, you’ll be able to say you stood in all 4 states without delay.
It takes round an hour to achieve Bluff, making it probably the most accessible self-guided excursions from the valley.
6. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a superb tour to take from Monument Valley. When you’ve spent a few days exploring the valley, you’ll be able to drive beneath 2 hours to Antelope Canyon – the well-known canyon that appears prefer it has rock waves in its partitions.
Because the canyon is sacred in Navajo tradition, it’s critical to e-book via an organization providing a Navajo information for a guided tour.
7. Mesa Verde Nationwide Park
Mesa Verde Nationwide Park is a superb tour from the valley. It’s most identified for its abundance of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, most famously Cliff Palace. A go to to Mesa Verde is right for increasing your data of Puebloan historical past after visiting the Navajo Nation. You possibly can rapidly drive to Mesa Verde Nationwide Park from Bluff, which takes round 1.5 hours. It’s certainly one of Colorado’s greatest nationwide parks and definitely worth the detour.
8. Arches Nationwide Park
Arches Nationwide Park is a should in case you are visiting Monument Valley. It’s simply too shut by to overlook out on. The park is known as after its dozens of pure arches and is certainly one of Utah’s most lovely locations to go to. It’s just below a 2-hour drive from Bluff, close to the valley’s north entrance. And you’ll get pleasure from beautiful hikes to see the pure landmarks.
Look into nationwide park passes for a number of parks in the event you’d like to mix just a few of the nationwide parks close to Monument Valley.
9. Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument
This Nationwide Monument is likely one of the greatest areas of pure magnificence inside the Navajo Nation. And as a bonus, it’s simply over an hour’s drive from Kayenta. You possibly can take guided excursions, find out about sacred websites, and go to a cliff dwelling and petroglyphs.
10. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is one other main attraction and tour from the valley. It’s simply over 1.5 hours from Kayenta by automobile by the valley’s south entrance. The park is greatest identified for its dramatic river canyon panorama, that includes a curve within the Colorado River that appears like a horseshoe form.
Whereas there, you possibly can go mountain climbing or boating. Or sightsee different sights close to Web page, like Antelope Canyon.
Visiting Monument Valley: FAQs
Are you enthusiastic about visiting Monument Valley? Whether or not you go to Thriller Valley, drive the Monument Valley loop highway, or detour to close by Goosenecks State Park, you’ll love seeing the a part of the US. Monument Valley is a tiny part of fiery, red-rock depth. It’s the surroundings of the outdated West that generations of individuals grew to like on their TV screens. From a sightseeing perspective, it is likely one of the nation’s most spectacular areas of rock formations. That’s earlier than you even get to the cultural facet of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, with all its historical past of the Navajo individuals.
Earlier than you rush to understand Monument Valley in particular person, take a look at these widespread FAQs. These FAQs might give you that additional info that transforms your journey.
Why is Monument Valley so well-known?
Hollywood has immortalized Monument Valley. Positive, its tradition and geology would have nonetheless attracted guests even when Hollywood hadn’t scouted it as a film set. Nonetheless, its look in John Wayne movies and blockbusters like Forrest Gump is what has made Monument Valley well-known worldwide.
What city is closest to Monument Valley?
Kayenta is an excellent shut city to Monument Valley on the Arizona facet of the border. On the Utah facet of the border, Bluff is the closest city to Monument Valley. Bluff has extra vacationer infrastructure, with accommodations, inns, and some sights.
Can you continue to drive via Monument Valley?
Sure, Monument Valley is open to drivers. The Monument Valley Loop Highway is open all 12 months spherical, though it does limit its hours in winter, usually opening between 8 am and a pair of pm. The Scenic Drive is accessible from 6 am till 8 pm in summer season.
Is Monument Valley in Utah or Arizona?
Monument Valley straddles the border, which means it’s formally in each Utah and Arizona, not only one or the opposite. Nonetheless, many of the park falls inside the state boundaries of Arizona.
Monument Valley is phenomenal; there’s no doubting that. These 92,000 acres include a lot pure magnificence and tradition. You possibly can be taught in regards to the Navajo Nation and pay for a guided tour to embrace Monument Valley with the Navajo individuals. You possibly can take a highway journey via Monument Valley by way of Freeway 163, passing Forrest Gump Level, Hollywood film scenes, and beautiful rock formations. Or, you’ll be able to enterprise out on excursions close by, like visiting Goosenecks State Park, the Grand Canyon, or close by nationwide parks. A go to to Monument Valley is one you received’t quickly neglect.
You now know all the sensible info mandatory to arrange a visit to Monument Valley. We hope you have got an exquisite time and encourage you to increase your keep to understand the broader area and its surrounding sights. In want of some additional inspiration? These are probably the most beautiful locations to go to in Arizona. And we’ve a whole information on Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ nationwide parks. Profit from visiting a vacation spot proper on the Utah-Arizona border.