Monument Valley simply hits in a different way. The red-sand desert flooring stretches over 92,000 acres throughout the Utah-Arizona border, dotted with sandstone buttes and filth roads. This area is finest recognized for Monument Valley Tribal Park – a as soon as frequent filming location for outdated Western films.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. 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’ll be able to go to points of interest just like the Navajo Shadehouse Museum and luxuriate in unbelievable climbing trails.
Researching Monument Valley is a lot enjoyable. It is without doubt 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 thousands and thousands of bucket lists.
Learn how to Go to Monument Valley
On this information, we’ll cowl every part it’s good to know with the intention to have a improbable go to. Prepare for an intensive ‘tips on how to’ information; by the tip of this text, you’ll be well-equipped and raring to go. We’ll educate you all about the principle points of interest within the valley, like Elephant Butte and the Wildcat Path. However we’ll additionally present all of the logistics you want, like tips on how to get there and when is finest to go to. Among the finest components about Monument Valley is its location, so skip to the tip should you’d like some insights into combining your journey with different memorable points of interest, just like the Grand Canyon.
Are you prepared? Right here’s what it’s good to learn about visiting the valley.
What’s Monument Valley? A Fast Introduction
So, what’s Monument Valley? Effectively, this 92,000-acre area is a very stunning space of red-sand desert. The valley sits on the border between Utah and Arizona, with land in each states. It’s most referred to as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which has a ravishing assortment of sandstone buttes that attracted Hollywood’s consideration. Likelihood is, you’ve seen Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, John Wayne films, or the well-known ‘Run Forrest run’ scene in Forrest Gump.
You’ll be able to drive via the valley on the 17-mile Valley Drive, a year-round accessible tarmacked freeway. Throughout your go to, it’s possible you’ll want an off-road automobile to deal with a dust highway or two.
The valley is stuffed with crimson rock formations, and you may ebook experiences like guided horseback excursions. You may as well embark on hikes to miss factors like John Ford’s Level or take guided climbing excursions with a Navajo information to peaks like Totem Pole or the West and East Mittens. Most points of interest are off the principle Valley Drive, and there are many designated pull-in locations to admire views of particular rock formations. Or you may cease by the Monument Valley Customer Middle and enquire about guided tour choices.
Learn how to Get to Monument Valley
So, how do you get to Monument Valley? The simplest method is to fly into one of many main cities in Arizona or Utah, renting a automotive to highway journey your method 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 positioned to mix Monument Valley with the Grand Canyon. You’ll be able to ebook home or worldwide flights to one of many airports, lease a automotive, 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 america. This might lower pointless flights and supply extra adventurous, sluggish journey. You might then lease a automotive for the rest of the journey.
Studying this, you may spot the recurring issue – automotive rent. You have to journey with somebody with a license should you can’t lease or convey a automotive your self. The valley is without doubt 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’ll be able to examine the most effective costs right here on our favourite website.
With that mentioned, there’s a caveat slash loophole to this. If driving actually isn’t an choice, you possibly can ebook a guided tour of Monument Valley. These excursions are costlier, and also you’ll be restricted in free time, however they’re the right resolution for these with out licenses. You’ll be able to ebook Monument Valley day excursions from Flagstaff and from Sedona. Funds round $250-300 for a bunch 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:
In case you are quick on time and need low-cost flights, Fly to Salt Lake Metropolis or Las Vegas after which lease a automotive to drive 7 hours to Monument Valley. In case you are quick on time, Fly to Flagstaff after which lease a automotive 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 automotive to drive to Monument Valley in 4.5-7 hours. Should you aren’t capable of rent a automotive, Fly into Flagstaff and keep there or in Sedona. You’ll be able to then ebook a guided tour to Monument Valley on a day journey for between $250 and $300.
Greatest 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 climbing to buttes or horse driving via Monument Valley Tribal Park.
On this part, we’ll make it easier to embrace all the thrill that Monument Valley provides. Prepare for pure points of interest, trails, and sightseeing alternatives. These are the perfect issues to do within the unbelievable valley.
1. Expertise Monument Valley Tribal Park on Horseback
Among the finest methods to expertise Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is undoubtedly on horseback. You’ll be able to drive the loop highway, however horses go the place autos can’t or aren’t permitted. You’ll be able to ebook a 2-hour Monument Valley tour by horseback, getting up near the buttes. We did this and completely beloved it. We do suggest you’ve got a little bit horseback expertise, although.
2. Take a Jeep Tour
An effective way to expertise the valley is through jeep. Ebook a jeep tour throughout the desert flooring and previous important 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 properties seem like. Whereas the museum is small, it offers unbelievable perception into the Navajo Nation. And because the 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 gorgeous rock formations, West, East, and Merrick Butte are the most effective formations to see up shut. This iconic trio of buttes juts up from the valley flooring in stunning crimson 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 may stroll round their bases.
5. Drive Monument Valley Drive with Photograph Stops
We are able to’t point out the attractive 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.okay .a. the well-known Forrest Gump Freeway. The large sandstone buttes additionally appeared in Western films just like the Wayne movies. It’s simply one of the vital 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 stunning butte is famously formed like an elephant and is a wonderful choice if you wish to see the rock formations outdoors of the usual trio. Once more, climbing is against the law, however you may stroll to its base and admire the pure landmark. Go to simply earlier than sundown for the most effective 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 flicks, 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 most effective of Monument Valley’s views on foot. It takes round 2 to three hours and is rated as average problem as a result of sections with thick sand. You’ll be able to simply navigate the path independently when you have a primary health stage. Your efforts will likely 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 tough warmth in spring and summer time. Be certain that to convey a digital camera, too, as Wildcat Path is one among Monument Valley’s finest issues to do.
9. Climb Mexican Hat
Whereas climbing isn’t allowed inside the valley, you may skip minutes over the border to climb Mexican Hat. This bizarre-looking sandstone rock seems like a tower with a sombrero on high – therefore its title. Mexican Hat is in style amongst skilled climbers. In case you are skilled sufficient to deal with medium difficult climbs confidently, you may tackle the Bandito Route, a bolted, clip-up route.
Should you aren’t a climber, you may nonetheless go to to see the rock up shut. Plus, you may 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’d 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 positioned simply minutes from the Monument Valley Customer Middle and is ideal to expertise at dawn or sundown.
When to Go to Monument Valley
It goes with out saying that summer time 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 time additionally means floods of crowds. It’s the busiest time of yr to go to the valley. So in case you are contemplating visiting in summer time, we suggest shifting to the beginning or finish of the season. It’s principally crowded and scorching, with fewer parking areas and shared viewpoints.
So, if not summer time, when do you have to go to the valley? Ideally, it is best to go to within the fall or spring. Winter can get a little bit too chilly, dropping to 25 Fahrenheit typically, so fall and spring are an ideal compromise. September to early November and March to Could are the most effective intervals to expertise the valley. You’ll have gentle temperatures within the higher 70s Fahrenheit and fewer crowds – a win-win.
Take note 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 it’s also possible to be tactical with what time of day you go to. Early morning is finest if you wish to spend an entire day within the park, heading to the preferred websites first. In the meantime, should you want to go to only some websites, late afternoon is an efficient time to dodge the worst of the crowds.
In fact, selecting lodging within the valley itself will make it easier to get forward of the crowds. You’ll additionally get to tick off dawn and sundown viewpoints from the consolation of your personal 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’s one vital factor to notice, although. There are minimal lodging choices contained in the park itself. You’ll need to ebook upfront to remain contained in the park boundaries. There are additionally extra B&B or camping-style lodging choices inside the valley.
Happily, there are a lot of 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 selections.
Staying in Monument Valley
Staying inside Monument Valley’s park boundaries requires pre-planning and advance reserving, but it surely’s positively nonetheless potential. If you wish to make your expertise much more distinctive, snagging these sought-after lodging reservations is nicely price it. You might be bathing in an infinity pool overlooking a ravishing crimson rock formation or tenting in a standard tipi village. Let’s try 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. Visitors take pleasure in an indoor pool and a terrace – from which you’ll truly see the buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It’s a stunning place to remain and luxuriate in scenic sunsets and sunrises.
Monument Valley Tipi Village
Monument Valley Tipi Village is a ravishing lodging selection for experiencing conventional tipi and hogan stays in Monument Valley. The village is run as a part of the Navajo Nation and is an excellent method to put money into the area 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 – essentially the most scenic part of the valley with the dramatic butte surroundings. Every visitor room within the resort has a balcony to take pleasure in non-public dawn and sundown views over the Mitte buttes. And it’s also possible to enquire about tenting experiences in conventional tipis.
Staying Exterior Monument Valley
As we defined, the most effective 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 choice of inns. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t suggest staying right here because it lacks services.
This part will have a look at the most effective locations to remain in Kayenta for inn-style lodging and a quiet vibe. Then we’ll have a look at the most effective locations to remain in additional luxurious and touristy Bluff.
Kayenta
Kayenta is the smaller, quieter choice of the 2 cities. It’s positioned close to the south entrance of Arizona. It’s a higher choice for these desirous to go on day journeys to Arizona points of interest just like the Grand Canyon or Navajo Nationwide Monument. Kayenta has a number of city services, like Amigo Cafe, the Kayenta Recreation Park, and primarily 3-4-star inns.
Wetherill Inn
Wetherill Inn is a modest 2-star property splendid for anybody searching 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, finest for these wanting a extra mid-range to luxurious choice. It’s a fashionable property with a tasteful desert-color palette that’s good given the rationale on your keep. It has an onsite restaurant, which is handy after an extended day in Monument Valley, and a health club and outside pool.
Bluff
Bluff is barely larger and finest for many who need a busier base whereas visiting the valley. It has extra luxurious locations, like Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa. Bluff additionally has a number of points of interest, just like the Twin Rocks Buying and selling Submit, the Bluff Nice Home Museum, and the Sand Island Petroglyphs. It’s positioned 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 encompassing crimson rock surroundings. A day by day continental breakfast is included in your reserving fee. General, it’s splendid for these with a mid-range price range.
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is as luxurious because it comes. The property has a deluxe indoor pool, an onsite enterprise heart, and thoughtfully embellished rooms that includes conventional stone and wooden particulars. You might have all of the Bluff services in your doorstep and a base the place you may rejuvenate between sightseeing in Monument Valley.
Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa
Bluff Dwellings is one other gem in Bluff. The resort has completely glowing critiques and a shocking combination of rooms and suites. The resort is about inside a piece 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, health club, and scorching tub. Plus, there’s an onsite restaurant for these days while you want a fast meal.
Excursions Close to Monument Valley
Some of the unbelievable issues about visiting Monument Valley is how completely it combines with different bucket record experiences in Utah and Arizona. As you already know, the valley is located on the Utah-Arizona border, that means it has virtually unbridled entry to a few of the state’s most sought-after locations and excursions.
You might be trekking via Canyonlands or snapping photographs in Arches Nationwide Park. You might head south to spend a number of 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 most effective of those. Listed here are the highest ten excursions – and multi-day detours – it is best to mix with a go to to Monument Valley.
1. Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is a ravishing park simply north of the valley. The San Juan River splits the park and comprises over 300 million years of geology. Goosenecks is a superb day journey if you wish to spend a day admiring geological points of interest and canyon river views. Decide a hike from the a number of path choices. You’ll be able to even camp there in a single day if you want.
2. Canyonlands Nationwide Park
Canyonlands Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the main nationwide parks within the US, with some good climbing trails, together with the path to Druid Arch and Lavender Level. You’ll be able to admire loads of viewpoints. There’s the gorgeous Needles District and Inexperienced River Overlook. Canyonlands Nationwide Park is break up into 4 important 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 crimson rock surroundings is much more stunning.
3. Useless Horse State Park
Useless 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 gorgeous 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 almost 340,000 acres.
If you would like a extra bitesize chunk, Useless Horse State Park is the right place to expertise comparable 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’ll be able to go to the canyon in a single day from Monument Valley, taking 4 hours to achieve a technique. Or you may fly into Flagstaff and spend a number of days visiting the canyon and its surrounding points of interest earlier than driving to Monument Valley. Both method, you may 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 positioned within the Navajo Nation and has its personal customer heart. If you would like a novelty expertise, you may’t beat this monument. In any case, you may say you stood in all 4 states without delay.
It takes round an hour to achieve Bluff, making it one of the vital accessible self-guided excursions from the valley.
6. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is an excellent tour to take from Monument Valley. When you’ve spent a few days exploring the valley, you may drive below 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 vital to ebook via an organization providing a Navajo information for a guided tour.
7. Mesa Verde Nationwide Park
Mesa Verde Nationwide Park is an excellent tour from the valley. It’s most recognized for its abundance of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, most famously Cliff Palace. A go to to Mesa Verde is good for increasing your information of Puebloan historical past after visiting the Navajo Nation. You’ll be able to shortly drive to Mesa Verde Nationwide Park from Bluff, which takes round 1.5 hours. It’s one among Colorado’s finest nationwide parks and well 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 called after its dozens of pure arches and is one among Utah’s most stunning locations to go to. It’s slightly below a 2-hour drive from Bluff, close to the valley’s north entrance. And you’ll take pleasure in gorgeous hikes to see the pure landmarks.
Look into nationwide park passes for a number of parks should you’d like to mix a number of of the nationwide parks close to Monument Valley.
9. Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument
This Nationwide Monument is without doubt one of the finest areas of pure magnificence inside the Navajo Nation. And as a bonus, it’s simply over an hour’s drive from Kayenta. You’ll be able to take guided excursions, study 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 automotive by the valley’s south entrance. The park is finest recognized 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 climbing or boating. Or sightsee different points of interest 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 without doubt 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 individual, try these widespread FAQs. These FAQs may offer you that additional info that transforms your journey.
Why is Monument Valley so well-known?
Hollywood has immortalized Monument Valley. Certain, its tradition and geology would have nonetheless attracted guests even when Hollywood hadn’t scouted it as a film set. Nevertheless, 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 inns, inns, and some points of interest.
Can you continue to drive via Monument Valley?
Sure, Monument Valley is open to drivers. The Monument Valley Loop Street is open all yr spherical, though it does limit its hours in winter, usually opening between 8 am and a pair of pm. The Scenic Drive is obtainable from 6 am till 8 pm in summer time.
Is Monument Valley in Utah or Arizona?
Monument Valley straddles the border, that means it’s formally in each Utah and Arizona, not only one or the opposite. Nevertheless, many of the park falls inside the state boundaries of Arizona.
Monument Valley is outstanding; there’s no doubting that. These 92,000 acres include a lot pure magnificence and tradition. You’ll be able to be taught concerning the Navajo Nation and pay for a guided tour to embrace Monument Valley with the Navajo individuals. You’ll be able to take a highway journey via Monument Valley through Freeway 163, passing Forrest Gump Level, Hollywood film scenes, and gorgeous rock formations. Or, you may 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 overlook.
You now know all the sensible info obligatory to arrange a visit to Monument Valley. We hope you’ve got a beautiful time and encourage you to increase your keep to understand the broader area and its surrounding points of interest. In want of some additional inspiration? These are essentially the most gorgeous locations to go to in Arizona. And now we have an entire information on Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ nationwide parks. Profit from visiting a vacation spot proper on the Utah-Arizona border.