Monument Valley in AZ is a stunningly beautiful and culturally rich region. It’s located on the border of Arizona and Utah in the United States. This region is known for its towering sandstone rock formations, which have been carved by the forces of wind and water over thousands of years. Additionally, it is home to the Navajo Nation. A Native American tribe that has lived in the region for centuries and whose history and culture are deeply intertwined with the land.
Visitors to Monument Valley Tribal Park can enjoy a number of things. Breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, learn about the history and traditions of the Navajo people, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this unique and unforgettable destination. Join us as we give you all the info you could possibly need to plan a visit to this magical place!
ABOUT MONUMENT VALLEY IN AZ
The history of Monument Valley Tribal Park is a rich and fascinating one. For centuries, the land was home to the Navajo people. These people developed a deep spiritual connection to the region’s towering sandstone formations, mesas, and buttes. What’s more, in the late 19th century, the U.S. government forcibly removed many Navajo people from their ancestral lands as part of a policy of forced relocation.
The area that is now Monument Valley Tribal Park, became a popular destination for tourists and filmmakers in the early 20th century. Many Hollywood Westerns were filmed in the area. In the 1950s, the Navajo Nation established the park to protect the land and preserve their cultural heritage. It has since become a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Today, visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Navajo people, as well as explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.
WHERE IS MONUMENT VALLEY LOCATED?
IS MONUMENT VALLEY IN ARIZONA OR UTAH?
Monument Valley Tribal Park is located on the border of the states of Arizona and Utah. Specifically, the park is located within the Navajo Nation Reservation. This area spans over 27,000 square miles across the states of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Monument Valley Tribal Park is situated about 16 miles west of the town of Mexican Hat, Utah, and about 51 miles northeast of the city of Kayenta, Arizona. See our map below for exact locations.
DRIVE TIME FROM:
- Phoenix- 5 hours
- Las Vegas – 6.5 hours
- Salt Lake City – 6 hours
- Albuquerque – 5 hours
- Denver – 8 hours
- Los Angeles – 9.5 hours
MAP OF THE MONUMENT VALLEY IN AZ
ENTRY TO MONUMENT VALLEY IN AZ
The entrance to the park, and where the hotel and looped scenic drive are located, are all in Arizona (barely). However, much of the land and reservation span well into Utah and New Mexico as mentioned above. The cost to enter is $8 per person, and allows you access to the scenic drive, The View Hotel, restaurant, campground and more.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR MONUMENT VALLEY?
There are several places to stay near Monument Valley Tribal Park that offer a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. One option is The View Hotel, which is located inside the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another option is the Goulding’s Lodge, which is located just outside the park and offers a range of rooms, suites, and cabins, as well as a restaurant and a museum. Lastly, another popular choice is the Monument Valley Tipi Village, which offers visitors the chance to stay in traditional Navajo-style tipis and learn about Navajo culture and traditions. Other nearby towns, such as Kayenta and Mexican Hat, also offer a range of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds.
THINGS TO DO AT MONUMENT VALLEY
There are plenty of things to do in Monument Valley Tribal Park that offer visitors a chance to experience the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular activities is taking a guided tour of the park. This allows visitors to learn about the history and traditions of the Navajo people, as well as see some of the park’s most iconic rock formations up close.
Alternatively, visitores can also go hiking or horseback riding in the park, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a sunrise or sunset over the park’s iconic mesas and buttes. These offer some of the most breathtaking views in the region. Other activities include visiting the Navajo Cultural Center, attending a Navajo dance performance, or shopping for traditional Navajo arts and crafts.
We opted to simply drive the looped scenic drive, which has 11 scenic viewpoints giving you incredible views of the buttes and mesas inside the park.
FORREST GUMP POINT
Forrest Gump Point, is a popular roadside attraction located on US Highway 163 in the Monument Valley region of southeastern Utah. This iconic spot is named after the famous scene from the movie Forrest Gump, in which the titular character is shown running across the country and then stopping to admire the view of Monument Valley from this very spot. Today, visitors can stop at the scenic overlook and take in the same breathtaking view, with panoramic vistas of the valley’s towering sandstone formations and wide-open skies. The spot has become a popular destination for tourists and photographers alike, and is an easy and accessible way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY
The best time to visit Monument Valley Tribal Park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and crowds are generally smaller. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the park’s wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is comfortable for hiking and other outdoor activities. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the park’s foliage takes on vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.
Winter can be a beautiful time to visit as well, with snow on the ground and fewer visitors. But it can also be quite cold and some roads may be closed due to inclement weather. Summer is the busiest time of year in the park. Even with hot temperatures and larger crowds, it can still be a good time to visit for those who don’t mind the heat and want to take advantage of longer daylight hours.
SEASONS
SPRING
- Avg Low temps: 37ºF / 3ºC
- Avg High temps: 60ºF / 16ºC
SUMMER
- Avg Low temps: 63ºF / 17ºC
- Avg High temps: 89ºF / 32ºC
FALL
- Avg Low temps: 59ºF / 15ºC
- Avg High temps: 83ºF / 28ºC
WINTER
- Avg Low temps: 28ºF / -2ºC
- Avg High temps: 45ºF / 7ºC
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED AT MONUMENT VALLEY TRIBAL PARK?
The amount of time needed to fully experience Monument Valley Tribal Park can vary depending on your interests and preferences. For those with limited time, a half-day tour of the park, or drive along the 17 mile scenic loop can provide a good overview of the main attractions, including the park’s iconic rock formations and scenic vistas.
However, for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, a full day or more is recommended. This allows visitors to explore the park’s hiking trails, take guided tours, attend Navajo cultural demonstrations, and experience the stunning sunrises and sunsets that the park is known for. Additionally, visitors who are interested in photography may want to spend even more time in the park to capture the changing light and shadows on the park’s stunning rock formations.
Overall, a visit to Monument Valley Tribal Park can be tailored to fit a wide range of schedules and interests. But most visitors find that they need at least a full day to truly appreciate all that the park has to offer.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
CELL PHONE SERVICE
Cell phone service inside the park and parking lot is quite spotty and limited, subject to your carrier. We found that between Verizon and T-Mobile, we had minimal service.
PET FRIENDLY?
No, Monument Valley Tribal Park is not pet friendly. Pets are prohibited at all park locations.
LEAVE NO TRACE & 10 HIKING ESSENTIALS
This park is full of unique landscapes and fragile environments, both for plant life, and animals alike. So it is incredibly important to practice the 7 PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE. And follow the posted signage and guidelines of the park. If you aren’t familiar with Leave No Trace, here’s a breakdown:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
There are additional and more in-depth details of what each of these means on the LNT website, so make sure to take a look at that!
Similarly, because of how harsh the weather conditions can be, and because there is virtually no cell-phone service anywhere, it is important to hike with the 10 Essentials of Hiking. If you aren’t familiar, here’s a breakdown:
- NAVIGATION – maps, guides, compass, GPS locator
- HEADLAMP – flashlight and extra batteries or charger
- SUN PROTECTION – body sunscreen, lip sunscreen, and clothing protection
- FIRST AID – including animal and bug repellents
- KNIFE – as well as knife repair kit
- FIRE – matches, lighter, tinder and striker
- SHELTER – tent, cover, or anything to protect and cover you
- FOOD – snacks and extra meal
- WATER – more than the minimum recommended amount
- CLOTHES – enough to handle night-time elements
Interested in knowing what gear we use for all our adventures? Check out our Rock Porch lockers which list all of the gear we use, and where to shop it!
VISITING MONUMENT VALLEY IN AZ
Let us know what you thought of this, if we missed anything, and if you plan on Monument Valley Tribal Park at some point, down below in our comments!
And if you’re looking for some other Arizona or National Park inspiration, check out some of our other articles:
- BEST HIKES IN SEDONA ARIZONA
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK IN ARIZONA
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
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Thanks for stopping by!
Ryan & Katy
