Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landmarks in the southwest. Here’s what to expect on your visit to the valley.
Where is Monument Valley located?
Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Nation on the border between northeastern Arizona and southeastern Utah.
How much does it cost to visit?
Entry into the park is $8 per person. Because this is a tribal park and not part of the National Parks system, an America the Beautiful pass is not valid for entry.
Where to Stay
Given the location’s remoteness and the fact that sunrise and sunset are some of the most incredible times to view Monument Valley, it’s recommended to stay overnight.
The View is the only hotel located within the boundaries of the park. The property offers both hotel rooms and cabins…each with it’s own view of Monument Valley.
Other options in the surrounding area include Goulding’s Lodge (hotel rooms and RV/campground) and Monument Valley KOA Journey (RV/campground only).
Where to Eat
Food options at Monument Valley are limited. Both The View and Goulding’s have restaurants available on site. Linda’s Red Trailer offers great fry bread and other food options. Other food trucks are sometimes located on the highway near the Welcome Center. Goulding’s also offers a small convenience/grocery store to restock your cooler.
What to Do
Because this is a tribal park on Navajo land, you are limited in what you are able to do on your own without a guide. Check out these great activities you can enjoy while you’re at Monument Valley:
Drive the scenic loop road: You are able to self-drive the 17-mile scenic loop road if you desire. The Visitor Center offers a handout that highlights all the major sights along the way. Be warned, this road is NOT paved and can be quite rough depending on weather conditions.
Go hiking: The Wildcat Trail is an approximately 4-mile, self-guided trail which leaves from the visitor center parking lot and gets up up close to East Mitten Butte. Leashed dogs are welcome and the trail is shared with horseback riders. Though relatively flat, the trail includes areas of deep sand and offers limited shade which makes the trail moderately challenging.
Take a backcountry tour: One of the most popular things to do while you’re at Monument Valley is to take a guided tour of the Valley and/or surrounding areas (such as Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa). You can book a tour in advance (utilizing this list of authorized tour operators) or join one once you arrive. Multiple lengths of tours are offered, from approximately one hour to all day. Note that many of these tours utilize safari-style vehicles which can be rough and dusty at times. Some tour operators do offer enclosed vehicles, but these must be arranged in advance.
Go horseback riding: Horseback riding is another popular choice which allows you to get off the road and up close to the buttes. Horseback riding should be booked in advance and you can use this list of authorized tour operators to help make arrangements.
Learn more at the visitor center: Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the valley and the surrounding area. There’s even a small exhibit on the Navajo Code Talkers.
Watch sunrise/sunset: Sunrise and sunset are some of the most dynamic times in the valley as the changing light shifts across the buttes. If you’re staying at The View, you can enjoy the show from the comfort of your own private balcony or porch. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a spot on the public observation deck.
Watch a movie: Over the years, Monument Valley has been a popular location for filming Westerns. Both The View and Goulding’s offer nightly screenings of old Western films. Goulding’s also shows educational films about the area in their theater.
Visit the Goulding’s Museum: Goulding’s Lodge includes a small, free (donations appreciated) museum onsite which includes information about the history of the region, the site’s use as a trading post, and movies shot in the valley.
