Treasures of Monument Valley

Monument Valley, one of the most spectacular sights in the southwestern United States, is located in northeast Arizona although the entrance is actually in Utah. There is only one main road through Monument Valley, US 163, which links Kayenta, AZ with US 191 in Utah. Map

Park Address: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, P.O. Box 360289, Monument Valley, Utah 84536.

Phone: 435.727.5874/5870 or 435.727.5875

Getting There

To reach Monument Valley, you will travel primarily along US 163, linking Kayenta, AZ with US 191 in Utah. Moreover, approaching from the north provides the most recognizable image of the valley. Monument Valley is approximately a 6-hour drive from Phoenix and less than 2 hours from Lake Powell. A recommended route is to drive to Canyon de Chelly the first night, stay at Thunderbird Lodge, and then make your way to Monument Valley the following day. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and restful trip for those traveling from Phoenix.

Monument Valley and the Navajo Experience

Visitors often recognize the iconic rock formations of Monument Valley; however, there is much more to explore and experience. It is essential to note that Monument Valley is not a State or National Park; it is a Navajo Tribal Park, where Navajo families have lived for generations. Learning about the Navajo culture and heritage is as enriching as touring the remarkable monuments themselves.

Through tours with Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours, you will gain insights from a Navajo guide who will share information about Monument Valley’s geology and the customs of the Dineh (Navajo) people.

What to See and Do

Stop at the Visitors Center – The Visitor’s Center offers stunning views overlooking the valley and includes facilities such as restrooms, a restaurant, and a well-stocked gift shop. Visitors can explore various exhibits detailing the Navajo Nation, the Navajo Code Talkers, and the historical context of the area.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center Hours:
Summer (May-Sept): 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Spring (Mar – Apr): 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Take a Tour

Upon arriving at the Visitor Center parking lot, you will notice a variety of tour vehicles, including jeeps, vans, and trucks. Additionally, a small wooden building provides opportunities for horseback tours. Although driving your own car into the valley is possible, taking a guided tour is highly recommended. Guides offer valuable knowledge and a chance to learn from a Navajo individual, typically a local. You can choose the duration of your tour and decide on particular interests, whether a few hours or overnight experiences in a hogan. For further details, visit the website of Simpson’s for information on available tours.

Soak in the Beauty

For photography enthusiasts, the best time to visit is during July or August when the monsoon season brings more dramatic clouds. Monument Valley is breathtaking at sunset or dawn, with the sun rising behind buttes, painting the sky with rich colors. The sunset from the Visitor Center provides an excellent opportunity to capture the beauty of Monument Valley. A mapped 17-mile drive allows you to immerse yourself in the landscapes, revealing many picturesque spots along the way. Therefore, taking a guided tour is highly suggested for an enriching experience.

Stay Overnight in Monument Valley

To experience the tranquility and beauty of Monument Valley, consider an overnight stay. The new VIEW Hotel offers stunning vistas. Simpson’s also presents overnight packages in traditional hogans owned by relatives.

The Mitten View Campground features 99 sites, including accommodations for RVs. The night skies around Monument Valley are exceptional; the stars shine brightly, and observers can appreciate the constellations and the Milky Way with remarkable clarity.

Go Shopping

Throughout Monument Valley, you will discover stands and tables set up with local jewelry and pottery for sale. These vendors offer affordable souvenirs, and haggling is welcome. For more significant collectibles, the gift shop at the Visitor Center showcases exquisite jewelry, rugs, and typical tourist items.

Delve Into Monument Valley History

Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau. Its landscape is primarily made up of siltstone and sand, deposited by meandering rivers that have shaped the valley. The striking red color seen throughout comes from iron oxide in the weathered siltstone. Erosion has slowly revealed the stunning monuments we see today.

Countless films have been shot in Monument Valley, notably those produced by John Ford. Archaeological records indicate over 100 ancient Anasazi sites exist, dating back to before A.D. 1300. The Anasazi abandoned the region during the 1300s, and while it is unclear when the Navajo first settled, they have traditionally herded sheep and cultivated crops in the area. Monument Valley remains a small portion of the expansive 16 million-acre Navajo Reservation, with its residents constituting only a fraction of over 300,000 Navajo people.