Monument Valley Arizona: 1st Time Visitor Guide
Monument Valley Arizona is one of the most iconic and surreal landscapes in the American Southwest. With its towering sandstone buttes, wide desert plains, and cinematic red-rock views, it has captivated visitors, filmmakers, and photographers for decades. If it’s your first time visiting Monument Valley, this guide will help you plan your trip, find hidden gems, and create an unforgettable itinerary.
Overview
Monument Valley Tribal Park is located within the Navajo Nation on the Arizona-Utah border. It’s part of the official Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a protected area managed by the Navajo people. The valley’s iconic red mesas and buttes rise up to 1,000 feet above the desert floor and form a landscape that feels timeless. The area is deeply rooted in Native American culture and spirituality, and exploring it offers both scenic beauty and cultural enrichment.
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How to Get There
By Car: Monument Valley is remote. Most visitors arrive by car from one of the nearby towns or national parks. The closest major hubs are:
- Flagstaff, AZ (3.5–4 hours)
- Page, AZ (2.5 hours)
- Moab, UT (2.5 hours)
- Kayenta, AZ (30 minutes)
By Air: There are no major airports directly nearby. The closest airports are:
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
- Page Municipal Airport (PGA)
- Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures, blooming desert flowers, and fewer crowds.
- Fall (September to November): Cool, comfortable weather and ideal lighting for photography.
- Summer (June to August): Expect intense heat and larger crowds. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Winter (December to February): Quiet and peaceful with occasional snow, stunning for photos, but limited services.
Best time of day: Sunrise and sunset offer magical light and fewer crowds.
10 Best Things to Do in Monument Valley
On top of the following list of things to do, I also recommend this TripAdvisor page on Monument Valley for more visitor recommendations:
- Drive the Scenic Valley Drive: A 17-mile loop showcasing major rock formations like The Mittens, Elephant Butte, and Totem Pole. A 4WD is recommended.
- Take a Navajo-Guided Tour: Explore restricted areas like Mystery Valley or Hunts Mesa with Navajo guides who offer cultural insights and storytelling. View tour options.
- Visit the View Hotel & Overlook: One of the most iconic views of Monument Valley is right from the hotel’s patio. Excellent for sunrise and sunset.
- Photograph The Mittens: These two buttes are the most recognizable formations. They’re best captured during golden hour.
- Explore John Ford’s Point: Named after the famous director, this spot provides sweeping views and a classic Wild West feel.
- Stop at the Navajo Arts and Crafts Stores: Purchase handmade jewelry, pottery, and rugs from local artists.
- Watch the Sunset from Artist’s Point: A peaceful overlook that’s perfect for evening light.
- Experience Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies are breathtaking. Bring a telescope or wide-angle lens.
- Hike Wildcat Trail: The only self-guided trail in the valley, it loops around West Mitten Butte (3.2 miles round trip).
- Visit Goulding’s Lodge Museum: Learn about Monument Valley’s film history and see memorabilia from famous Western movies.
5 Hidden Gems
- Teardrop Arch Tour: A lesser-known but stunning spot accessible only via Navajo-guided tours.
- Ear of the Wind Arch: Tucked away from the main loop, this majestic arch is surrounded by dunes and silence.
- Hunts Mesa: For a panoramic overlook of Monument Valley’s buttes from above. Requires a guided overnight tour and high-clearance vehicle.
- Mystery Valley: Filled with ruins, petroglyphs, and hidden alcoves, only accessible through Navajo tours.
- Forrest Gump Point: Located on US-163 north of the park, it’s a famous roadside view made popular by the film Forrest Gump.
1–5 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive and settle in
- Sunset at The View Hotel overlook
Day 2:
- Sunrise Navajo-guided tour through Valley Drive
- Visit John Ford’s Point and Artist’s Point
- Evening hike on Wildcat Trail
Day 3:
- Teardrop Arch Tour or Goulding’s Museum
- Stargazing session
Day 4:
- Explore Mystery Valley with a guide
- Visit local Navajo markets
Day 5:
- Drive to Forrest Gump Point for sunrise
- Begin return journey or head to nearby Page or Moab
Packing List
You can get the majority of items on this list from my Amazon gear store:
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Layers (hot days, cool nights)
- Flashlight or headlamp for night walks
- Camera with extra batteries
- Binoculars (for wildlife and stargazing)
- Cash (some vendors don’t take cards)
- Lightweight snacks or food (limited food options inside the park)
- Park-approved trail map or offline GPS
Where to Stay
View closest hotels to Monument Valley
Things to Know Before You Go
- Respect Navajo Land: Always stay on designated roads and trails unless with a guide.
- No drones allowed unless you have special tribal permission.
- Cell service is spotty, so download maps and info ahead of time.
- Entry fee is separate from national parks passes (around $8/person).
- Weather changes fast, so be prepared for sun, wind, or sudden rain.
- Photography is welcomed, but always ask for permission before taking pictures of people or ceremonies.
- Pets are not allowed on most trails or tours.
- Gas stations are limited in the area, fill up before arriving.
Related
Final Thoughts
Monument Valley Arizona is not just a scenic stop, it’s a cultural experience that connects you to the land, stories, and traditions of the Navajo people. Whether you’re driving through or staying for several days, the combination of vast desert beauty and spiritual presence will stay with you long after you leave Monument Valley Tribal Park. With this first time visitor guide, you’ll have everything you need to make your trip smooth, respectful, and unforgettable.
