Visiting Monument Valley – Nature’s Masterpiece
Visiting Monument Valley is one of those road trips that is on nearly everyone’s bucket list. This short guide will tell you what you need to know about visiting Monument Valley in both Arizona and Utah.
Nature is the most prolific artist mankind has ever known—this is no more evident than in Monument Valley, which borders Arizona to the north and Utah to the south.
They say the greatest form of flattery is when ones work is copied, this is indisputable when it comes to Monument Valley, where artists of all kinds have come to capture the unique natural landscape sculpted out of earth for all to enjoy. The artwork of Mother Nature is not created in month, a year, or even a lifetime, but rather it takes hundreds of generations to unfold.
Many who visit Monument Valley will likely just drive through the sandstone sculpture-filled display along scenic Hwy 163, thinking that what is in front of them is the extent of the remarkable area. I too fell into this line of thinking the first time I visited. However, after a recent trip to Monument Valley, I discovered there is much more to see.
With exception to Hwy 163, there is only one other main road—and that is Monument Valley Road, which intersects 163. To the east of 163 is the main attraction and park, which is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. There is a $20 admission fee per car, which will take you to the visitors center and observation point where you will bear witness to some of the most iconic views of Monument Valley.
THE MONUMENT VALLEY DRIVE
Your entrance fee also permits you to drive a around a loop to get up-close to many of the monuments. However, this dirt road can be quite rugged and is best done with a 4-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle. If you do not wish to make the trek in your own car, there are several tour guide options to choose from.
The Valley Drive is 17 miles long, 13 of which is a one-way loop. While 17 miles may not seem very far, a typical trip will take 2-3 hours to complete, taking into account traffic and the various stops you will make for photos. The suggested speed limit is 15 mph to try and keep down the dust, however some places are too rocky and bumpy to go any faster, though other sections are quite smooth which will allow you to pick up the pace a bit.
The road can become busy during summer days, with queues at the major overlooks. Early morning is the preferred time to visit as the light is better for photography and there are far fewer people than later in the day. [Photography Note: From the observation area in the park the light is best later in the day.]
There is much to see along the Valley Drive, even if many of the views are of the same formations, the various angles look quite different from one side to the other. This part of Monument Valley is one of the most impressive large-scale landscapes anywhere in the Southwest, rivaling places like Bryce Canyon and Zion National parks for the variety of scenes to photograph. From massive mesas to tall spires and thin buttes, to the contrasting smooth orange sand, there is an impressive sight everywhere you look.
OTHER SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY
The western side of Hwy 163 is in Utah and is home to Goulding’s, a privately owned swath of land offering a variety of types of lodging and services. Nestled up against a massive butte, Goulding’s Lodge provides a completely different view and perspective of Monument Valley. It was the John Wayne movie “Stagecoach” that came out in the late 1930s that really put Goulding’s and Monument Valley on the proverbial map with tourists. Over the decades the area has hosted many film crews.
MONUMENT VALLEY LODGING
- Goulding’s offers several types of lodging, from traditional hotel rooms to larger apartments with full kitchen as well as a campground for tents or RVs.
- The View Hotel – This hotel is within the Park and also offers camping and cabins on the rim.
PARK HOURS
- May through September: 6am to 8pm
- October through April: 8am to 5pm
THINGS TO DO WHILE VISITING MONUMENT VALLEY
- Horseback Riding (Several outfitters and locations to ride).
- Hiking (Many different excursions to consider).
- Mud Huts (Traditional Navajo housing. A couple to explore at the park).
- Jeep Tour (Several outfitters, durations and locations).
- Sunset views from the visitor’s center/observation area.
- Wildcat Trail for an up-close view of the monuments (4-mile loop trail).
- Dark skies on a new moon.
TIPS
- Stay at least one night in the area, two is better.
- There is a glamping tent site a couple miles west of the park, while the accommodations are nice, the traffic noise is bad. For tent camping I would recommend Goulding’s, or, continue west past Goulding’s for primitive camping. RV camping would be good at either the Park or Goulding’s.
- Bring your own food. There is a small grocery store at Goulding’s for essential provisionals as well as a restaurant.
- Fill up before you get to the area for cheaper gas.
- Don’t miss the starry nights.
COSTS
- Lodging: $88 – $185/night depending on accommodation type. $270/night for rim cabins.
- Camping: $20 for a tent site, $45 for a glamping or RV site.
- Fuel costs outside of Monument Valley is around $2.40/gallon. At Goulding’s it is $2.67 as of 12/2017
- Park Entrance fee: $20 per car.
- Jeep tour rates: $75-$95 per person.
- Horseback riding: $70-$135 depending on the duration and tour outfit.
- Hiking tours: $75-$220 per person.
If you’ve ever been to Monument Valley, please leave a comment below and share your experience and/or favorite things to do.
Mike Shubic
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27 Comments
Very Informative! Absolutely loved it.
Thank you Jack! Glad you found it helpful.
How much hiking can you do without a guide? Can you even get up close to the monuments without driving or taking a guide?
Hi Travis…the easiest way to get up close to the monuments is by driving through the trail within the Navajo park itself. Otherwise the hikes can be quite far to many of them. Yes, you can hike without a guide and trails are easily found, but having a guide helps take all the guess work out. Hope you get a chance to go, it really is a special place.
Thanks Mike, very helpful!! Do you know if it’s possible to take the trails at night? I love night photography!
You’re welcome Mario. I don’t think it would be a problem at all, it’s a wide open area and not regulated. There may be one exception, unless you’re staying at one of the hotels in the actual park, you might not be able to enter at night as I assume they close the gates at some point. That said, there are monuments all over the place that are not within the official park. Hope that helps and that you make it there one day soon. Cheers, Mike
Hello Mike
It was a small visit in september 2015 during a tour in the Southwest of the Usa. But It was great to see and the next time we certainly will take a tour through Monument Valley. Also the other national Parks are beautiful and a compliment for you Americans, we spoken, for your kindness en hospitality.
My regards.
Leen Maassen
Hi Leen, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. So glad you enjoyed your trip. Hope you cane make it back to the States again soon, so much to see and do. All the best, Mike
Very helpful information.
Hi Denine…I’m so glad. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mike
That sunset pic is very cool.
My 86 year old dad has Monument Valley on his wish list. He’s a former marathoner and loves Western movies, so both are probably important to him.
My concern is that he’s unsteady on his feet and has begun to tire more easily. We’d be coming from Phoenix, if that makes any difference.
Can you make a more specific recommendation for folks who aren’t going to hike, but could spend a couple of days there if there’s enough for him to experience there?
Thanks so much….loved your insightful blog!
Hey Tina…that’s so cool that your dad has a wish list and that you are considering taking him. So much of Monument Valley can be seen by car, so that will be helpful. You could also reserve one of the Cabins at “The View.” http://monumentvalleyview.com I have not stayed there, but from what I saw, each has a wonderful view of the primary Monuments. I really think you could minimize his walking as so much can be seen by car. Hope that helps. All the best, Mike
Do you know if their dog friendly hotels? We’d be traveling from Phoenix and have to stay overnight.
I don’t know for sure, but I suspect there is one. Best best is to call directly. Hope you enjoy, it’s a wonderful area.
Practical questions — Are there any restrooms along the route in Monument Valley, or places to stop for water or gasoline?
Hey Amy. No, there are no places for gas other than on the east side of the only intersection in the area…at Goulding’s. There are restrooms at Goulding’s on the east side, and in the park on the west side. This is a very remote area. Hope that answers your questions. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Mike
We are currently in our RV at Gouldings. What a fabulous RV & Tent Campground. Beautiful scenes everywhere! A feast for the senses! We also did the Gouldings Basic tour today! Excellent tour! I would definitely return here!
Hi Char…so glad you are enjoying yourself. Monument Valley really is a magical place. Safe travels, Mike
My husband and I were at Monument Valley last week. It is a beautiful place. We attempted to drive our car down dirt road, big mistake. The road was rough and our muffler hit the rocks and dips. We didn’t get very far and turned around. We are an older couple, it was our first visit, lesson learned.
Hi Mary…I know exactly what road you likely went down, it is indeed a rough one for a low profile vehicle. I hope you enjoyed your time there. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience. Cheers, Mike
Thanks for your article. It’s been helpful planning a trip. We’re driving a Crosstrek out there, AWD with 8.7 inches of clearance. Think it’ll do well enough out there on that loop ?
Hi Kevin…I’m so glad. Yes, I think you’ll be fine. Hope you have a fantastic time. Thanks for stopping by. All the best, Mike
This is so on my bucket list, it looks and sounds like a heavenly place. Thanks for your helpful information.