A red-sand desert landscape on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley, is famous for its towering sandstone hills of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The park welcomes its visitors with magnificent and breathtaking views of Utah. To feel the majesty and grandeur of this incredible beauty, drive through the 17-mile dirt road passing Yei-bi-chai, North Window, the Mitten Buttes, Three Sisters, and the slender 500-foot-high dart, Totem Pole.
Where is Monument Valley?
Near the Four Corners region, the Monument Valley’s sandstone buttes are situated on the Northern border of Arizona and Southeast Utah. This iconic stretch of land is a piece of the Navajo Indian Nation housing the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
What to See in Monument Valley?
Drive Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway
Monument Valley is the heart of a journey along the Ancients Scenic Byway trail, covered with spectacular and panoramic views in all directions. Tour along the ancients’ Trail and visit Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum, Hovenweep National Monument, Four Corners Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument.
Gaze upon More Unusual Geology near Mexican Hat
Around 20 miles northeast of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, you’ll find the Mexican Hat town named after its rock formation. According to local legends, the city narrates a young Mexican cowboy’s love for a Native American maiden, unfortunately, married to a wicked old medicine man. The medicine man turned the young boy to stone when the affair was uncovered. Make sure to tour around and explore the wilderness. The Mexican Hat is a tempting summit and a breathtaking experience for professional rock climbers.
Hike the Wildcat Trail
Interested in nature, history, and the Wild West, this 4-mile hiking trail is the best option where you feel like stepping back in time. Walk around some of the most scenic areas and most stunning rock buttes in the park. The world-class scenery of Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided path offering a walk through the world-famous Merrick Butte and Mitten Buttes.
See a Sunrise Over Monument Valley
The silence of the desert at dawn is enchanting and magical. The long shadows of early morning sunlight highlight the twisting curves of a canyon vista carved over tens of thousands of years by largely invisible forces. Let your mind wander and fantasize what it must have been like passing over these landscapes a hundred and fifty years ago. Indulge into the stillness and peacefulness where you’ll find no cell phones, no cars, and no blacktop highway. And stare at the sunrise over Monument Valley.
Soak up Monument Valley’s Dark Skies
If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of urban life, make sure to head up to Monument Valley. Stop the car by the road edge, turn off the engine, and get off into the vast blanket of desert, where you’ll find the solitude and stillness of the mesas. Make sure to stay up for a night under the spectacular dark sky of Monument Valley and snap some of the best unforgettable moments in your mind.
Tour Monument Valley Drive
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park welcomes its visitors with some of the most famous and magnificent vistas in Utah. Drive through the 17-mile dirt path to see the Monument Valley majesty and grandeur and pass notable features of Three Sisters, North Window, Totem Pole, Mitten Buttes, and Yei-bi-chai. You’ll find angular rocks in Monument Valley resembling a quiet stone city full of architectural cupolas, domes, cathedrals, and skyscrapers.
Other Things to Do
- Valley of the Gods
- Goosenecks State Park
- Teardrop Arch
- Mystery Valley
- Forrest Gump Point
How to Get to Monument Valley?
Visitors are offered multiple access ways to Monument Valley. It’s important to note that the landscape is out in the wilderness, not exactly close to any large city. The most convenient trip way to Monument Valley is a part of a southwest road trip itinerary. The nearest major airport is Farmington airport in New Mexico.
When to Visit Monument Valley?
Summer remains out of the list of the best visiting time for its hot temperatures as outdoor activities will be challenging. You’ll face colder climates in winter, from December to February. Imagine the red monuments spotted with white snow under the bright blue, white, and red sky of the United States. If you’re lucky enough, you may be surprised with a sprinkle of snow on a winter visit. The most pleasant weather to visit Monument Valley is Spring and Fall.
