*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Monument Valley is one of those places that hardly feels real—towering sandstone buttes, endless desert horizons, and skies that shift from soft pastels at dawn to fiery red at sunset.
It’s no wonder this Navajo Tribal Park has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and photographs!
Tim and I visited Monument Valley as part of our Southwest U.S. road trip, after exploring Canyonlands, Arches, and the rest of Utah’s Mighty Five.
We only had one full day here, but wow—what a day! From watching sunrise at the famous Forrest Gump Point to driving the incredible 17-mile scenic loop, it was one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
In this guide, I’ll share our one-day Monument Valley itinerary and walk you through everything you need to know for your own visit—how to get there, where to stay, best stops on the scenic drive, and nearby destinations worth adding to your road trip.
Whether you’re coming from Moab, Page, Las Vegas, or somewhere else in the U.S. Southwest, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Monument Valley.
Monument Valley Overview
Monument Valley is the picture of the American Southwest, with a dramatic skyline that’s instantly recognizable.
From John Wayne Westerns filmed by director John Ford—which cemented its image as the “Old West”—to Forrest Gump and countless commercials, the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park has become one of the most iconic and most photographed destinations in the world.
The Navajo name translates to “valley of the rocks,” a fitting description for a landscape shaped over millions of years by wind and water. The largest buttes rise nearly 1,000 feet above the valley floor!
The valley lies within the Navajo Nation, and for the Diné people, these formations carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Visiting isn’t just about the views—it’s about experiencing Monument Valley as living, sacred land.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Info
Monument Valley is located on the Arizona–Utah border, about 30 minutes from Mexican Hat, Utah, and just under 2 hours from Page, Arizona.
Entry Fees
At the time of writing, it costs $8 per person to enter the park. Check the official Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park website before your visit, as fees can change.
Hours of Operation
- Park/Administration Office: Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm; Lunch break 12 to 1 pm
- Scenic Drive Winter Hours: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm; Last entry at 2:30 pm
- Scenic Drive Summer Hours: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm; Last entry at 4:30 pm
- Monument Valley Closures: All major holidays are observed in accordance with the Navajo Nation, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day
Facilities
There are restrooms available year-round. In summer, the Haskenneini Restaurant is open for dining. At the time of our visit in November, the snack bar and gift shop were open.
Guided Tours
We didn’t have time for a guided tour during our visit, but if I could do it again, I’d absolutely book one!
Navajo guides share stories, traditions, and perspectives that add so much depth beyond the stunning views.
Plus, they can take you to areas not accessible on the self-drive loop, like Mystery Valley or Hunts Mesa, which are famous for their dramatic sunrises and starry night skies.
👉 Here are some awesome Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park tours in case you have more time!
Respect the Land
Monument Valley is more than just a photo spot—it’s a sacred place for the Navajo people.
Please stay on designated roads, don’t climb on formations, and never remove rocks or artifacts. Photography is encouraged, but drone use requires special permits.
Best Time to Visit Monument Valley
Monument Valley has a classic desert climate—hot summers, cold winters, and big swings between day and night temperatures thanks to its high elevation.
- Spring (March–May): One of the best times to visit. Days are warm but not too hot, wildflowers sometimes dot the desert, and skies are often clear.
- Fall (September–October): Another ideal season with comfortable temps, golden sunsets, and smaller crowds than summer.
- Summer (June–August): Hot (often in the 90s or 100s) and dusty. Guided jeep tours can feel intense under the blazing sun, so bring lots of water, hats, and sunscreen.
- Winter (November–February): Cold mornings and the chance of snow, but also the quietest time to experience Monument Valley. Some facilities have shorter hours, but you’ll often get the views to yourself.
We visited in early November and thought it was perfect! Mornings were crisp (jacket weather), afternoons were warm enough for a t-shirt, and the crowds were almost nonexistent.
We did the scenic loop in our rental SUV, so we weren’t too impacted by the chill, but if you’re booking an open-air jeep tour, be prepared with layers.
And no matter when you go, sunrise and sunset are magical here. Watching the sandstone buttes glow fiery red in the changing light was one of the highlights of our entire Southwest road trip!
How to Get to Monument Valley
Monument Valley is about as “middle of nowhere” as it gets—but that’s part of the charm!
We visited as part of our Southwest road trip that started in Las Vegas and wound through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Escalante, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and finally Monument Valley.
The drive itself is a highlight—endless open roads and wide desert views.
A Broad Recommendation: We rented a car in Las Vegas, booking Fox Rent A Car through Expedia. We’ve generally had great experiences with Fox, and the total cost was just under $700 for 11 days.
Here’s how long it takes to reach Monument Valley from popular starting points:
- From Canyonlands (Island in the Sky): ~3.5 hours (176 miles). This is where we were coming from!
- From Arches National Park: ~3 hours. Monument Valley is a natural add-on after Arches or Canyonlands.
- From Page, AZ: ~2 hours. Perfect if you’re also visiting Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend.
- From Las Vegas, NV: ~6.5 hours. Many travelers pair this route with Valley of Fire, Zion, and Bryce Canyon (like we did!).
- From Salt Lake City, UT: ~6.5 hours south.
- From Phoenix, AZ or Albuquerque, NM: ~5 hours each. Closer than Vegas/SLC, but often with fewer flight options. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place in October each year, if you’re planning to time your visit around that!
A Broad Recommendation: No matter where you’re coming from, download Google offline maps, fill up your gas tank beforehand, and carry extra water, snacks, and warm clothes. Cell service is very limited once you leave larger towns.
Where to Stay in Monument Valley
Given how remote it is, options are limited—but memorable.
We stayed at Goulding’s Lodge, just outside the park.
Established in 1923 by Harry Goulding and his wife “Mike,” this spot is practically a self-contained village with:
- Restaurant with amazing views
- Pool & gym
- Grocery store and gift shop
- Gas station
- Small museum and theater with local history
- RV park and campground
- Even a private airstrip!
They also arrange Navajo-guided tours, which is a huge plus if you want to explore beyond the self-drive scenic loop.
We booked through Hotels.com and spent around $150 for the night.
Other options include:
- The View Hotel: Inside the park, with rooms overlooking the Mittens—one of the most iconic stays in the Southwest.
- RV & Camping: Goulding’s has campgrounds, or you can book a site at The View Campground for stargazing right in the park.
A Broad Recommendation: I book through Hotels.com for the loyalty perks—you get OneKeyCash that can be used on future bookings through Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo. I also use Rakuten at checkout to snag a little cashback—because who doesn’t love saving on travel?
One-Day Monument Valley Itinerary
We spent less than 24 hours in Monument Valley, but we managed to pack in some unforgettable experiences.
If you’re short on time like we were, here’s a suggested itinerary that captures the highlights:
Sunset at Goulding’s Lodge
If you get in the evening before, head to the restaurant at Goulding’s Lodge for dinner with a view.
Grab a window seat (or step outside afterward) and watch the sun dip behind the iconic buttes.
The sandstone glows a fiery red at sunset—it’s the perfect welcome to Monument Valley.
Sunrise at Forrest Gump Point
The next morning, start early with a drive to Forrest Gump Point, one of the most iconic roadside views in the American Southwest.
This is where the famous movie scene was filmed, with Monument Valley’s buttes rising dramatically in the distance.
We spent a while driving back and forth to find the perfect spot, but it was worth it. Catching a sunrise here is definitely one of those pinch-me moments!
A Broad Recommendation: Bring a selfie stick or tripod, so you can capture the full scene without cutting off the road behind you. We also used ours throughout the 17-mile scenic loop—more on that next!
Drive the 17-Mile Scenic Loop
After sunrise, make your way into the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to drive the incredible 17-mile scenic loop road.
This self-guided drive features 11 designated stops, each with its own breathtaking view or story.
You’ll get a map when you pay the entry fee, but here’s my detailed breakdown of what you’ll see (in the order you’ll see them) and what we loved most!
A Broad Recommendation: Take your time—this drive isn’t about rushing from point to point. It’s about soaking in one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.
Stop 1: The Mittens & Merrick Butte
You’ll start your drive with one of the most iconic views in Monument Valley—the one you’ll recognize instantly from postcards and movies.
The East and West Mitten Buttes look like giant hands rising out of the desert, and according to Navajo tradition, they represent spiritual beings watching over the valley.
Honestly, these set the tone for the entire drive!
Nearby is Merrick Butte, named after prospector Jack Merrick, and along with Mitchell Mesa, it carries a somber story. Local legend says Merrick and his partner were killed while searching for silver in the valley, and the mine was never rediscovered.
💡 Fun fact: A butte is smaller than a mesa and in its second stage of erosion (more on mesas later!).
Stop 2: Elephant Butte
As the road veers to the right, you’ll spot Elephant Butte, a massive sandstone formation perched on a red ridge.
It doesn’t take much imagination to see how it got its name—its shape really does resemble an elephant, complete with a trunk-like slope.
I couldn’t help but smile when I saw it…what do you think—elephant, or something else?
Stop 3: The Three Sisters
Next up is the Three Sisters, a striking trio of spires believed to resemble a Catholic nun with her two pupils.
Of course, I couldn’t resist joining in the fun and posed as the “fourth sister” for a quick photo!
Stop 4: John Ford’s Point
One of the most famous viewpoints in Monument Valley, John Ford’s Point is named after the Hollywood director who filmed several Westerns here (including Stagecoach and The Searchers).
This spot made John Wayne a household name and cemented Monument Valley as the backdrop for the Old West.
Standing here, it’s easy to see why Ford fell in love with this landscape—it feels cinematic in every direction.
⚠️ Note: After this stop, the road becomes one-way.
Stop 5: Camel Butte
Next up: Camel Butte is shaped like (you guessed it) a camel and rises more than 1,000 feet above the desert, making it one of the tallest points on the scenic drive.
We stopped for a quick photo, but it’s really the camel-like silhouette that makes it memorable.
From here, the dirt road splits—be sure to stay on the designated self-guided scenic drive route to continue your loop.
Stop 6: Rain God Mesa & The Hub
At the center of the valley sits Rain God Mesa, where Navajo medicine men are said to have prayed for rain.
It feels powerful standing here, knowing the cultural and spiritual importance of this site.
Nearby, The Hub is a 150-foot-tall spire said to resemble the central fireplace of a Hogan (a traditional Navajo home)—another reminder that these formations hold deep meaning beyond their striking shapes.
💡 Fun fact: Mesa means table in Spanish, and these formations are wide, flat, and in the first stage of erosion.
Stop 7: Bird Spring
A lesser-known, quieter stop, Bird Spring overlooks rolling sand dunes and a natural aquifer where water seeps out beneath the sandstone.
It’s less dramatic than some of the other viewpoints but still a peaceful place to pause and take in the desert landscape.
Stop 8: Totem Pole & Yei Bi Chei
The Totem Pole is a tall, slender spire, standing proudly with Hunts Mesa in the background.
Next to it, Yei Bi Chei is said to resemble Navajo spiritual dancers emerging from a Hogan.
Together, these formations are striking—especially in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon when the rocks glow.
💡 Fun fact: A spire is the final stage of erosion. Once the sandstone wears away, only the crumbly Organ Rock base remains—the most vulnerable layer.
This stop is one of the most unique spots on the drive and a great place for wide-angle shots.
Stop 9: Artist’s Point
Next up was one of our favorite stops of the drive and one of the most photogenic spots in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
Artist’s Point offers panoramic views of the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and the desert stretching endlessly across the horizon.
It honestly felt like standing in front of a painting—hence the name, I suppose!
From here, you’ll also spot Spearhead Mesa, attached to a spire that looks like the tip of a spear.
We spent the most time here, eating our packed lunch and just soaking in the incredible views.
Stop 10: North Window
The North Window viewpoint frames Elephant Butte and Cly Butte in the distance, creating a natural “window” across the valley.
Cly Butte is named after a well-known Navajo medicine man, who is said to be buried at its base.
This is another spot that made me stop and just say, “wow.”
We could’ve spent all afternoon taking in this view!
Stop 11: The Thumb
Your last stop on the Scenic Drive is The Thumb, which really does look like a giant thumb poking out of the desert floor (though some say it resembles a cowboy boot!).
Either way, it’s a fun, fitting finale to wrap up your 17-mile scenic drive.
A Broad Recommendation: Note that you don’t need 4WD to drive the scenic loop, but the road is unpaved and bumpy in spots. We rented an SUV and had no trouble. If you’re in a low-clearance car, just take it slow.
Other Things to Do in Monument Valley
If you have more than one day in Monument Valley, here are a few extra activities worth adding to your itinerary:
Hike the Wildcat Trail
The Wildcat Nature Walk is the only self-guided hiking trail inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
It’s a 3.2-mile loop that circles West Mitten Butte, giving you an up-close look at the formations you’ve admired from a distance.
This is at the top of my list for next time!
Take a Guided Navajo Tour
While the scenic drive is incredible, there are areas of Monument Valley that you can only see with a Navajo guide—like Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park guided tours also give you deeper insight into Navajo culture, history, and stories tied to the land.
If you have time, I highly recommend booking one (many tours leave from Goulding’s Lodge or the Tribal Park Visitor Center).
Visit Nearby Attractions
Just outside Monument Valley, you’ll find Valley of the Gods, often described as a “mini Monument Valley” with equally stunning rock formations but far fewer crowds.
Nearby, the quirky Mexican Hat Rock formation is another quick stop—it really does look like a giant sombrero balanced on a pedestal!
Though we didn’t have time for these add-ons during our quick visit, they would make fantastic extensions if you’re spending more than a day in the Monument Valley area.
Tips for Visiting Monument Valley
To help you make the most of your visit, here are some additional tips for visiting the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park:
- Arrive early: Vehicle entry to the 17-mile scenic loop is limited, and mornings offer the best light for photography.
- Self-drive vs guided tours: You can drive the loop in your own car, but for access to restricted areas, you’ll need a Navajo-guided tour (highly recommended if you have extra time).
- 2WD vs 4WD: The main loop road is unpaved but generally manageable with a standard car. That said, a higher-clearance SUV makes the ride smoother.
- Pack smart: Bring water, snacks, and layers—temperatures can swing dramatically, and services are limited inside the park.
- Restrooms: Available at Visitor Center and a few pull-offs (but don’t count on these).
- Respect Navajo Nation rules: Stay on designated roads, don’t climb formations, and note that drones are prohibited.
- Leave No Trace: Stay on marked roads and trails and pack out all trash.
Route from Monument Valley to Page, AZ
The next stop on our Southwest U.S. road trip was Page, Arizona—home to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell.
From Monument Valley, it’s about a 2-hour drive:
- Take US-163 S for just under 24 miles.
- Turn right onto US-160 W and follow it for 32 miles.
- Then turn right onto AZ-98 W for 64 miles into Page.
If you detour to Valley of the Gods or Mexican Hat before heading south, expect your drive to take closer to 3 hours.
Note that you’ll gain an hour on your way to Page because Arizona doesn’t observe daylight savings time, but the Navajo Nation does.
👉 Planning to add Page to your Southwest road trip? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Page, Arizona for all the details!
Final Thoughts on One Day in Monument Valley
Our time in Monument Valley ended up being one of the highlights of our entire Southwest road trip.
Even though we only spent about a day here, it felt unforgettable—watching sunrise at Forrest Gump Point, driving the scenic loop, and soaking in views that felt straight out of a movie.
What I loved most was how Monument Valley connected seamlessly to the rest of our trip.
Coming straight from Canyonlands and Arches, it felt like the journey was building toward this moment.
And from here, we continued on to Page, Arizona and eventually back toward Valley of Fire and Las Vegas.
If you’re planning a Southwest road trip, definitely make room for Monument Valley on your itinerary. It’s one of those places that lives up to the hype—and then some!
👉 Next up on your trip? Don’t miss my guides to Page, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, and Valley of Fire State Park, plus my full Utah Mighty Five road trip itinerary.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!
wpDiscuz