Monument Valley Tribal Park

I sort of waited til the last minute to book the tour, because it was the most daunting excursion of our vacation. I chose well in the end and we had an absolutely stellar guide! The place is so incredibly beautiful, and the back country seems to whisper to you from the past. I would 100% recommend this to anyone.

Surreal and magical place. You have seen it on pictures many times but seeing it for real is something else. The road needs some work though, the terrain is really rough. I get that they want you to pay for a tour on their 4x4's but even then it must be uncomfortable.

We arrived about 6:00 AM on 4/26/25 to catch the sunrise. We had a tour arranged by our guide Paul. Shane Holiday was our guide. He arrived early and we started our tour in an open bench seat vehicle. Shane paused at all the best photo places and even used our cameras and help us position ourselves just right for the very best photo memories. We learned much about the Navajo culture from Shane, who is Navajo himself. We left the park with a sense of wonder for the power of nature as well as quiet a bit of new knowledge regarding what movies have been filmed at the park, ant which famous actors were there during filming. I highly recommend the visit in the early morning for the rich colors. Consider booking a tour with Fun Tours and request Paul R.

Visiting monument valley is truly amazing and a bucket list item. I suggest getting a tour rather than driving on the dirt roads as some of the tours can get you into the back country. The rocks light up during the sunset. I think some forget about it since it's not a national park but it's just as good if not better

Omg not to be missed,.the home of john wayne, definitely take the truck tour as you cant see everything from the visitors centre

A bit of a tourist trap, but definitely worth a visit. For $8/person one can take the valley drive on an unpaved and rough road, or just park in the parking lot and take a hike or one of the many paid park tours. Keep the receipt; you can leave the area and come bak the same day on it. In summer they open at 7am and I recommend being there early before the crowds to enjoy the scenery undisturbed. The last entry to the drive is at 6pm (summer) and the park closes at 8pm. There are no unguided hikes allowed from the drive so all you can do is to drive from one viewpoint to another, enjoy the views and take pictures. In a slow pace it can take 2-3 hours max. You will need a high clearance vehicle. I felt sorry for the regular sedans driving on the rocky and bumpy roads. Don't expect any learning. There are no interpretative trails nor signs there.

Astonishing. My top tips for a great visit. 1. Stay at Gouldings, great food, free swimming pool, free western cinema, and just a short drive. 2. Pay for a guide to drive the loop and visit the back country. Your rental won’t be insured and you can’t visit the back country without one. Be warned though you don’t get very long at each stop so pay for the longest one you can afford. 3. Hike the wild cat trail. It’s a 5 km fantastic walk which gets you close to the buttes at your own pace. It’s free. 4. Get to the view for the hour before sunset and stay for 30 mins afterwards. The light is incredible and changes the whole scene. 5 Watch an old western before you go, stage coach, she wore a yellow ribbon.

Not worth it because the roads are not paved. You have to pay to go to the visitors center and then pay to go on a tour because most vehicles are not equipped to handle the type of terrain it is.

The hub for where the marathon was held. We stopped by the day before the marathon to pick up everything from registration. It was dark so we didn't get a chance to see the view outside. They do have an amazing gift store on the property. Everything you could think of, they had. Amazing handmade tribal jewelry, apparel, loads of potteries, handmade quilts and so on. There were so much amazing and beautiful pieces available. All the staff were amazing and very friendly. The next morning, the day of the marathon we were able to see what this place was all about. There's an entree fee per person when you come in. We were dropping someone off for the marathon so we got waived the fee. The view alone is spectacular. There's a decent size parking lot infront of the visiting center. From there, the million dollar view of the monument and valley. The beauty of the red sand and rock. It's just so astounding how nature can be. There's also a tour company that you can check out. They take you out on their truck and go through the valley. Not sure what the price and timeframe of the tour is. Later that afternoon it was pickup time from the marathon. This time, we enjoyed just sitting there and taking in all scene. As it's in the reservation, there's no alcoholic beverage available. They only had non alcoholic drinks. So that will do while sitting there and just staring out at the view. Sitting there and not even saying a word. Just starring out at nature. The beauty all around. I think hiking trails are nearby. We only experience it from afar which was perfect. A beauty that nature created.

This landmark was made of sandstone buttes that are sacred to the Navajo tribes . Very impressive to know the history of this magnificent features located in plateau of the Colorado region of Arizona and Utah. Drove from Page Arizona 2 hours travel but worth to see. Entrance fee was required, only vans , 4 wheel transportation allowed inside the park. It takes about 2 hours to see the whole park. Be careful the road is rough and bumpy. The most famous landmark were the West Mitten , East Mitten and Merrill Buttes. The road where Forrest Gump the movie ran and decided to stopped. The visitor's information center was really nice , people helped to navigate and gift shops for souvenirs. Great historical place to see in USA.

Words cannot do justice to the beauty and grandeur of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It is administered and cared for by the Navajo Nation and aptly called "Where the earth meets the sky." Most folks visit by taking the one-way 15 mile scenic drive through the Park; I suggest also taking a Navajo guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area. The scenery is unbeatable; there's a reason so many movies have been filmed in Monument Valley. The admission fee is $8 at the moment. If you're into geology, history, and natural beauty, make the trip. It's worth it.

What can I say about this location but "WOW"!!!.. What a place to visit. I actually met people from other countries who had come to specifically see Monument Valley. A nice Chinese couple insisted on taking a picture with me and the valley in the background, only saying "Biker, please?" since I was in my biker leathers and club kutte. I actually sat for a few hours on a wall overlooking the valley, pondering the forces that had to pass through to create this natural wonder. There's also a hotel which would probably be pricey but possibly worth it to see the sun rise or set at the valley.

So beautiful!!!!!! This the park where all the old-timey westerns were filmed. If you thought the scenery in those films was stunning, you need to visit and see it for yourself! Probably the most famous/iconic rock formations in the American west (commonly known as The Mittens) are found here. This park is out of the way, situated on a rural highway (163) between Bluff, Utah and Tuba City, Arizona. We usually start in Moab and make our way past here on our way to Flagstaff. You don't need a jeep to drive around the park, but you should definitely have a vehicle with a good suspension, as the roads aren't paved and many have ruts. There is an admission fee, and because it is NOT a National Park, you cannot use a National Park pass. Depending on the time of year, and time of day, John Ford Point, named for the famous director of movie westerns, may or may not have 1 or 2 small food trucks selling things like coffee, sodas, Indian fry bread, and Indian tacos. There may also be a horse that you can have your picture taken on, as you look off John Ford point, just like a movie cowboy. Occasionally, there may be a few people selling Indian made goods. The views are amazing, whether looking out at the vegetation, or at the many different rock formations. When the sun hits that red sandstone, it produces an incredible wow factor! The hotel on the property has a nice sized gift shop, with lots of different authentic Navajo goods, as well as the typical t-shirts, magnets and postcards. Most of it is good quality, not mass marketed stuff. Incidentally, highway 163 was where Forrest Gump decided that he wasn't going to run anymore, and it has become a bit of a tourist destination in itself. If you love the outdoors, the romanticism of the Old West, or just want to see something cool and off the beaten path, you would be doing yourself a favor by visiting Monument Valley. I eagerly await my 4th visit! 52/2024

So, much has changed over the years. We've visited many times and once upon a time it was inexpensive to visit, easy to walk around the monument. Entrance actually wasn't too bad ($8). Camping overnight was a shocker. $63 a night, dry camping, small lots, completely open , no separation from your camping neighbors. They do now have bathrooms. Staying overnight in the lodge is very nice and not too expensive, great views. Biggest disappointment there is the lack of a nicer restaurant. Go to Gouldings across the highway, it fairly priced and fairly good. Even just ten years ago camping here would have cost us about $25 for the fee to get in the monument and the camping fee. Last night, it was about $75. Prior camping was kind of organic but you could vamp right on the ledge with an incredible view. View is still good, just not as great, and make sure you're not placed behind the bathrooms, which sit closest to the ledge not very good planning. We're not sure we will ever come back to camp. Maybe back to the View Lodge.

Monument Valley, and specifically the area within the Navajo Tribal Park, is an absolute destination. Not only is the landscape majestic, but one can sense the mystery and eternity of this place. Driving the 17-mile loop is do-able in a regular car, although based on observations a sports car is not optimal; 4x4 is best. Additionally, a guided tour can take you into other areas not accessible otherwise.

There are a zillion pictures from this park and the iconic stone monoliths. Like the Grand Canyon, I don't think it is possible to comprehend the scope of the place without being there. It is really in the middle of nowhere, but that's part of the reason you go! There are views from all over the rim and you can hike down into the canyon a little or take the (very rough) road down for a "lollipop" loop. Make sure your vehicle has got decent clearance or you're best off taking a guided tour -- there are warnings of "At your own risk" all over and a big sign at the entrance for 4x4 only, but a lot of sedans and small SUVs made it out OK. Note that there is no "going off trail" without a guide. Be respectful of this sacred place. Also, be smart and read the signs. There were people posing for photos on rocks at the edge ... right behind the "do not climb rocks" sign (there was a picture with the classic ... so language was less an issue than lack of brains). You think they meant THESE rocks?!? Don't be a statistic.

Do not waste your money. This place is awful. $8. per person. You can see the same amount of things from the road. Do not use your own vechical as the road is absolutely awful. There are open air trucks that will bring it you in but bring a face mask as the dust is horrendous. The restrooms are outhouse at the end of the trail. They were full to a couple of inches below the seat. Gross.

Monument Valley is one of those rare places where the scale of the world shifts and you realize, for a moment, how small you really are. We drove from Arches, and it may just be the most beautiful stretch of road anywhere--red buttes, open desert, endless sky, every mile reminding you of the films that made this landscape mythic. The visitor center has everything you need, from clean restrooms to a gift shop loaded with souvenirs and local crafts. Entry is only eight dollars per person, which feels like a bargain to stand in a place this powerful. Take the private tour if you can--the guides will show you corners you'd never find on your own. This is a bucket list destination, pure and simple, and being there in the shadow of those ancient stone monoliths is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

This review is for Wildcat Trail Around West & East Mitten Buttes which was a ~3.9 miles round trip that took ~2 hours to complete. The Navajo Tribal Park charges a $8 fee per person. The trailhead was located a bit to the left of the visitor center; also where the 17 mile loop starts. Extremely windy and cold in the area! Mostly flat elevation except for the incline back to the parking lot. Amazing views from beginning to end! Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/C9eTVo0jRzA

Monument Valley is one of the iconic landmark destinations in the American Southwest. It's $8 entrance fee per person. First off when arriving, the overlook beside the View Hotel and Visitor Center is the place to be to capture the 3 sandstone tower images set in the distance. The lookout is known as John Wayne's Point. Everyone takes a picture here starting out before eventually either driving the 17-mile Loop Road among the remote desert landscape or signing up and taking a guided tour along it. Let me just back up one moment and talk more about this 17-mile Loop Road navigating around the heart of Monument Valley which takes 1.5 - 2 hours to complete... It is unpaved and a rugged drive! And when entering the Tribal Park and paying your entrance fee, the attendant warns you that the road is really only accommodative for 4x4 wheel drive vehicles. If you attempt the drive without a 4x4, you're doing so at your own risk. And I 100% agree with this assessment. During my first visit here, I had a rental car with me and the 17-mile road was a brutal drive which tainted my initial experience. Now returning with my own automobile while road-tripping around the USA, there was no way I was going to make the 17-mile journey and cause damage to my tires or undercarriage of my car. I asked at the Visitor Center (which is great for purchasing gifts and souvenirs) if they had an alternative to the drive and I was given 2 worthwhile options... #1 - I can sign up and pay for the guided tour which seats you in the back of an open aired jeep to relax and enjoy the sights. This was a popular choice as I saw many tours departing from outside the Visitor Center parking lot and heading out on the 17-mile drive. I didn't pick this, so I don't know how much the price was. But let me explain option #2, which I did choose... #2 - Wildcat Trail Hike - the trailhead is located next to the entrance of the Loop Road Drive. It's a 3.8-mile roundtrip loop that goes from easy to moderate to strenuous at the end. The trail will take you up close to all 3 famous buttes as a substitute instead of making the drive. This Wildcat Trail is great and for late September, the conditions weren't too hot for being exposed to the sun for a few hours. But, during the height of summer, I could envision the hike being hard due to the extreme elements. Some extras about Wildcat Trail... You'll get an up close view of the West Mitten Butte. It's the main event along the hike, pretty much circling around it. Other interesting highlights included Merrick Butte, East Mitten Butte, Sentinel Mesa and the Cathedral. And I also like how stopping at the plateau towers have their names attached by a sign so you recognize what you're looking at. In total, the hike (for me) was a cool alternative to making the drive around Monument Valley on my own. If you have the time and can dedicate half the day towards your visit, I would suggest hiking this Wildcat Trail. Some last notes about Monument Valley... - You can stay at the View Hotel where every room had a back porch showcasing the amazing surroundings. - While here for the day, cell phone reception is limited or nonexistent. - Monument Valley straddles the Utah/Arizona border but I believe is technically located in Arizona. - Valley of the Gods is a similar setting w/ more incredible isolated buttes, towering pinnacles and wide open spaces according to utah.com. It's conveniently located 36 miles northeast of here. It's free to visit. - If you can, I'd suggest sticking around for sunset. The sun fades and the remaining light glistens down upon Monument Valley. It's a special scene during sunset and will leave you with a memorable lasting impression. In total, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a terrific visit. I just wish that one day they could do some cleaning up and repairing to the 17-mile Loop Road to accommodate all visitors.

Monument Valley is one of my favorite places on this planet. The iconic views are dazzling and awe-inspiring. I visited many years ago, but I think about my time here often and would love to come back someday. When people ask me where they should visit in Utah, Monument Valley is always my top recommendation- even more so than Zion, Arches, and Moab (and don't get me wrong, I love those places too). The cluster of sandstone buttes is what many people think of when they picture the West and the desert in general. Seeing them in person is such a treat. I recommend checking out the Eye of the Sun (guided tour needed), Valley of the Gods (located north of Monument Valley, but close enough to be worth visiting), West and East Mitten Buttes, John Ford's Point, Elephant Butte, Three Sisters, and Merrick Butte. You must pay an access fee to drive through the park on the 17-mile dirt road. You can bring your vehicle or take a guided Jeep tour. The roads can be rough, but I navigated them just fine in my little Prius C. There are no restrooms on the loop drive. RV's, ATV's, and large trailer vehicles aren't allowed on the Valley Drive due to the terrain. Dogs aren't allowed into the Valley Drive or near the mountains and buttes. Rock climbing is prohibited. Drones are prohibited, and permits are required for photography or filming. I visited in the summer, and it was predictably hot as it has a desert climate. Bring sunblock, make sure you're in a vehicle with A/C in spring or summer, and stay hydrated. It's important to be aware and respectful of the fact that only Navajo members may take you to many places in the valley (e.x. Hunts Mesa and Mystery Valley), and you will need to book a guided tour to see those places. Be sure to do your research on where exactly you're planning to go before arriving. I came here on a whim during a road trip through Utah and several other states. I wish I'd had the foresight to book a guided tour and stay at The View Hotel. Ah, well- it's an excuse to return, as there's still much I want to see and experience. Watching the sunrise here made me cry. I'd seen Monument Valley in movies, TV shows, and pictures before, and seeing it in person was profoundly moving. The valley is considered sacred by the Navajo Nation, and I felt that. The raw and wild beauty here is something I photographed, but I feel pictures and even words can't do it justice. Being here is just something you need to experience first-hand.

This is an amazing park! It's $8/person to enter which is reasonably priced. The view is gorgeous! Staff at the entrance were very friendly. We hadn't planned to take our van on the scenic drive since it's not a 4x4, but the entrance staff assured us it would be fine and encouraged us to go ahead. And she was right! The road condition was poor, but we drove 5-10mph (speed limit is 15 mph) and had no issue. Many vehicles were driving much faster, so we made an effort to let them pass, which most drivers appreciated--except for one extremely rude driver from Sacred Monument Tour. This individual repeatedly honked, shouted "!@#%^&*" (with kids in our van), and behaved in an aggressive, disrespectful manner. We urge others to be cautious when dealing with this company, as their lack of professionalism is deeply concerning. Back to the scenic drive, the first couple of stops (1-5) were amazing, although the road condition was probably the worst in that area. We didn't care for the rest of the stops on the drive, so if you are in a rush or has some concerns over the road condition, just going through stops 1-5 is probably sufficient. Overall, this is a must stop if you are in the area and do drive at your own risk. My experience is based on a dry, sunny, and beautiful day, and I do see potential risks if the weather conditions were to change. The road condition can certainly improve for a better experience for visitors.

Another must-do on your road trip out west! This one is pretty much all by car. You pull in and you're on a reservation, so to enter this party you will need to pay 8$ per person in the car. You pull up to the visitors center with a gift shop, then if you want to do the whole loop, it's by car. You really need a 4W drive or if it hasn't rained it could be okay if you drive carefully. It is just a lot of dirt roads, rocks and holes. So if your car is too low you won't be able to take the trail, and your car will definitely be dirty. A Jeep is ideal but we managed with a dodge charger but it wasn't super easy. I think you can also rent an off-road four wheeler type vehicle there to take or take a pink sheep tour. We didn't look into that option but we saw some people doing both, if you mr car won't be able to make it on the trail. The loop is long and you'll stop a lot for photos but it is definitely one of the most beautiful spots. The road on the way here is also really great for photos. It's the classic long road going through the dessert with signs for Utah and Arizona to take photos with.

If you are ever visiting Monument Valley, you need to visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. There is an entrance fee unless you are staying at The View Hotel. But inside allows you to get incredible views of these amazing red colored sandstone buttes. West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte are the main attraction and are right next to The View. Catch a glimpse of them at sunset when the sun really brings out the reddish color in the sandstone. If you want to drive the 17 mile loop, you have to register your car before entering. Just keep in mind that it is a dirt road and bumpy at times. But it will allow you get up and close to many of the buttes including the famous mittens. There are many turnoffs on the loop that you can get out of your car and explore. John Ford's Point is a popular photogenic spot with the Three Sisters and Camel Butte rock formations nearby. Ford filmed many of his western films in Monument Valley. Artist Point is another popular location. I highly recommend taking this drive or a guided tour if you make the drive out to Monument Valley.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is well, monumental. You've likely seen Monument Valley without even knowing it was Monument Valley because it's so iconic. Many movies, TV shows, prints, etc use the back drop of Monument Valley as a way to show the western front of the United States. So to have visited this gem in person made it all the more special. We visited Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park as part of our northern Arizona road trip and this park was the furthest north we went, as it's on the border between Arizona and Utah. It's a beautiful park to visit, which is on Navajo land. Admission was only about $10 and is beyond worth it. Most people who visit the park do the loop drive, which takes about an hour to do, as there are many stops along the way of viewpoints to see throughout. I recommend doing so if you have the time. However, if you're limited, you can just visit the visitor's center and there is a wonderful view from there of the park, including the back drop of what most people imagine this place to be. Inside the visitor's center is a gift shop that has a wide selection of artisan gifts that are beautiful, from leather hats and belts, to turquoise jewelry, and smaller items that are easier to take home. There was also a dining area, but it wasn't open during my visit. Also, if you're looking for information about the park, there isn't anyone here that you can speak to about it in detail, like a park ranger. Most of what you need to know about the park will be provided by the map that the employee hands you when you enter. My partner and I did the loop drive and saw all the major viewpoints and walked around the different areas. We also found one of the only trails that you can hike to around here, which is close to the lodging area. The hike wasn't tough, but is not a walk in the park. Bring lots of water if you plan to hike, especially in the heat. The hike will provide you more views of the park and is a great way to learn about the native plants here. Overall, we loved our visit and are glad that we were able to see in person this picturesque park that has been shown in so many films, pictures, etc.

I would highly suggest traveling to this park. It is a Navajo sacred area and it is very beautiful. We had a perfect day when we were there. I would not suggest going if it was raining out if you plan to take the valley drive. We did do the valley drive in our own car, Highly recommend 4 wheel drive higher car. They do have tours you can take. Its a truck that has seats in the back. The scenery was beautiful. Plan ahead for food. Fortunately we brought our own sandwiches. The restaurant was not open until 5. Their gift shop is very nice as well. Next time we go we want to stay The View Hotel so we can watch the sunrise and sunsets. We were staying somewhere a distance from the park. We had a wonderful time.

We decided to take the toll road into Monument Valley. You can drive your personal vehicle or take a tour. The roads are rough so expect to take at least two hours to go through the park. It is helpful if you have a truck or high vehicle. These monuments are non available to the general public. It is a great tour on your own. By taking a tour, you can learn more about each monument.

Majestic. Natural beauty at it's finest. Endless vistas, colors and contrast of earth and sky, the stuff of dreams. Drove the 17-mile loop in our SUV. Took about 2.5 hours (we really took our time and enjoyed the drive and each lookout spot). You'll need a car that can handle the dirt road, something with a high suspension. With that said, enjoy. Your eyes will not believe just how pristine and beautiful this sacred Navajo land is. Visited off-season in February, and there were no crowds. Oftentimes there was nobody around but us! Park entry fee $20 per car (1-4 people).

Fun spot if you're in the area but be prepared to spend at least $20 just to get in the valley due to the land being tribal land run by the Najavo, meaning your National park pass will not work here. It's a minor tourist trap where costs can add up if you buy gifts but personally I think it's worth it given the history and beauty of the place. There is a loop dirt road where the Najavo only allow 15 cars in at a time, so be prepared to wait for maybe a hour if you do drive. Personally I did the drive just fine with a fairly low clearance car (albeit it got extremely dusty and dirty) so drive at your own risk as there's no cell service in most of the park. The loop drive will take about 2-3 hours if you're self driving rather than taking the shuttle tour which costs money, so plan for a long half day tour whether you fork up for the guided tour or no charge doing the self driving tour. Overall, amazing place. Would definitely recommend to anyone in the area.

Monument Valley is absolutely incredible. This is a Navajo Tribal Park, meaning it's on Navajo land, tribal land, so there is a fee to enter and explore the park that's independent of any tour fees you may have. It's $20 for 1-4 people in one car and additional people will be $5 (not 100% sure if that's per person or just anything over 4, I'm guessing it's per person though). If you come during the day (between 8 am and 2 pm), you could drive around about 50% of the park by yourself on a self guided tour. Be careful though because the roads are all dirt roads and your car will be covered in a layer of red dust by the time you leave the park. We could easily tell just from the cars parked in the parking lot who had just come from the park and who hadn't gone yet. For my family and I, we booked a guided tour, which I would HIGHLY recommend if you're interested in learning about the meaning behind all the mesas, buttes, and spires you'll see throughout the park and especially if you're interested in learning about Navajo history and get a small glimpse into their way of life. If you're here just for the photos of the cool rock formations though, then I'd say you probably wouldn't enjoy the tour as much and would recommend that you just get here early enough (probably 12 pm at the latest because the park closes to self guided tours by 2 pm) to drive through the park yourself. I love learning about the meaning behind everything though, how Monument Valley even came to be, why each rock formation is named what they're named, how the Navajo people live in this area, etc., so the guided tour was very worth it to me. PLUS, on the Navajo-guided tours, they can bring you into the park after 2 pm, so you can do sunset tours with them and ALSO have full access to the park, which is 50% more than what is accessible on a self-guided tour. Part of the reason is because a lot of these roads go through land upon which Navajo currently reside, so they only want guided tours have access to these roads and the other reason is because a lot of these pathways are much more difficult to drive through and require the skills of those who are used to driving them day in and day out. All in all, Monument Valley is 100% worth a visit. We were coming from Page, and it is really close by from there and was definitely worth the 2 hour drive over. Monument Valley is located right on the border between Arizona and Utah, so if you're anywhere within that vicinity, stop by and check it out! You will not be disappointed! :)

If you're going to do the drive through on your own then it's a WONDERFUL place and worth every cent. There really is NO visitor center and the store has outrageously priced items. Arrive well before 3pm to get in in time. We did not stay overnight on site or eat there.

Nice view of natural rock formation in the vastness of plain land. To get in during the day, there's a 2 hour limit (current rule aa of this writing Nov 2021) on self drive only tour, like we did, and should be enough time if you know where to go. So plan ahead of time and mapping the locations you want to go (offline map is better due to low cell signal) and it's also better with high clearance vehicle but not necessary. Our spots were: 3 sisters (has different spots), Code talker pointe (formerly known as Artist's pointe), Merrick butte pointe and west mitten pointe, The thumb, the cube, then the rest (big Hogan or Ear of the wind), you can just decide as I think they're both guided tour. For night photographers: they will now allow for guided tour for a small group but the decision to accept is still on the spot as it is still not fully open to public. Approach the vehicle tour guide during the day and inquire about night tour. Tip: The View hotel's lights will ruin your night shot so find a spot that the hotel is blocked by the monument or just different angle. It's a very nice, chill location in appreciating one of the natural wonders of this planet.

What a beautiful place to drive through. $8 per person to enter. We drove the 17 mile loo-A little bumpy not bad. There are several pull offs for pictures. There were several Native Americans selling beautiful jewelry . Scenic beauty everywhere. A nice gift shop & hotel overlooking the valley! Just stunning.

This place has been on John's bucket list since he was a kid- all the westerns he watched, just the grandness of the scenery. We booked a tour with Monument Valley Safari to ensure entrance and also extra back-country tours that are not accessible to the public without a guide. We started with the first lookout, the West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, Sentinal Mesa, Merrick Butte and Mitchell Mesa behind us. First impressions were mind blowing. There was also a Navajo couple selling jewelry and such and I picked up a piece of turquoise! We continued onward, our guide talking about the various movie spots throughout the tour. Before you knew it you were passing posts- leaving the public loop behind and going on private property to view more majestic formations! Including several arches! At one arch- the wall sloped like side of a bowl, I laid down against the sandstone wall and was taking pictures of the arch above. Blue sky circled by tan stone. Our guide, Tony, pull out his drum and sang to us in his native tongue. I was mesmerized. This was the highlight of the tour for me, feeling the earth beneath me and the steady beat of the drum and a song with words I couldn't understand. We also saw petroglyphs!!! Learned how the mesas were formed and saw bobcat tracks on a sand dune! Plus much more.

Beautiful sights that cannot be justly described or shown by pictures. Gift shop is cute Andre us being our dog in. The park itself is very busy. There are a lot of people and you had to wait for the perfect picture or to get a certain snap shot. Otherwise it was great. Road is not bad at all.

Firstly, I loved the Navajo people, and the vistas in Monument Valley are breathtaking. However, the people responsible for managing the roads that make up the multi mile loop should be ashamed of themselves for allowing anyone to drive them. If you have neck or back issues you should not drive on this loop!! You could be seriously injured. I have done my fair share of off-roading but never in a family automobile on a loose gravel road, complete with major potholes and sharp rocks that are capable of ending your tour and your car. If you drive a Jeep, you should seriously consider airing down your tires, but even with that you will suffer whiplash as your straight axles attempt to navigate the "whoopsies" at 15 mph. If the people responsible for the condition of the roads were put in something like a Honda Civic (no offense intended to Honda Civic as I loved mine) and forced to drive no faster than 15 mph on their horribly maintained roads then maybe something would be done. It was noticeable that all of the tour guides seemed to be exceeding the 15 mph speed limit. My experience with driving on roads like these for over 50 years has informed my opinion that being able to drive faster would smooth out the ride. I get that they want to put safety first, but if that is truly their priority they should consider the option of doing a better job on road maintenance. If you're a person with back or neck issues I would recommend that you NOT take this tour until they begin to properly manage their roadways. I am saddened by the fact that my memory of this experience will be more about the road conditions than the magnificent geography and geology. The park and the people are wonderful and I sincerely hope that they begin to make the condition of their roads a priority. I truly believe that more people would make a repeat tour and this would translate into more opportunities for the Navajo Nation. More people equate to more revenue.

I came here on the way to Four Corners. The beatific rock formations stretching to the sky was a sight to behold! It was a little warm, so there were no hikers that we can see. We did opt to take our crossover SUV on the scenic drive. As many ppl commented, the dirt road is a little narrow and bumpy, which can be hard to navigate in a small car. We only went a small way and stopped and appreciated the view of the West Mitten Butte. We were able to take a peek at the Hogan Village, which had a few mud covered homes. It was surprisingly cool and spacious inside. Since we were only passing through, we regrettably did not get to partake in the guided tours. I would definitely at least make a stop here if you're on your way to see Four Corners. This is a natural wonder to behold and you don't want to miss such an iconic place.

Totally amazing place! This has been a bucket list activity for me. I love Westerns and many have been filmed here; classics like "Stagecoach", "Fort Apache", "The Searchers" and newer movies like "Back to the Future III" and Johnny Depp's "The Lone Ranger". Monument Valley is on Navajo Tribal land and is a Navajo National Park. There is a 20 mile loop drive that the public can take. It is over dirt roads. I'd recommend using an SUV or a truck though we did see some cars out there. We took the option of a 3.5 hour guided tour with Monument Valley Safari. Only Navajo companies can run the tours. Our driver (in a 4x4 Tahoe) picked us up at "The View" the Navajo owned hotel located on-site. Tony was super friendly and a Navajo himself who had been giving tours for nearly 40 years, since he was a young boy. We took the public road and then a back country track available only to the private tours. We saw a number of beautiful vistas, arches, caves, etc. Tony narrated with his nearly lifetime of experiences in the park. He spun some fantastic stories of the geological formation of the park, old Hollywood stories, and more. We even saw 1,000 year old petroglyphs! All in all we loved our visit. I strongly recommend Monument Valley Safari tours and ask for Tony!

This is one of those things you'll probably only see if you're in the area. Not everybody does it this way but it works for me usually. I'm not in this area to see national monuments but two happen to be on the map to where I'm going so here I am. I won't go into all the background on the park, but there are some items you might benefit from knowing... if you're like me anyway, which if true is a problem i don't need explaining to you. We stayed at Goulding's Lodge which runs about $200 a day. I'm not into rv parks and camping is something you leave your car behind for a week to do, and "glamping" seems lame to me. That said, one of my favorite things in the world to do is order room service breakfast... not available here (demerit). I also like to finish the day at a bar... (again, nope - demerit). I don't like hotel food (other than breakfast in bed as above)... THIS hotel food is worse than most so there's actually nothing to object to (it's par for the course so I'll give it a point for upholding its standards). I like a room with a view... we're in an upper suite with a BIG view of the main agenda out there on the desert floor... (+1). Sleeping in the desert without getting sand in your shoes, or elsewhere... +5. So all in all it's worth it, if the tab doesn't bother you and believe me after the drive here you want to sleep, just byob. But just so you know there are alternatives to this place. Here are some rapid fire points to know: Don't take a tour, 17 miles of this stuff is plenty and the tour buses are open air so you'll end up eating a lot of sand. Drive early in the morning because the wind picks up after noon. If your car is spiffy and sits low on its suspension, maybe don't bother with this place. If you like trinkets wait until you're on the trail and buy something from one of the natives out there sitting in the hot sun all day and looking very appreciative when anyone stops to look at their stuff. I always enjoy getting personal mileage out of any transaction and in this case the guy I bought from had quite a story to tell about why his son had made the item in such a way as he had. If any of this stuff is made locally, these people seem to be the real motherlode for the genre. Not sure about what's inside all those "trading posts" of the world. OK take a few photos of those hills and spires but spend most of the time just absorbing the mass of these mounds of metamorphosed sandstone (we played a kind of Rorschach game like "that one looks like an Egyptian mummy"). You'll never get here again so let your memory be your camera. There is no good food in the park so get off it and eat best as you can, just bring something good to drink in the room later. Champagne worked for us. Some thoughts on this reality. There was no awareness of the place prior to the time Mr. Goulding and wife took photos of the monuments to John Ford in Hollywood. They were broke and thought he might like to film a movie here. The rest is history, but what's ironic is how monument valley became a symbol of "the old west". I know a bit about raising rangeland cattle and they wouldn't like it here with only 5" rain a year and nothing but really ragged weeds for dinner. Also, it's way out past the beaten path to anywhere, so there were no stagecoaches or pony express riders likely going through here, ever. As for outlaws looking for a hidey-hole they'd do worse than cattle trying to survive this place. Finally, go for the lesser known "Valley of the gods" drive which is just around the corner. (Also stop and view the scene from some part of the movie Forrest Gump (never saw it so no comment) as this seems to be something that brings back stirring memories for those that have one.) Better road, almost nobody around, same driving distance, almost as good scenery with a few interesting additions. Finally at most book two nights here. I was talked into three forget why, but all in all it was cozy so i'm not complaining.

Drove way out of our way on a 5 week camping trip and got to our campground we paid dearly for at 2. I called Navajo Nation to ask what time the gates closed to do the 17 mile scenic drive through the valley. I had seen different times online. She told me not until 7. I asked a second time and she laughed and said not till 7! So we waited until 4:55 and sat in line. It was 5:01 when we reached the gate. The woman there said the gate closed at 5. I said we have been waiting...she then said we had to reach the second gate before 5. she was rude and loved telling us to leave. They need to have clear times set as people like us drove a long way and the morning is not an option. ready to leave early and head to the mountains!!!

Awesome views. Drove it in our transit no problem. Cool places to stop and get great views.

Monument Valley is really cool but don't plan on going without an SUV. The 17 mile scenic view is inaccessible in a car. They warn you when you get there to go at your own risk and it's the truth! Wish I would have seen that somewhere when I was researching the area. Perhaps it is a way to get you to spend $105-125 to go on one of their tours. It was a bit disappointing since I drove a few hours in this direction just to see Monument Valley.

This park's entry fee is more expensive than a National Park or Arizona State Park. We arrived one day and paid $8 per person ($24 in total for us) to get in to see the sunset on the rock formations. The fee is only waived if you are staying at their on-site The View Hotel. We couldn't because it was sold out a month in advance, when I tried to book it. Therefore we stayed at the Goulding Lodge across the highway. The next morning we arrived at the park to meet our tour group at the front of the hotel. Just to get in for the tour they wanted another $8 per person. They ended their 24-hour passes and now charge for each day. So if you are going to this Tribal Park, plan on only going for one day. They are going to get more money from any tour you book anyway.

Fantastic views of mother nature's beautiful handy work. The 17 mile loop road was amazing but extremely rough. I would suggest taking the tour and save your vehicle. The walking trails are nice but more toward the moderate side.

Beautiful park to visit. The best view is from the visitor center parking lot. I recommend visiting with all wheel drive suv/truck. The smaller compact sedan cars may struggle on the dirt road with deep pot holes in some places. Arrive early to avoid crowds and dust. Signage was poor when on the dirt roads so ask for a map at entrance. Currently the park requires full masking on Indian lands in AZ, so bring a mask if you need to go inside to use the the bathroom at visitor center. They don't sell or provide masks onsite which was inconvenient & disappointing since this is a requirement they ask of visitors.

Perfect for photography but heat and red dust is unbearable in this deserted land. Best view is from free zone , the Forest gump point which is famous world wide. Still it's charm to eyes. But sick prone folks should avoid as dust causes issues even when you visit for short time.

Worth the trip down and highly recommend you stay in the cabins if you can. Sunrise and sunset and stars galore! Definitely take a tour like Mystery Valley to get the whole experience. We rexommend Navajo Spirit Tours. The Lee Cly trail with the Mitchell Mesa overlook excellent views starts at hotel. Try Linda's Navajo tacos too.

This is a great place to stretch your legs, great some grub, and take some photos.

This is so pretty it can't be captured on picture even, it's only amazing in person. So wide open with all these rock formations. Also make a stop at Forrest Gump Hill!

Incredible park! We both hiked a couple paths and drove the 17 mile loop. There are no food services, and the bathrooms are very sparse. The loop is an all dirt road, sometimes narrow, other times steep, bumpy and at times can be all of the above. We had a mini SUV and had no problems. We wanted to start the drive earlier, but some *maroon* had driven their coupe into a ditch and the park rangers had to block off the entire road for 4+ hours to wait for the tow truck etc. No ins/outs/driving around the scene...we could see the line of cars piling up as they finished their drive from our hotel room (Try to get out of the city traffic only to deal with this! Argh!). $20 entrance fee. The US National park pass doesn't work here because it's Navajo land. We also stayed in the park at The View hotel (the only lodging in the park) which I highly recommend! Besides the incredible sunset and sunrise views, we would have had 4+ hours to kill sitting in the car/walking around/trying to occupy our time due to the aforementioned incident. On a side note: My friends did the 17 mile loop in a civic (very carefully and slowly), so yes, it can be done, but be aware of the repurcussions.

My wife and I have hiked, backpacked, car camped, and sight-seen throughout the country, particularly in the west (including AK and HI), and we agree that Monument Valley in general, is right up there with the coolest places we've been. The visitor center is just adequate, with regard to its restrooms, concessions, and displays and info about the Navajo. The views, however, are stunning. The visitor center is attached to the tribe-run hotel, The View, where we did not stay. It is in the lobby that you'll most likely meet the driver for your private tour of the valley, that you called ahead to schedule, after looking at reviews online.

Monument Valley is under the jurisdiction of Navajo Nation, so it is not counted as NP. One can choose to cruise around the valley by tourists cart, or hike the Wildcat Trail. We decided to hike the trail to closely feel the natural beauty as one of the local suggested. The trail is a 3.8 mile loop, circling around one of the monument-Mitten Buttes (6175ft), and at the same time you can see the other two monuments up close. Registration is required at the entrance of the trail. Trail signs are sometimes not visible so one might get lost in the wilderness and quicksand. The desert was full of low shrubs, clusters of small wild yellow flowers bloomed in the dry riverbed, huge monument rocks suddenly rose from the ground, and not even a birds in sight. The surroundings are silent. I can only hear my own gasping. Occasionally, the later autumn breeze brings a bit of coolness. The surrounding scenery makes people think of wild western movies. Imagine cowboys and early explorers riding on this wasteland. Maybe there is no heroic or romantic thing like movies at all. The hardships in reality can teach a good lesson. There are several sections of quicksand roads, and with every step your feet will sink into them, making walking difficult. It's an unforgettable experience.

Online and at antelope canyon the fee to enter the park says it covers monument valley. You get here and they try to steal more money from you again. Online it says the park is great for stargazing and then close the drive three hours before sunset and won't let you in again with nothing online saying that at all. Pathetic way to run anything. You should be ashamed.

Monument Valley is located on the Utah-Arizona border, Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau. It is not officially a National Park since it sits within the Navajo Nation Reservation. Although they were closed due to Covid 19 we got some excellent photos from afar. Most of the area that is visited by tourists is called the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Monument Valley was on John Ford featured films ( Stagecoach and Rio Grande ) and also has been featured in a large number of popular movies, including Forrest Gump, National Lampoons Vacation, Mission: Impossible II, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the new HBO series Westworld.

Unfortunately as of may 14, 2921 the park is closed unless you are a guest of the hotel. But even guests cannot go into the valley. However, I've been here before and this park is MAGICAL. Make sure you get a Navajo guide tour, you will be able to go places you cannot otherwise. The pictures are from Highway 163, which has a nine-mile section with large, paved pullouts for your photography. Make sure you have enough water!

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the world and should be on everyones road-trip bucket list. This incredible tribal park is located on the Utah - Arizona border and is open year-round. Entrance is $10 / per person or $20 / per car (up to 4 people) and they accept cash or credit cards. Inside the park is a 17-mile loop road that takes you to each of the 11 lookout points. Lookout Point, John Ford, and Artists Point are hands down the best stops. The loop road is loose gravel and very bumpy, so a 4x4 SUV is recommended. It took us around 3-4 hours to see the whole park but I'm a photographer so I needed a little more time than most people. Our friends only needed around 2-3 hours to see everything. The road is open from 6:00am - 8:30pm (May 1st - Sept 30th) and from 8:00am - 4:30pm (Oct 1st - April 30th). If you're interested in grabbing lunch, The View Hotel (the only hotel inside the park) offers great menu options at their restaurant, The View Restaurant.

Thank you guys for giving me and my family a great time here in this beautiful town. my children had a great time and felt like "true explorers" according to their exact words. We loved seeing the petroglyphs and being inside the hogan!