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Monument Valley spreads across the Arizona–Utah border within the Navajo Nation, a high desert landscape of sandstone buttes and mesas rising from red sand. The park is managed as a Navajo Tribal Park rather than a national park, and its silhouettes became familiar worldwide through western films, especially those directed by John Ford. Navajo families still live in the valley.
The visitor center overlooks the West and East Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte, one of the most recognizable views in the American West. The Wildcat Trail loops around the West Mitten and is the main self-guided hike. The Valley Drive, a rough dirt road, passes viewpoints such as John Ford's Point, Artist's Point and North Window, though some areas, including the Totem Pole, are reached only with Navajo-guided tours. Guided excursions also go into Mystery Valley, known for arches and ancient ruins, and up to Hunts Mesa. Along U.S. 163 to the north, the long straight approach known as Forrest Gump Point frames the valley in the distance. Goulding's Trading Post Museum recalls the role of the trading post in bringing filmmakers to the area.
The valley suits road-trippers and photographers, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Hiring a Navajo guide adds depth and access. Lodging is limited, so staying overnight requires booking ahead, and spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons.
WiserMap travel guideMonument Valley Arizona Mittens Sunrise and Navajo ToursExplore Monument Valley's Mittens, the Valley Drive, Navajo-guided backcountry, Forrest Gump Point and Goosenecks, plus when to go and where to stay nearby.Read the guide
The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park visitor center sits on a rim overlooking the West and East Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte, the most famous view in the valley. Exhibits explain Navajo culture, and The View Hotel is next door. An entry fee is charged at the park gate.
A rock ledge on the Valley Drive made famous in John Ford's Western films, with a classic view across the valley's buttes. Navajo riders often pose on horseback at the edge for photos for a tip. Stalls nearby sell jewelry and crafts, and horseback rides are offered.
A slender rock spire about 450 feet tall standing beside the Yei Bi Chei formations at the southern end of the valley. It can be seen from a distance on the self-guided drive, but closer views require a Navajo-guided tour. It glows at sunrise and sunset.
Two viewpoints on the Valley Drive loop. Artist's Point looks out across a sweeping panorama of buttes and mesas, while North Window frames the valley through a gap between the rocks. Both are reached on the self-guided drive and are especially good in late afternoon.
The spot on US Highway 163 in Utah, north of the valley, where Forrest Gump ended his run in the film, with the road running straight toward the buttes. People stand on the road for photos. Traffic is fast here, so stay alert and pull fully off the highway.
A dirt loop of about 17 miles from the visitor center through the heart of the valley, passing the Mittens, Elephant Butte, the Three Sisters and John Ford's Point. It takes two to three hours. The road is rough and sandy in places, so drive slowly and check the closing time.
Valley of the Gods is a quiet dirt road of about 17 miles winding among sandstone buttes near Mexican Hat. Nearby, the Moki Dugway is a steep gravel road of switchbacks climbing about 1,100 feet up Cedar Mesa. Avoid both after rain, and large vehicles should skip the Dugway.
The only trail in the park you can hike on your own, a loop of about 3.2 miles around the West Mitten Butte starting near the visitor center. It is sandy with a climb on the return and little shade. Bring plenty of water, and hike in the morning or late afternoon.
Navajo guides lead jeep, horseback and hiking tours into areas closed to private cars, such as Ear of the Wind arch, Big Hogan and petroglyph sites. Guides share stories and culture along the way. Tours can be booked at the visitor center or ahead online, and sunrise tours are popular.
Two areas reached only with a Navajo guide. Mystery Valley, south of the park, has arches and ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins and rock art. Hunts Mesa gives a high view down over the whole valley, often on overnight trips. Book in advance with licensed operators.
The original trading post opened in the 1920s by Harry and Leone Goulding, who brought John Ford to film here. The museum displays trading post life and Western film memorabilia, and a cabin used in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. It is at Goulding's Lodge, west of the park entrance.
A small Utah state park near Mexican Hat overlooking tight entrenched meanders of the San Juan River about 1,000 feet below. The river loops back on itself several times. A small fee applies, and the rim is unfenced in places, so keep children close.
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