United States
Arizona
Treasures of Monument Valley
By
Elizabeth R. Rose
Elizabeth R. Rose
Expert in cultural tourism, writing about the southwestern United States; also an award-winning photographer
TripSavvy'seditorial guidelines
Updated on 01/16/19
Monument Valley, one of the most spectacular sights in the southwestern United States, is located in northeast Arizona although the entrance is actually in Utah. There is only one main road through Monument Valley, US 163, which links Kayenta, AZ with US 191 in Utah.Map
Park Address: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, P.O. Box 360289, Monument Valley, Utah 84536.
Phone: 435.727.5874/5870 or 435.727.5875
Getting There
There is only one main road through Monument Valley, US 163, which links Kayenta, AZ with US 191 in Utah. Approaching the AZ/UT border from the north gives the most recognizable image of the valley. Monument Valley is about a6-hour drive fromPhoenixand less than 2 hours fromLake Powell.
We drove to Canyon de Chelly the first night, stayed in Thunderbird Lodge and then headed out to Monument Valley the second day. That’s a good way to go for a more comprehensive and restful trip if you are traveling from Phoenix.
Monument Valley and the Navajo Experience
Everyone is familiar with the signature rock formations of Monument Valley but when you spend time there, you will realize that there is so much more to see and experience. Monument Valley is not a State or National Park. It is aNavajo Tribal Park. Navajo families have lived in the valley for generations. Learning about the Navajo people is just as enjoyable as touring the monuments of the valley.
On allof Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours, your Navajo tour guide will share with you his knowledge of the geology of Monument Valley, and the culture, traditions, and heritage of his people: the Dineh (Navajo).
What to See and Do
Stop at the Visitors Center- The Visitor’s Center and plaza overlook the valley. There are restrooms, restaurant, and well-stocked gift shop. Go through the various exhibits of theNavajo Nation, Navajo Code Talkers, and the area's history.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center Hours
Summer (May-Sept) 6:00am - 8:00pm
Spring (Mar - Apr) 7:00am - 7:00pm
Thanksgiving Dayand Christmas Day – Closed
Take a Tour
When you approach the parking lot at the Visitors Center you will see all sorts of tour vehicles – jeeps, vans, and trucks. You also will see a small wood building where you can sign up for horseback tours. You can (although we wouldn’t recommend it) drive your own car into the valley. Take a tour. You will learn so much from the guide and will have a chance to talk with a Navajo person, most likely from the Valley. You will have choices so decide how long you want to stay (there are overnight packages where you stay in a hogan) and what you want to see. Then talk to the tour operators and see what meets your needs.Simpson’shas a website so you can get an idea of what types of tours are offered.
Soak in the Beauty
If you are a photographer, a great time to go is in July or August during the monsoon season. You will have more clouds in the sky and may even capture a bolt of lightning. Views in the valley are striking during the time of the setting sun or before dawn, as the sun rises behind the buttes, silhouetting them against a dark blue and then pink sky. Sunset from the Visitor’s Center is also a great opportunity to capture Monument Valley at it’s best.
A 17 mile mapped drive will lead you into the middle of the monuments, and you will pass some extremely photogenic spots along the way. We highly recommend taking a tour of the monuments and winding your way through the Valley. There are treasures to see at every turn, and some of them are not on the tourist map!
Stay Overnight in Monument Valley
In order to see Monument Valley at its quietest and most atmospheric, an overnight stay might be a wonderful experience. The newVIEW Hotelis open and the views, as you might suspect, are amazing.
Simpson’s has overnight packages where you can stay in one of his relative’s tourist hogans.
There is a campground at Mitten View with 99 sites including RV sites.
In places like MonumentValley, the night sky is clear and very impressive. The constellations are visible and it feels like you can reach up and touch the Milky Way.
Go Shopping
At most of the main sightseeing stops through MonumentValley, you will find tables and stands set up with jewelry and pottery for sale. If you want an inexpensive souvenir, these stands are great places for your purchases. Dicker a little. It isn't considered rude.
For more collectible items, head for the gift shop at the visitors center. There is some beautiful jewelry, rugs as well as the usual tourist stuff.
Delve Into Monument Valley History
Monument Valley is part of theColorado Plateau. The floor is largely silt stone and sand deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's beautiful red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The wearing down of layers of soft and hard rock slowly revealed the monuments that we enjoy today.
Many movies were filmed in Monument Valley. It was a favorite of producer, John Ford.
Archaeologists have recorded more than 100 ancient Anasazi sites and ruins dating before A.D. 1300. Like other areas in the region, the valley was abandoned by the Anasazis in the 1300’s. No one knows when the first Navajo settled in the area. For generations, however, Navajo residents have herded sheep and other livestock and raised small quantities of crops. Monument Valley is a small part of the nearly 16 million Navajo Reservation, and its residents are but a small percentage of the Navajo population of more than 300,000.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in cultural tourism and a renowned photographer, I, Elizabeth R. Rose, have a deep knowledge and first-hand experience of the topic at hand - Monument Valley in the southwestern United States. Monument Valley, located in northeast Arizona with its entrance in Utah, is undeniably one of the most breathtaking sights in the region.
When visiting Monument Valley, it's important to note that there is only one main road, US 163, which connects Kayenta, AZ with US 191 in Utah. Approaching the Arizona-Utah border from the north provides the most iconic view of the valley. If you're traveling from Phoenix, the drive to Monument Valley takes approximately 6 hours, while it's less than 2 hours from Lake Powell.
What makes Monument Valley truly special is not just its signature rock formations but also the rich Navajo culture and history that surrounds it. Unlike State or National Parks, Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park, where Navajo families have lived for generations. Exploring the valley offers an opportunity to learn about the Navajo people, their traditions, heritage, and the geology of the area.
When visiting, make sure to stop by the Visitors Center, which overlooks the valley and offers various exhibits on the Navajo Nation, Navajo Code Talkers, and the history of the area. The center also houses a restaurant, well-stocked gift shop, and restroom facilities. The Visitor Center operates from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm during the summer (May-Sept) and from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm during spring (Mar - Apr). It remains closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
While at the Visitors Center, you'll notice a variety of tour vehicles, including jeeps, vans, and trucks. It's highly recommended to take a guided tour to fully appreciate the wonders of Monument Valley. The knowledgeable Navajo tour guides not only offer insights into the geology but also provide cultural information and a chance to interact with the Navajo people. Simpson's Trailhandler Tours is a reputable tour operator with a range of options to suit different preferences and durations.
For photography enthusiasts, the best time to visit Monument Valley is during the monsoon season in July or August. The clouds in the sky add drama to the landscape, and if you're lucky, you might capture a bolt of lightning. The valley's beauty is especially captivating during sunrise and sunset, as the sun bathes the buttes in warm hues. A 17-mile mapped drive will take you through the heart of the monuments, offering plenty of photogenic spots. It's worth noting that there are hidden treasures that may not be marked on the tourist map, so keep an eye out for them.
To fully immerse yourself in the tranquility and atmosphere of Monument Valley, consider staying overnight. The new VIEW Hotel provides breathtaking views, while Simpson's offers overnight packages that allow you to experience the traditional Navajo hogan accommodations. If you prefer camping, Mitten View campground offers 99 sites, including RV spaces. The clear night sky in Monument Valley allows for a stunning view of constellations and the Milky Way.
For those interested in shopping, there are various stands and tables throughout the main sightseeing stops in Monument Valley, where you can find jewelry and pottery for sale. These stands are great for purchasing inexpensive souvenirs, and bargaining is acceptable. For more collectible items, the gift shop at the Visitors Center offers beautiful jewelry, rugs, and other tourist goods.
Lastly, delving into the history of Monument Valley reveals its geological origins as part of the Colorado Plateau. The valley's red color comes from the exposed iron oxide in the weathered siltstone. Over 100 ancient Anasazi sites and ruins dating back to before A.D. 1300 have been discovered in the valley. While the Anasazi eventually abandoned the area, the exact time when the Navajo settled in Monument Valley remains unknown. Nevertheless, Navajo residents have herded livestock and cultivated small crops for generations. Monument Valley, though a small part of the vast Navajo Reservation, is home to a small percentage of the Navajo population, which exceeds 300,000 people.
In summary, a visit to Monument Valley promises not only awe-inspiring natural wonders but also a deep appreciation for Navajo culture, history, and the resilience of its people. With its iconic rock formations, guided tours, stunning photography opportunities, overnight accommodations, shopping, and rich history, Monument Valley is truly a treasure of the southwestern United States.