Monument Valley Guide: Is it worth visiting, photos, and tours tips
Arizona’s main claim to fame is the iconic Saguaro cactus and the Grand Canyon. And rightfully so. But also at the top of that list has to be the mesmerizing Monument Valley. Straddling the border between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is one of the most picturesque places in the desert southwest.
Located on the Navajo Nation, visiting Monument Valley is not a right but a privilege. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the tribe and what makes this place so special – outside of the majestic views. My buddy and I had an awesome time visiting years back. We took the Dreamcatcher Tour, photographed sunrise and the Milky Way, and just enjoyed slowing down and embracing life in this special area.
So, as you road trip and explore this area, remember to treat it with respect, leave no trace, and help preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
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Is Monument Valley Worth Visiting?
If you are in northern Arizona or southern Utah, Monument Valley is definitely worth visiting. There’s a reason it is one of the most photographed locations in the desert southwest and offers a stunning array of views and cultural significance to the Navajo People.
Now, if you’re at the Grand Canyon, I’m not sure it makes sense to drive 5 hours round-trip to see it. But if you are heading nearby, say to Moab, or Durango, you should make a pit stop to see the magic.
But overall, yes, Monument Valley needs to be visited, and for just $8 a person, it’s a no-brainer when you are in the region.
Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley in Arizona/Utah
1 Minute Cheat Sheet on Visiting Monument Valley
- Navajo Name: Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii
- Location: Northern Arizona/Southern Utah (Main area here)
- Distance from Phoenix and Las Vegas: 5.5 hours and 6.5 hours
- How many days do you need? 1-2 days
- Are there things to do near Monument Valley? Yes. Forest Gump Point, Valley of the Gods, Bears Ears National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, Goosenecks State Park
- Best tour to take in Monument Valley? The Dreamcatcher Tour or Watch sunrise from Hunts Mesa
- Where to stay near Monument Valley? Inside the Tribal Park or in Kayenta
- Entrance Fee: $8 per person
My Experience Visiting Monument Valley
Here’s a quick rundown of my visit to Monument Valley and the surrounding areas.
I convinced my buddy to drive up after work on a Friday. I had recently been dumped, so I was going through some things. Once we got out of Phoenix rush hour, the drive was smooth.
Under the stars
Around 10pm, we arrived in Monument Valley, wowing over the dark skies and trillions of stars you could see from our campsite. We pulled out all of our camera gear and set off into the valley to find a nice spot to photograph the Milky Way and the mittens.
I honestly can’t tell you how long we were out there. It was hours and hours, and before long, we noticed light emerging in the astern skies. Oops. I guess it was time to photograph the sunrise.
And we did. And damn was it gorgeous. Granted, I was still newish to photography then (only a year), so there are surely things I’d do differently now. But watching the sky and mittens light up is something everyone should strive for.
After that, we headed into the hotel for breakfast and wolfed down an obscene amount of food before finally going to sleep in the tent. We slept there for as long as possible before the heat forced us out. After that, we waited for our backcountry tour to take place and enjoyed the views of northern Arizona.
The Tour
We took a three-plus-hour tour through the Monument Valley backcountry, seeing iconic spots and less-visited areas. It culminated in a traditional Navajo dinner and dance around a fire.
The tour was a hop-on, hop-off variety, giving us a chance to walk on the sand, into caverns, and hear native stories about the area. It was an incredible experience and one that I think everyone should do when they visit.
Best things to do in Monument Valley and the surrounding area
1. Monument Valley Scenic Drive
If you have the car to do it, driving the 17-mile Scenic Drive is the best thing to do in the park. I never drove my car down the road, and it’s been years since visiting, so I can’t remember how rough the road was. But they say on their website it’s rutted and sandy. So, you want higher clearance to be safe.
2. Photograph sunset/sunrise at the mittens
One of the classic things to do in Monument Valley. The mittens are famous for a reason, and few other places in the country look like this. Set your alarm early to watch the sunrise or, if you’re not a morning person, make sure to head out after dinner to land an iconic shot.
(If you take a tour that includes dinner, you will miss sunset, so make sure to wake up early.)
3. Take a backcountry tour of Monument Valley
This is one of the musts for visiting Monument Valley. You can see the classics when you are at the main overlook or the 17-mile scenic drive. But to truly grasp the beauty and culture of the area, you want a private tour.
This allows you to hear stories passed down from generations and see ‘hidden gems’ in the Monument Valley Backcountry.
See all tours here, and a few more are further down.
4. Watch the stars come out above Navajo Nation
This was one of my favorite parts about my last trip there. We arrived late at night and walked down in the valley below our campground to photograph the Milky Way alongside the mittens. There were no sounds other than our camera’s clicking, the weather was perfect, and we simply sat and looked up.
A truly memorable moment.
5. Visit Forest Gump Point
One of the most famous places in the world, if you’ve seen the movie. There are a few pull-offs, but nothing too built up. (Unless there’s been a dramatic change since 2019.) Please be careful if you go onto the road, as you are on a highway where people will go 75mph or more.
6. Drive into the Valley of the Gods and Moki Dugway
There are two entrances to Valley of the Gods – an East and a West. We went counter-clockwise, entering from the east, looping through, going up and down Moki Dugway, and then out the west entrance.
It’s a beautiful area, though I think a lot has changed since I visited in 2019. Then, hardly anyone knew of it. While it doesn’t see anything near the numbers who visit Monument Valley, it is still more trafficked.
If you visit, you’ll need to bring all supplies as there are no amenities. I drove it in a Prius, so the road is super chill. But after a rain, it could be necessary to have AWD/4×4.
7. Visit Goosenecks State Park
Just north of Monument Valley is Goosenecks State Park. This is a quick stop for most people, but the overlook is cool as you get to see the San Juan River snake through the desert landscapes. There is a campground onsite.
Tours to Take at Monument Valley
While you can drive the 17-mile road in Monument Valley by yourself, it doesn’t allow you total access. (Note: The drive is recommended for 4×4/AWD vehicles due to rough terrain.) This is where the tours come into play.
As mentioned above, I took the Dreamcatcher Tour, and it was totally worth it. We saw incredible sights, learned more about the culture, ate a delicious dinner, and so much more. If you want to book that tour, you can do so here.
Here are some other options, too:
- 2-hour horseback tour
- 3-4 hour Mystery Valley Tour
- 2.5-hour Backcountry 4×4 tour
- Surnise or Sunset Tour
Typical Monument Valley Weather by Season
No matter when you visit Monument Valley, the landscape will leave you speechless—but the experience changes with the seasons. Here’s what to expect so you can plan your trip and avoid disappointment.
Spring brings crisp mornings, sunny afternoons in the 60s and 70s, and very little rain. The desert feels fresh, the skies are crystal clear, and it’s perfect for hiking and photography without the summer heat.
Summer turns up the heat, with highs in the 90s and long, bright days. It’s busy, but if you explore early or late in the day and pack plenty of water, you’ll still find moments of solitude and golden light.
Fall is the sweet spot: warm days, cool nights, and fewer crowds. The light gets softer, the air feels clearer, and it’s an ideal time for both active adventures and slow, scenic drives.
Winter is quiet and crisp, with highs around 40°F and the occasional dusting of snow on the red rock buttes. Bundle up, and you might just have the valley’s most famous views all to yourself.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall are by far the best times to visit, not only due to near-perfect weather, but you’ll find the crowds are far thinner. Not that too many people flock to Monument Valley during the summer when it’s sitting at 100 degrees… but summer has more potential for crowds due to kids being out of school.
Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, it was easy to make the 5.5-hour drive up here for a weekend in spring and not worry too much about crowds.
Be Smart about the Sun and Heat
During the summer months, it can be extremely hot at Monument Valley and northern Arizona. Make sure you are constantly drinking water as you recreate in the area. Additionally, wear sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, and long-sleeved shirts such as sunhoodies.
Even when it’s not 100 degrees out, it is still a very dry climate. Drinking water is a must, and no matter the time of year, aim to drink 2-3L per day at a minimum.
Where to stay when visiting Monument Valley
The easiest place to stay is at the Tribal Park Visitor Center. This is where ‘The View Hotel’ is, as well as cabins and campsites. I camped for a night… or I guess a few hours is more accurate.
There are also hotels in Kayenta, 35 minutes to the south, and Mexican Hat, 35 minutes to the north. These only have a few options, so keep your expectations somewhat muted. There is a spot called Gouldings Lodge, which is just outside of the Monument Valley area, that would offer easy access to the surrounding area.
Lodging in Kayenta:
Lodging in Mexican Hat:
How many days should you spend visiting?
You won’t need more than two days at Monument Valley, and honestly, one day is probably enough. The area is not large enough to require too much time, and if you take a tour, you’ll be able to see everything that you need and want to.
The only reason why you would need two nights here is if you arrive late on the night before you plan to explore.
Monument Valley Photos
Enjoy more photos of Monument Valley in Arizona/Utah.
Photo tips for Monument Valley:
- The dark sky potential is incredible here to land epic shots of the Milky Way. Get my FREE Milky Way Guide here.
- Play with silhouettes with the mittons.
- Find cool sand textures.
- Change your perspective.
- Don’t miss sunrise or sunset.
- Bring a wide-angle lens.
Looking to land some epic photos?
Take a sunrise tour to Hunts Mesa.
FAQ About Visiting Monument Valley
Where is Monument Valley located?
Monument Valley sits predominantly in northern Arizona, but a small segment of it stretches into southern Utah.
Is Monument Valley a National Park?
No. Monument Valley is not a National Park, and the America the Beautiful Pass does not work here. It is a Tribal Park, part of the Navajo Nation.
Can you drive through Monument Valley?
Yes, you are able to drive the 17-mile route through Monument Valley. It won’t show off ALL of the park, but you’ll get to access as much of it as possible for the public. The road is unpaved and, due to sand and ruts, the tribal park asks people to use an AWD/4×4 vehicle on it.
However, I think the road out to John Ford Point is pretty standard and well-maintained. Before going down, ask around and get an updated perspective.
Additionally, motorcycles and RVs are not permitted on the drive.
Can you camp at Monument Valley?
Yeah, you can. We camped here for a night and found it to be great. It’s the bare minimum, but that worked for us. They have RV sites and “Wilderness Camp Sites,” which are what most people would refer to as simply camp sites.
Campsites start at $0 per night, while RV sites are $80.
- No pets are allowed
- There are showers and restrooms
- One tent per site
- No fires
Are drones permitted at Monument Valley?
No. Drones are prohibited in Monument Valley per tribal rules. Please do not fly your drone in the area.
Planning a trip to Arches or Canyonlands? Read my guides.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Monument Valley: Is it worth it?
Monument Valley is one of those rare places that feels almost unreal until you’re standing there, watching the light shift across its towering red rock buttes.
Whether you’re driving the loop road, hiking a quiet trail, or simply soaking in the view from a lookout, it’s the kind of destination that leaves a mark on you. Make the trip, slow down, and let the desert’s magic sink in—you’ll carry it with you long after you’ve left.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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