Monument Valley

Oljato-Monument Valley is a census-designated place in San Juan County, Utah, United States. The population was 864 at the 2000 census. It is the location of Monument Valley. Wikipedia.
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Multi-city stops

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Top places to visit

1John Ford Point

4.8
(2588)
4.5
(24)
Mentioned on 
John Ford Point is a popular spot in the valley known for its breathtaking views of craggy buttes. The viewpoint was named after American film director John Ford, who made the area famous with his movie Stagecoach in 1939. Visitors can see Navajo hogans, old petroglyphs, arches and many other scenic vista points such as Artists and Totem Pole.
Definately one for your bucket list! No photo can do this place justice, it is so vast and beautiful. Make sure though that if you go driving around the scenic route you do it in a 4×4 as the roads are really bad in places and an ordinary car will ground on the pot holes.
lee scott — Google review
Stunning viewpoint with great parking lot, food and handcrafted art for sale. Stop by and enjoy the great view. Can be very crowded.
Walter Rothe — Google review
Clearly an iconic vista where multiple classic westerns and lately commercials have been filmed. A place I have always wanted to visit. Don't stop here the valley is truly MONUMENTAL and it deserves your time, perhaps with a guide.
Robert Lowell — Google review
Simple an amazing piece of nature that is unlike any other. The roads within our rough so be prepared for that. We ate lunch at John Ford Point and got delicious authentic Navajo Tacos. The green chili pork was 😋. We took so many pictures and every new view was stunning in a unique way. We bought some beautiful jewelry from local artisans throughout the valley at different scenic overlooks. Our visit was very cool and very crisp breezes at times so check the forecast. We did not do much hiking as the day was cold and there is limited trail accessibility but the drive through Monument Valley is an experience not to miss.
Trista Dunbar — Google review
Splendid views! This location speaks for itself. Caught a neat picture of my mother near the spot John Wayne was pictured. Very neat! Side note: stop in for Navajo bread, made fresh and warm right in front of you, can put any toppings you wish like honey sugar or cinnamon. Absolutely delicious and a must when you're there any time of year!
Alexandra Vlad — Google review
Gorgeous views of a beautiful place. Very limited access so be aware. Entry fees everywhere. This is all on Navajo land
Grey Ghost — Google review
Iconic site in Navajo Park in Monument Valley. Even if you've seen it hundreds of times, you can't help but admire the view, the natural sculptures and the colour, whether in the morning or at sunset, it's a must-see. Not far away are small restaurants with amazing local food and spices.
X R — Google review
Wow!!! Spent 2 weeks out west. Monument Valley was by far my most excellent favorite place to visit ever period I went all over the place and took the private door here and was blown away period in fact, the Grand Canyon had nothing On this place. All I can say is go and take the private tours on the Navajo. Private locations. Do not just Drive The park loop loop absolutely take a private tour. It Is incredibly beautiful and one That is absolutely astounding and worth every penny.
A Spence — Google review
Absolutely beautiful.This is a must see place. The John Wayne iconic movie, "Stagecoach" was filmed here along with more than a dozen other westerns.
Herbert Wohlf — Google review
My fav spot on my explorations of monument valley. Sunset was the best
Danny G. — Google review
Really good spot to take pictures. You can basically do cinematic shots and you can ask them do a horse picture on the edge but you have to pay for it so just keep in mind!
Aditya Pramod — Google review
Great stop while driving around Monument Valley! It’s a very beautiful view of the landscape! Famous for the John Ford western movie he made here! Highly recommend checking it out! Make sure to pay if you’re taking pictures of the horse or wanting a picture with the horse!
Daniel Duran — Google review
Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA

2Wildcat Trail

4.7
(287)
4.5
(402)
Mentioned on 
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
The Wildcat Trail is a short hiking trail that takes you around the base of West Mitten Butte. It's a great option for hikers without a Navajo guide, and offers some great views of the rocks.
Convenient hike that will transport you to another planet. If you like geology this is a treat. If you are a climber you will sweat your palms just looking at the lines. Bring water, and binoculars...it is fairly easy with less than 4 miles, but your mind will travel a lot more. This place is the definition of space, vast space...
Michael Wegmann — Google review
Get here early, watch the sunrise at the visitor center, do this easy trail around the West Mitten Butte, and then do the 17-mile scenic drive. Perfect day if the weather is good
Colin Brier-Braxton — Google review
You will pay $8 each person for entrance and park your car in the visitors’ parking, not in front of the trailhead where the registration box (small structure) for the view hotel (?) is located. When I got here it was 3:20 pm. The person at the ticket office radioed to another person to find out if someone could be let in the trail. Finally, I was allowed to start the trail on the condition that I should be back at the trailhead by 5 pm. I don't know if I reached the turning point of the trail since I turned back when I touched half of the time, but I think I walked about 4 miles, 2 miles getting in and 2 coming out. If you can start the trail by 3:30 pm, I think it is worth it (in November). When the direction of the sun changes, you will enjoy different views of the rocks. Of course, you will enjoy it more if you have more time doing it. Coming back is more hard than stepping down as you walk on sands. Although it is not steep, I recommend you take trail shoes, especially for heading back to the starting point.
Youngmin Seo — Google review
We enjoyed this! It's the only hiking trail that you can do without a guide. It can be tough, especially when you're making your way back up. I needed to stop and catch my breath a couple of times. I wouldn't suggest this for just anyone. It's worth it if you want an up-close view of the Mittens. The trail takes you right around them. We also saw some wild horses!
Nicole C — Google review
Embarking on the Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley Tribal Park was an extraordinary journey into the heart of Navajo heritage and natural wonder. This scenic trail offers an immersive experience, allowing hikers to witness the iconic rock formations up close while reveling in the stunning desert landscape. The trail's well-marked path winds through breathtaking vistas, guiding adventurers amidst the majestic buttes and mesas that define Monument Valley's allure. The freedom to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in this surreal landscape is both humbling and exhilarating. The highlight of the Wildcat Trail is the opportunity to witness the ever-changing hues of the landscape during sunrise or sunset. The play of light on the rock formations creates a captivating spectacle that elevates the hiking experience to an almost spiritual level. Hiking the Wildcat Trail is an absolute must for those seeking an intimate connection with Navajo culture and the awe-inspiring beauty of Monument Valley. The trail's accessibility and panoramic views make it a gem for nature enthusiasts and hikers of all skill levels, offering a rare and unforgettable glimpse into this sacred land.
sheamus — Google review
Stated on the brochure that hiking is the best way to enjoy monument valley. It's free to walk if you paid the entrance fee to monument valley. Most people would do the scenic drive I guess. We enjoyed it because it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We took around 2 hours to complete it. Not strenuous, mostly flat. The trails are mostly marked although it can get confusing at times. There is a clipboard to register your name at the start of the trail. Not sure it it was maintained or not though.
FH — Google review
Great hike. We started around 11:30 and took about two hours going a leisurely pace. Nice views. Not too hot even in mid June.
Robert Heath — Google review
Excellent 4-mile trail that goes around West Mitten Butte. We took our young children and they did well with the hike. It was pleasant weather in the 50s when we went mid February. But no doubt it gets extremely hot in the summer in the open sun. We loved being on the ground seeing all the plants and wildlife along the way. The experience was amazing and immersive.
Thaddeus Kuntz — Google review
One of my favorite activities in Monument Valley. Around 3.5 miles of nearly level ground. Be sure to bring water.
Capt. Norm — Google review
Only trail in Monument Valley that you can do without guide. It is 3.8 miles loop around first mitten rock. It is not that much difficult, we enjoyed it and we are not exactly in top shape. We did it in December and it was very nice. Avoid if it is raining. Always carry water with you, it will be needed. Stay on trail all the time!
Srdjan Pantic — Google review
Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA

3Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center

4.6
(4876)
4.5
(7469)
Mentioned on 
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
The Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center is a stunning spot to take photos of the iconic West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. The center is open 24 hours a day, has no restrictions on opening or closing times and offers stunning views of the park.
This park is awesome and really beautiful. The actual park is much more beautiful than seen in the picture. It has a 15 mile loop on an unpaved road which you have to do in your car and you have 2 hours to complete it and it is enough time to explore and click lot of pictures. They allow only 25 active cars at a time and usually there is 30 to 40 minutes waiting and the wait is worth it. There are several companies offering guided tour as well.
Abhishek Sohane — Google review
One of the best tribal experiences ever! It's like a safari where you can drive and see the stunning rocks. Amazing! The price is 8$ per person. Stayed there hours and there is shadows because of the rocks - very pleasant to rest on the rock's shadow. Gift shop offer a good selection of gifts - prices will be more than the entrance fee even for a magnet. Worth taking here as you cannot find anywhere else - beautiful.
Carmina Heilla — Google review
Make sure to check sunrise or sunset at the park. Also back country extended tour for additional hidden gems - Arch, Eye and wind ear. You can also take your own vehicle for drive through the basic 17 mile loop. No sedans please. It will hit the unpaved dirt road for sure.
sreeram R — Google review
Absolutely stunning. The road around the park is incredibly scenic. Everyone from the booth, to the gift shop, to vendors in the park itself were incredibly warm and friendly! So thankful for the Navajo band sharing their wonderful land with us! Also, take the s epic road a little slower, it can be a little rough at times.
Loren Preston — Google review
We took the 18 mile scenic drive. What a beautiful valley. Breathtaking views at every turn in the road. It's a good thing we had rented a 4 wheel drive Trail Ready Jeep as the road was very bumpy. I don't recommend trying it with a car.
Terry Locke — Google review
This is a once in a lifetime thing to do! I got up real early to take pictures of the sunrise. My wife didn’t! It was -12C, but some great pictures. When we came back to do the valley floor trip, the lady at the entrance gate, was so helpful and friendly, that it made a great start. The young girl at the permit centre and the young man at the entrance could not have been nicer. All of these people are a great credit to the tribal association! The valley floor trip was excellent. We did it about nine in the morning in early Feb. cold but clear. What a great round trip. Washboarding of some of the valley roads took me back to my days on the farm, that was the only downside. Excellent day!
Sandy Donald — Google review
This is truly a bucket list landmark, a must see if you are visiting Arizona. A park with astonishing views and beauty. Visitors need to pay an entry fee which gives you access to the car loop and a couple of walking trails. I highly recommend arriving before noon as the loop is open only until 3 pm and the trails only until 4 pm. The loop could take you 90 minutes to complete since there are several spots worth stopping. Restrooms available at the Visitors Center
Fabian Novoa — Google review
Breathtaking. We did a guided tour to see some of the "prohibited areas" and it was amazing. Story telling, singing , and spoken history. If you are going you will not be disappointed!!
E — Google review
The views were spectacular! The drive-yourself option allowed us to see just about every formation. While they recommend 4-wheel drive, I am not sure it is really required. The roads are graded but rough, however. The only negative was that the gift shop only had limited colors for commemorative t-shirts.
Arthur Sloate — Google review
Can’t describe the magnificent views of this park. It takes at least 2 hours to go around all the spots on the map. It is breathtaking every corner. The road is natural bumpy in some parts so 4-wheel SUV cars are recommended. Rest rooms are clean at the visitor center where they sell beautiful crafts by local people
Trinh Minh — Google review
Definitely do the 17 mile self guided tour. The last batch is for 2 pm. You have to get out of the park by 4 pm if you are doing the self guided tour in your own vehicle. Park entry fee is $20 Self guided tour requires a permit from the visitor center which is free Due to Covid they are operating at 50% capacity i.e they only allow 25 cars in a single batch so better reach early if you want a spot Sky looks beautiful in the pictures on a clear day
Kausthob Das — Google review
Really interesting and great place to experience. Would love to see the caves and have a run arount one of the buttes, but unfortunately this had to be planned a bit more: tickets for experiencing the caves are both very high priced and needs to be booked in advance. You cannot experience the caves without guided tour tickets 🥺 bummer... But anyway the free drive and hiking opportunities was great.
Svein Idar Hansen — Google review
A wonderful place to visit...so much beauty in God's world... I love that Monument Valley is in Navajo land and that we can visit this beautiful and sacred land by driving the 17 mile loop... I love that the gift shop is full of Native American artwork and that when I am there and purchase something I am supporting them... There are also Native Americans selling their artwork along the loop... There is a restaurant and hotel there for those interested. We were in a car and the road was rough. A SUV might be better to drive though the loop... We will definitely visit again...one of those places we visit once in a while when in the area...
Rhonda Brackett — Google review
Words do not begin to describe this magnificent place. It is a spiritual experience that cannot be described. Unfortunately, we visited on a Sunday and we did not see the warning that the dirt road through the park is not suitable for low cars. We bottomed out at least 2X and had to turn back at the first opportunity. However, the Visitor Center is a good place to view the formations and provides for spectacular pictures. We were in awe and took so many pictures throughout the day as the light changed. As I stood there and viewed this magnificent place I thanked God for His gift.
Cruz Mendez — Google review
Beautiful spot. I really enjoy it here. There’s a number of people, as to be expected, but the place is so expansive that it doesn’t feel crowded.
Jason Anderson — Google review
This is my second time coming here the first time was in 2020 during covid and the park was closed got to see all the surrounding attractions and even then we had a blast this area is never a disappointment stayed at the lodge three nights was great!!! Now 2024 has brought me here agan and it is amazing 😊 thank you so much it is sure a must see, thanks😊 so much
Double Cross — Google review
One of my most favorite and scenic places!! A must visit in my opinion! There is entrance ticket, not remember exactly how much but a moderate fee.
Sumit S — Google review
Extraordinarily beautiful spot to visit for the best view of Monument Valley. Restrooms and a restaurant and gift center attached. And a hotel with astounding views from the rooms. Do yourself a favor and stay here for a few nights. But the real reason to go is to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. It’s hard to find a better spot anywhere to watch the glory and beauty of Monument Valley than from here. Highly highly recommended.
Venu Javarappa — Google review
The Visitor Center at Monument Valley Tribal Park serves as the perfect introduction to the enchanting wonders that await within this iconic landscape. The center's knowledgeable staff and array of informative exhibits offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of the area's rich Navajo heritage, geological formations, and the significance of the land to the local community. The Visitor Center provides invaluable assistance, offering maps, guided tour information, and insightful advice for exploring Monument Valley. The friendly and accommodating staff willingly share their expertise, ensuring every visitor has the tools and knowledge needed to embark on a memorable journey through this awe-inspiring terrain. From the moment you step into the Visitor Center, the welcoming atmosphere and wealth of information set the tone for an immersive and culturally enriching experience. It's a vital starting point for anyone venturing into Monument Valley, serving as a gateway to the monumental splendor and spiritual essence of the Navajo Nation's iconic landscape.
sheamus — Google review
Oh what a park! Stellar gem that we missed visiting until now. The View hotel inside the park is a must stay. Ridiculously beautiful, jaw dropping natural monument standing a thousand feet tall over the valley floor. A photographer’s paradise.
Kundan Sen — Google review
What an Amazing place for our Honeymoon. If you haven't been and you Enjoy seeing breath taking monuments, than this is where you need to go. You can choose to take a tour with the people who can give you the history or take the tour yourself. We took the tour on our own and went at our own pace. Enjoy the picks, but in my opinion, you must see with your own 👀.
James P Maldonado — Google review
U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USAhttps://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/monument-valley/(435) 727-5870

4The Mittens and Merrick Butte

4.8
(36)
Mentioned on 
If you're visiting Monument Valley, don't miss out on the iconic formations known as The Mittens and Merrick Butte. These majestic rock structures resemble mittens and a butte without a thumb, offering a stunning sight that showcases nature's artistry. The best view of the valley can be enjoyed from this vantage point, allowing visitors to marvel at these spectacular sculptures created by natural forces over time.
Nature is the best artist. Living proof is here.
i pm — Google review
One of the most beautiful places on Earth
Arnaud Lemercier — Google review
Best view of the Valley. From left to right 1- West Mitten 2-East Mitten. 3- Merrick Butte
Okan S — Google review
What spectacular sculptures. Only time and a greater being could have made these.
John Jennings — Google review
Stunning views! If you drive through the park, take a car with some ground clearance.
Nolan Buchanan — Google review
Spectacular. Thrilling. Beautiful. Extraordinary experience.
Lorenzo Fredducci — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. Colors of rock change with angle of the sun.
john hines — Google review
Very cool sites and the Navajo history is so cool
Carmen Whisenhunt — Google review
Unnamed Road,, Kayenta, AZ 86033, USA

5Totem pole

4.8
(9)
Mentioned on 
Mountain peak
In Monument Valley, the Totem Pole is a famous sandstone formation that stands tall and thin like its namesake. Carved by nature, it's a distinctive feature along the scenic drive, with a unique appearance that sets it apart from other formations in the area. Standing at 140 meters high and 12 meters in diameter, this mythical marker created by Northwestern tribes is an impressive sight to behold.
Take a tour with a Navajo guide to see this pristine condition
Traveler — Google review
Totem pole located in Monument Valley, Arizona USA is peculiar in that area where a lot of rock formations catch your eyes. It is majestic but it is suffering from erosion as said by experts. Nevertheless it is a must visit if you are in the Monument valley where vastness is interrupted by these beautiful rock formations
Abd Elhamid Elsayed Halayeb — Google review
T Bars
Leith Brown — Google review
(Translated by Google) Totem Pole, the striking rock needle is sacred to the Navajo tribe and was first climbed in 1957 and has served as a film set several times (-: (Original) Totem Pole, ist die markante Felsnadel dem Navajo tribe heilig und erstmal bestiegen im Jahr 1957, diente mehrmals als Filmkulisse(-:
M O — Google review
(Translated by Google) After three hours crossing inhospitable landscapes, and thanks to the words of a Navajo Indian, we understood that Monument Valley is a sacred ground where the roots of a civilization that was separated from its origins are hidden. (Original) Después de tres horas atravesando inhóspitos parajes, y gracias a las palabras de un indio navajo, comprendimos que Monument Valley es un terreno sagrado donde se ocultan las raíces de una civilización que fue apartada de sus orígenes.
Alicia Gómez — Google review
(Translated by Google) At the bottom of Monument Valley park. Site known for appearing in many westerns and others. Gorgeous (Original) Au fond du park de Monument Valley. Site connu pour figurer dans de nombreux western et autres. Magnifique
Eric P — Google review
Arizona 86033, USA
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