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Monument Valley Travel Guide
Top Things to Do in Monument Valley
Visitors searching for the best things to do in Monument Valley will discover one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. Located on the Arizona–Utah border within the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is famous for its towering sandstone buttes, cinematic scenery, and scenic desert drives.
Here are some of the top things to do in Monument Valley:
• Drive the Monument Valley Scenic Loop
The 17-mile dirt road takes visitors through the heart of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, passing famous formations like the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
• Visit Forrest Gump Monument Valley Point
Located along Highway 163, this famous viewpoint is where Forrest stops running in the movie Forrest Gump. It’s one of the most photographed locations in the Southwest.
• Take a Monument Valley Driving Tour
A GPS self-guided driving tour explains the stories behind the rock formations, Navajo culture, and Hollywood movie history.
• Photograph the Mitten Buttes
These towering formations are the most recognizable landmarks in Monument Valley and appear in countless Western films.
• Watch Sunset at John Ford’s Point
This viewpoint offers sweeping views of the valley and was used by legendary film director John Ford in classic Western movies.
• Hike the Wildcat Trail
The only self-guided hiking trail inside the park, this 3.2-mile loop brings visitors close to the famous Mitten Buttes.
• Stay at a Monument Valley Hotel with Desert Views
Hotels like The View Hotel and Goulding’s Lodge offer incredible sunrise and sunset views over the valley.
Many travelers combine several of these activities during a one day Monument Valley itinerary, making the valley one of the most unforgettable stops on a Southwest road trip.
Explore Monument Valley With a Self-Guided Driving Tour
One of the best ways to explore Monument Valley is by driving the 17-mile Monument Valley Scenic Drive through the heart of the Navajo Tribal Park.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Driving Tour
This self-guided driving tour follows the scenic loop through the valley while sharing the stories, legends, and history behind the famous rock formations.
The GPS-based tour automatically plays as you drive, guiding visitors through Monument Valley while explaining what they are seeing along the route.
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Highlights of the tour include:
The famous Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte
John Ford’s Point, where many classic Western movies were filmed
The slender Totem Pole rock formation
The Three Sisters sandstone spires
Navajo legends connected to the land
Visitors also learn how Hollywood director John Ford turned Monument Valley into the visual symbol of the American West after filming Stagecoach here in 1939.
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Because the tour is self-guided, travelers can stop whenever they want for photos, explore viewpoints, and experience the valley at their own pace.
What's Free and What has a Fee
Visitors to Monument Valley can enjoy several viewpoints for free while others require admission.
Free Things to Do
Several famous viewpoints are outside the park.
Free highlights include:
Visiting Forrest Gump Monument Valley viewpoint
Scenic drives along Highway 163
Photographing the valley from roadside pull-offs
Visiting Navajo craft stands near the park
The Forrest Gump viewpoint is one of the most popular stops for travelers exploring Monument Valley.
Attractions With Fees
Inside the Navajo Tribal Park, an entrance fee is required.
Popular paid experiences include:
Monument Valley Scenic Loop Drive
Navajo guided jeep tours
Cultural experiences with Navajo guides
Photography tours inside restricted areas
Entrance fees help support the Navajo Nation and park preservation.
How to Get Here
Many travelers planning a trip ask where Monument Valley is located because the valley sits in a remote desert region of the American Southwest.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the Arizona–Utah border inside the Navajo Nation reservation.
The park sits along U.S. Highway 163, one of the most scenic roads in the United States.
Nearby destinations include:
Page, Arizona – about 2 hours
Flagstaff, Arizona – about 3 hours
Grand Canyon – about 3.5 hours
The nearest towns include:
Kayenta, Arizona
Mexican Hat, Utah
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Because the region is rural, most visitors reach Monument Valley by car during a Southwest road trip.
Where to Stay
Visitors searching for a Monument Valley hotel will find several lodging options both inside the park and in nearby towns.
Hotels Inside Monument Valley
Typical price range: $200–$350 per night
These hotels offer the most spectacular views of the valley.
Recommended hotels:
The View Hotel – The only hotel located directly inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
The View Cabins – Rustic cabins overlooking the famous buttes.
Goulding’s Lodge – Historic lodge built near the location where early Western movies were filmed.
These properties provide the closest access to Monument Valley’s scenic drive and viewpoints.
Hotels in Kayenta, Arizona
Typical price range: $120–$220 per night
Kayenta is the closest town with additional hotel options.
Suggested hotels:
Hampton Inn Kayenta
Kayenta Monument Valley Inn
Wetherill Inn
Kayenta is located about 25 miles from Monument Valley.
Budget Hotels Nearby
Typical price range: $80–$140 per night
Budget-friendly lodging can be found in nearby small towns.
Suggested options:
Hat Rock Inn – Mexican Hat, Utah
San Juan Inn – Mexican Hat
Desert Rose Resort – Bluff, Utah
These towns are within about an hour of Monument Valley.
When to Visit
Monument Valley is open year-round, but certain seasons offer better weather and photography conditions.
Spring
Spring offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Visitors enjoy:
wildflowers after winter rains
comfortable hiking weather
clear skies for photography
Summer
Summer is the busiest season.
Expect:
hot desert temperatures
dramatic afternoon monsoon storms
colorful sunset skies
Fall
Fall is one of the best seasons to visit Monument Valley.
Cooler weather makes the scenic drive more comfortable.
Winter
Winter is quieter and sometimes brings snow, creating dramatic views of white snow against red rock formations.
How Much Time You'll Need
Most travelers visit Monument Valley during a Southwest road trip and spend one day exploring the park.
One Day Monument Valley Itinerary
Many travelers follow one-day Monument Valley itineraries.
Morning
Stop at Forrest Gump Monument Valley viewpoint
Visit the Monument Valley Visitor Center
Begin the Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Afternoon
Explore John Ford’s Point
Photograph the Mitten Buttes
Stop at Artist’s Point overlook
Evening
Take a Monument Valley driving tour
Watch sunset over the valley
Two Day Monument Valley Itineraries
With more time visitors can also:
explore Valley of the Gods scenic drive
visit Goosenecks State Park
take a Navajo guided tour deeper into the valley
photograph sunrise viewpoints
Where is Monument Valley located?
Monument Valley is located on the Arizona–Utah border within the Navajo Nation reservation.
Where is the Forrest Gump Monument Valley scene filmed?
The famous scene was filmed on Highway 163 north of Monument Valley.
Is there a Monument Valley hotel inside the park?
Yes. The View Hotel is the only hotel located directly inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.