Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
The Basics
Monument Valley belongs to the Navajo Nation, and much of the area is only accessible with a visitor’s permit or with a Navajo guide, so most travelers explore the valley on a tour. Check out the famous rock features, including Mystery Valley, Tear Drop Arch, John Ford’s Point, and the Mittens; and enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and off-roading. The park also offers opportunities to learn about the Navajo; you can take a spirit and culture tour, or enjoy a traditional music performance at Big Hogan, a large natural amphitheater.
Tours of the area range from 2-hour scenic drives to multi-day adventures that include other nearby attractions and national parks. Some start in Monument Valley, while others depart from Phoenix, Flagstaff, or Sedona.
Recent reviews from experiences in Arizona
How to Get There
The visitor center is located on the Arizona side of the valley, just east of US Route 163. The closest commercial airport is in Page, Arizona, just over a 2-hour drive from Monument Valley. Bus service is available from Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. You can also reach the area by helicopter or high-wing airplane.
When to Get There
The visitor center is open daily from morning to evening, with shorter hours from October to March. Sunrise and sunset are popular times to visit, as the light is best for photography and you can avoid the midday heat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Monument Valley is popular with visitors interested in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American Southwest.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection to avoid dehydration and sunburn in this dry, hot environment.
- Rock climbing is not allowed.
- The Navajo Nation is a Federal Indian Reservation, and visitors must respect their land and tribal beliefs.
- The Navajo Nation honors Daylight Savings Time, but the rest of Arizona does not.
Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation
Monument Valley isn’t the only site protected by the Navajo Nation. The 25,000-square-mile (70,000 square-km) reservation touches four states and includes the Little Colorado River, Antelope Canyon, and the Four Corners, a remote location where you can stand in the four states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah all at once.
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