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Monument Valley simply hits otherwise. The red-sand desert flooring stretches over 92,000 acres throughout the Utah-Arizona border, dotted with sandstone buttes and grime roads. This area is finest identified for Monument Valley Tribal Park – a as soon as frequent filming location for outdated Western films. You’ve already seen the valley in your TV display. It has featured as a backdrop for all of the John Wayne movies, plus classics like Forrest Gump. However there’s extra to the valley than simply beauty. You possibly can go to sights just like the Navajo Shadehouse Museum and revel in unimaginable climbing trails.
Researching Monument Valley is a lot enjoyable. It is among the most well-known sections of any Arizona highway journey and one of many main US highway journeys. Between the red-sand surroundings and Hollywood-worthy scenic drive, Monument Valley has wiggled its means onto hundreds of thousands of bucket lists.
How one can Go to Monument Valley
On this information, we’ll cowl the whole lot you should know in an effort to have a unbelievable go to. Prepare for an intensive ‘’ information; by the top of this text, you’ll be well-equipped and raring to go. We’ll educate you all about the principle sights within the valley, like Elephant Butte and the Wildcat Path. However we’ll additionally present all of the logistics you want, like get there and when is finest to go to. Top-of-the-line elements about Monument Valley is its location, so skip to the top when you’d like some insights into combining your journey with different memorable sights, just like the Grand Canyon.
Are you prepared? Right here’s what you should learn about visiting the valley.
What’s Monument Valley? A Fast Introduction
So, what’s Monument Valley? Effectively, this 92,000-acre area is a very stunning space of red-sand desert. The valley sits on the border between Utah and Arizona, with land in each states. It’s most often known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which has a ravishing assortment of sandstone buttes that attracted Hollywood’s consideration. Likelihood is, you’ve seen Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, John Wayne films, or the well-known ‘Run Forrest run’ scene in Forrest Gump.
You possibly can drive by means of the valley on the 17-mile Valley Drive, a year-round accessible tarmacked freeway. Throughout your go to, you could want an off-road automobile to sort out a dust highway or two.
The valley is filled with pink rock formations, and you may guide experiences like guided horseback excursions. You can even embark on hikes to miss factors like John Ford’s Level or take guided climbing excursions with a Navajo information to peaks like Totem Pole or the West and East Mittens. Most sights are off the principle Valley Drive, and there are many designated pull-in locations to admire views of particular rock formations. Or you’ll be able to cease by the Monument Valley Customer Heart and enquire about guided tour choices.
How one can Get to Monument Valley
So, how do you get to Monument Valley? The simplest means is to fly into one of many main cities in Arizona or Utah, renting a automobile to highway journey your technique to this distant valley.
Las Vegas and Salt Lake Metropolis are the 2 most famed worldwide airports and round a 7-hour drive from the valley. Flagstaff is one other wonderful airport to fly into, solely a 3-hour drive away and ideally situated to mix Monument Valley with the Grand Canyon. You possibly can guide home or worldwide flights to one of many airports, lease a automobile, and drive the rest of the way in which to Monument Valley.
Alternatively, you might catch an Amtrak practice to Salt Lake Metropolis or Las Vegas if touring from inside america. This may minimize pointless flights and supply extra adventurous, gradual journey. You may then lease a automobile for the rest of the journey.
Studying this, you’ll be able to spot the recurring issue – automobile rent. It’s essential to journey with somebody with a license when you can’t lease or convey a automobile your self. The valley is among the most distant locations to go to within the US. And also you’ll must drive if you wish to see it independently. You possibly can verify the perfect costs right here on our favourite web site.
With that mentioned, there’s a caveat slash loophole to this. If driving actually isn’t an choice, you might guide a guided tour of Monument Valley. These excursions are dearer, and also you’ll be restricted in free time, however they’re the right resolution for these with out licenses. You possibly can guide Monument Valley day excursions from Flagstaff and from Sedona. Price range round $250-300 for a gaggle tour, together with transfers, and prepare to kick your toes again with a guided tour expertise.
In abstract, your choices to get to the valley are as follows:
If you’re quick on time and wish low-cost flights, Fly to Salt Lake Metropolis or Las Vegas after which lease a automobile to drive 7 hours to Monument Valley.
If you’re quick on time, Fly to Flagstaff after which lease a automobile to drive 3 hours to Monument Valley.
In case you have loads of time and need to keep away from flying: Journey by Amtrak to Las Vegas, Grand Junction, or Salt Lake Metropolis after which rent a automobile to drive to Monument Valley in 4.5-7 hours.
Should you aren’t in a position to rent a automobile, Fly into Flagstaff and keep there or in Sedona. You possibly can then guide a guided tour to Monument Valley on a day journey for between $250 and $300.
Finest Issues to do in Monument Valley
The sheer scale of issues to do in Monument Valley is awe-inspiring. It’s removed from only a place to drive by means of and passively gaze on the surroundings, though we gained’t knock road-tripping its 17-mile Valley Drive. Monument Valley has a wow issue that evokes you to get entangled with outside actions, whether or not climbing to buttes or horse using by means of Monument Valley Tribal Park.
On this part, we’ll enable you to embrace all the joy that Monument Valley provides. Prepare for pure sights, trails, and sightseeing alternatives. These are the easiest issues to do within the unimaginable valley.
1. Expertise Monument Valley Tribal Park on Horseback
Top-of-the-line methods to expertise Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is undoubtedly on horseback. You possibly can drive the loop highway, however horses go the place automobiles can’t or aren’t permitted. You possibly can guide a 2-hour Monument Valley tour by horseback, getting up near the buttes. We did this and completely beloved it. We do suggest you might have a little bit horseback expertise, although.
2. Take a Jeep Tour
An effective way to expertise the valley is through jeep. E book a jeep tour throughout the desert flooring and previous important sights just like the West Mitten butte. Most excursions final 1.5 hours to three hours. And also you’ll get a hassle-free driving expertise with narrated sightseeing. This can be a nice choice in case you are touring with the household.
3. Navajo Shadehouse Museum
Navajo Shadehouse Museum is a cultural attraction in Monument Valley value visiting. It explains all of the tradition, traditions, beliefs, and historical past of the Navajo tribe, together with issues like how Navajo drugs males pray and what hogan houses appear to be. Whereas the museum is small, it supplies unimaginable perception into the Navajo Nation. And for the reason that valley is located on Navajo Tribal park land, it’s a must-have addition to your itinerary.
4. Go to West, East, and Merrick Butte
In order for you gorgeous rock formations, West, East, and Merrick Butte are the perfect formations to see up shut. This iconic trio of buttes juts up from the valley flooring in stunning pink sandstone. The East and West Buttes stand over 6,000 toes above sea stage and are a dramatic sight to see up shut. It’s unlawful to climb the formations, however you’ll be able to stroll round their bases.
5. Drive Monument Valley Drive with Picture Stops
We will’t point out the attractive Monument Valley Drive. In 17 miles of freeway, you embrace a few of Monument Valley’s iconic landscapes and rock formations. This scenic drive passes Forrest Gump Level, a.okay .a. the well-known Forrest Gump Freeway. The large sandstone buttes additionally appeared in Western films just like the Wayne movies. It’s simply one of the vital well-known scenic drives within the US. Enable 3-4 hours to finish the drive, relying on how lengthy you need at every cease.
6. Elephant Butte
This stunning butte is famously formed like an elephant and is a superb choice if you wish to see the rock formations exterior of the usual trio. Once more, climbing is illegitimate, however you’ll be able to stroll to its base and admire the pure landmark. Go to simply earlier than sundown for the perfect views.
7. John Ford’s Level
That is the cash shot overlook. It’s named John Ford’s Level after the American producer and director John Ford. Ford directed tons of films, together with a number of that includes John Wayne. John Ford featured this viewpoint in a number of outdated American West films. You’ll acknowledge the sweeping views of the buttes and desert panorama.
8. Wildcat Path
Wildcat Path is an roughly 4-mile loop hike that crams in the perfect of Monument Valley’s views on foot. It takes round 2 to three hours and is rated as reasonable issue as a consequence of sections with thick sand. You possibly can simply navigate the path independently if in case you have a primary health stage. Your efforts will likely be rewarded with up-close views of the famed Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
Set off early within the day to keep away from the tough warmth in spring and summer season. Be certain that to convey a digital camera, too, as Wildcat Path is considered one of Monument Valley’s finest issues to do.
9. Climb Mexican Hat
Whereas climbing isn’t allowed throughout the valley, you’ll be able to skip minutes over the border to climb Mexican Hat. This bizarre-looking sandstone rock seems to be like a tower with a sombrero on high – therefore its title. Mexican Hat is fashionable amongst skilled climbers. If you’re skilled sufficient to sort out medium difficult climbs confidently, you’ll be able to tackle the Bandito Route, a bolted, clip-up route.
Should you aren’t a climber, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to to see the rock up shut. Plus, you’ll be able to watch as others sort out the distinctive rock face.
10. North Window Overlook
Lastly, there’s North Window Overlook to go to within the valley. That is sensible in order for you a viewpoint expertise within the valley. North Window Overlook provides an alternate view of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to John Ford’s Level. It’s situated simply minutes from the Monument Valley Customer Heart and is ideal to expertise at dawn or sundown.
When to Go to Monument Valley
It goes with out saying that summer season is a tougher time to go to the valley. The sky-high temperatures can attain 94 Fahrenheit in July and August, which isn’t conducive to abandon hikes or lengthy drives. Moreover, summer season additionally means floods of crowds. It’s the busiest time of 12 months to go to the valley. So in case you are contemplating visiting in summer season, we suggest shifting to the beginning or finish of the season. It’s largely crowded and sizzling, with fewer parking areas and shared viewpoints.
So, if not summer season, when must you go to the valley? Ideally, you need to go to within the fall or spring. Winter can get a little bit too chilly, dropping to 25 Fahrenheit typically, so fall and spring are a fantastic compromise. September to early November and March to Might are the perfect intervals to expertise the valley. You’ll have delicate temperatures within the higher 70s Fahrenheit and fewer crowds – a win-win.
Take into account what time of day you enter the valley, too. Visiting within the shoulder seasons like fall and spring helps to scale back the crowds. However you can too be tactical with what time of day you go to. Early morning is finest if you wish to spend a complete day within the park, heading to the most well-liked websites first. In the meantime, when you want to go to just a few websites, late afternoon is an effective time to dodge the worst of the crowds.
In fact, selecting lodging within the valley itself will enable you to get forward of the crowds. You’ll additionally get to tick off dawn and sundown viewpoints from the consolation of your individual dwelling away from dwelling, particularly at locations like The View Lodge and Campground.
The place to Keep in Monument Valley And Surrounding Space
The place to remain in and round Monument Valley is a superb query. There may be one necessary factor to notice, although. There are minimal lodging choices contained in the park itself. You’ll should guide prematurely to remain contained in the park boundaries. There are additionally extra B&B or camping-style lodging choices throughout the valley.
Happily, there are a lot of extra choices for these staying simply exterior the park boundaries. The small city of Kayenta close to the south entrance has a number of inns, and the city of Bluff close to the north entrance additionally has loads of lodging selections.
Staying in Monument Valley
Staying inside Monument Valley’s park boundaries requires pre-planning and advance reserving, however it’s undoubtedly nonetheless attainable. If you wish to make your expertise much more distinctive, snagging these sought-after lodging reservations is effectively value it. You may be bathing in an infinity pool overlooking a ravishing pink rock formation or tenting in a standard tipi village. Let’s try the highest choices for staying throughout the valley.
Goulding’s Lodge
Goulding’s Lodge is a beautiful property inside Monument Valley and simply one of many main locations to remain. Get your reservations in fast. Company take pleasure in an indoor pool and a terrace – from which you’ll be able to really see the buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It’s a stunning place to remain and revel in scenic sunsets and sunrises.
Monument Valley Tipi Village
Monument Valley Tipi Village is a ravishing lodging selection for experiencing conventional tipi and hogan stays in Monument Valley. The village is run as a part of the Navajo Nation and is an excellent technique to put money into the area people.
The View Campground/The View Lodge
The View Campground and View Lodge are two adjoining properties in the course of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – essentially the most scenic part of the valley with the dramatic butte surroundings. Every visitor room within the resort has a balcony to take pleasure in non-public dawn and sundown views over the Mitte buttes. And you can too enquire about tenting experiences in conventional tipis.
Staying Outdoors Monument Valley
As we defined, the perfect locations to remain exterior Monument Valley are Kayenta and Bluff. There’s additionally Mexican Hat, a tiny census-designated place proper on the north entrance with a number of accommodations. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t suggest staying right here because it lacks amenities.
This part will have a look at the perfect locations to remain in Kayenta for inn-style lodging and a quiet vibe. Then we’ll have a look at the perfect locations to remain in additional luxurious and touristy Bluff.
Kayenta
Kayenta is the smaller, quieter choice of the 2 cities. It’s situated close to the south entrance of Arizona. It’s a higher choice for these eager to go on day journeys to Arizona sights just like the Grand Canyon or Navajo Nationwide Monument. Kayenta has a number of city amenities, like Amigo Cafe, the Kayenta Recreation Park, and primarily 3-4-star inns.
Wetherill Inn
Wetherill Inn is a modest 2-star property very best for anybody in search of budget-friendly lodging close to Monument Valley. It does have its comfy perks, although, together with an indoor heated pool and a continental breakfast.
Hampton Inn Kayenta
Hampton Inn Kayenta is a 3-star property, finest for these wanting a extra mid-range to luxurious choice. It’s a trendy property with a tasteful desert-color palette that’s excellent given the rationale in your keep. It has an onsite restaurant, which is handy after an extended day in Monument Valley, and a health club and outside pool.
Bluff
Bluff is barely larger and finest for many who need a busier base whereas visiting the valley. It has extra luxurious locations, like Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa. Bluff additionally has just a few sights, just like the Twin Rocks Buying and selling Submit, the Bluff Nice Home Museum, and the Sand Island Petroglyphs. It’s situated in Utah, close to the north entrance to Monument Valley.
La Posada Pintada
La Posada Pintada is first up. This 3-star property is gorgeous, with conventional rooms, log cabin options and views over the encircling pink rock surroundings. A day by day continental breakfast is included in your reserving fee. General, it’s very best for these with a mid-range funds.
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is as luxurious because it comes. The property has a deluxe indoor pool, an onsite enterprise heart, and thoughtfully embellished rooms that includes conventional stone and wooden particulars. You might have all of the Bluff amenities in your doorstep and a base the place you’ll be able to rejuvenate between sightseeing in Monument Valley.
Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa
Bluff Dwellings is one other gem in Bluff. The resort has completely glowing evaluations and a shocking combination of rooms and suites. The resort is about inside a piece of rock formations, giving it a distant enchantment regardless of its central Bluff location. As if that wasn’t sufficient, you additionally get an onsite pool, health club, and sizzling tub. Plus, there’s an onsite restaurant for these days while you want a fast meal.
Excursions Close to Monument Valley
Probably the most unimaginable issues about visiting Monument Valley is how completely it combines with different bucket checklist experiences in Utah and Arizona. As , the valley is located on the Utah-Arizona border, that means it has virtually unbridled entry to a few of the state’s most sought-after locations and excursions.
You may be trekking by means of Canyonlands or snapping photographs in Arches Nationwide Park. You may head south to spend just a few days across the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Or you might take longer, multi-day detours by means of Utah to go to Las Vegas. There are tons of excursions and worthy locations close to Monument Valley.
On this part, we’ll introduce you to the perfect of those. Listed here are the highest ten excursions – and multi-day detours – you need to mix with a go to to Monument Valley.
1. Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park is a ravishing park simply north of the valley. The San Juan River splits the park and comprises over 300 million years of geology. Goosenecks is a superb day journey if you wish to spend a day admiring geological sights and canyon river views. Choose a hike from the a number of path choices. You possibly can even camp there in a single day if you want.
2. Canyonlands Nationwide Park
Canyonlands Nationwide Park is among the main nationwide parks within the US, with some sensible climbing trails, together with the path to Druid Arch and Lavender Level. You possibly can admire loads of viewpoints. There’s the gorgeous Needles District and Inexperienced River Overlook. Canyonlands Nationwide Park is break up into 4 primary zones, together with the Island within the Sky mesa.
The nationwide park is barely a 3-hour drive from the middle of Monument Valley. It’s best skilled at sundown when the pink rock surroundings is much more stunning.
3. Lifeless Horse State Park
Lifeless Horse State Park is simply over a 2-hour from Bluff, close to the valley’s north entrance. This state park is legendary for its desert panorama and critically gorgeous canyon surroundings. Whereas it’s adjoined to Canyonlands, it provides a way more intimate expertise, with fewer trails and fewer than 5,400 acres in comparison with almost 340,000 acres.
In order for you a extra bitesize chunk, Lifeless Horse State Park is the right place to expertise related landscapes with out the size of Canyonlands.
4. Grand Canyon
Who doesn’t need to see the Grand Canyon? The canyon is a superb expertise so as to add to your Monument Valley itinerary. You possibly can go to the canyon in a single day from Monument Valley, taking 4 hours to achieve a technique. Or you’ll be able to fly into Flagstaff and spend just a few days visiting the canyon and its surrounding sights earlier than driving to Monument Valley. Both means, you’ll be able to mix the 2.
5. Go to the 4 Corners Monument
This monument is extraordinary, marking the purpose the place all 4 states – Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado – all converge. The 4 Corners Monument is situated within the Navajo Nation and has its personal customer heart. In order for you a novelty expertise, you’ll be able to’t beat this monument. In spite of everything, you’ll be able to say you stood in all 4 states directly.
It takes round an hour to achieve Bluff, making it one of the vital accessible self-guided excursions from the valley.
6. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is an excellent tour to take from Monument Valley. When you’ve spent a few days exploring the valley, you’ll be able to drive beneath 2 hours to Antelope Canyon – the well-known canyon that appears prefer it has rock waves in its partitions.
Because the canyon is sacred in Navajo tradition, it is important to guide by means of an organization providing a Navajo information for a guided tour.
7. Mesa Verde Nationwide Park
Mesa Verde Nationwide Park is an excellent tour from the valley. It’s most identified for its abundance of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, most famously Cliff Palace. A go to to Mesa Verde is right for increasing your data of Puebloan historical past after visiting the Navajo Nation. You possibly can rapidly drive to Mesa Verde Nationwide Park from Bluff, which takes round 1.5 hours. It’s considered one of Colorado’s finest nationwide parks and definitely worth the detour.
8. Arches Nationwide Park
Arches Nationwide Park is a should in case you are visiting Monument Valley. It’s simply too shut by to overlook out on. The park is called after its dozens of pure arches and is considered one of Utah’s most stunning locations to go to. It’s just below a 2-hour drive from Bluff, close to the valley’s north entrance. And you’ll take pleasure in gorgeous hikes to see the pure landmarks.
Look into nationwide park passes for a number of parks when you’d like to mix just a few of the nationwide parks close to Monument Valley.
9. Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument
This Nationwide Monument is among the finest areas of pure magnificence throughout the Navajo Nation. And as a bonus, it’s simply over an hour’s drive from Kayenta. You possibly can take guided excursions, study sacred websites, and go to a cliff dwelling and petroglyphs.
10. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is one other main attraction and tour from the valley. It’s simply over 1.5 hours from Kayenta by automobile by the valley’s south entrance. The park is finest identified for its dramatic river canyon panorama, that includes a curve within the Colorado River that appears like a horseshoe form.
Whereas there, you might go climbing or boating. Or sightsee different sights close to Web page, like Antelope Canyon.
Visiting Monument Valley: FAQs
Are you enthusiastic about visiting Monument Valley? Whether or not you go to Thriller Valley, drive the Monument Valley loop highway, or detour to close by Goosenecks State Park, you’ll love seeing the a part of the US. Monument Valley is a tiny part of fiery, red-rock depth. It’s the surroundings of the outdated West that generations of individuals grew to like on their TV screens. From a sightseeing perspective, it is among the nation’s most spectacular areas of rock formations. That’s earlier than you even get to the cultural facet of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, with all its historical past of the Navajo individuals.
Earlier than you rush to understand Monument Valley in particular person, try these widespread FAQs. These FAQs might offer you that further info that transforms your journey.
Why is Monument Valley so well-known?
Hollywood has immortalized Monument Valley. Positive, its tradition and geology would have nonetheless attracted guests even when Hollywood hadn’t scouted it as a film set. Nevertheless, its look in John Wayne movies and blockbusters like Forrest Gump is what has made Monument Valley well-known worldwide.
What city is closest to Monument Valley?
Kayenta is a brilliant shut city to Monument Valley on the Arizona facet of the border. On the Utah facet of the border, Bluff is the closest city to Monument Valley. Bluff has extra vacationer infrastructure, with accommodations, inns, and some sights.
Can you continue to drive by means of Monument Valley?
Sure, Monument Valley is open to drivers. The Monument Valley Loop Highway is open all 12 months spherical, though it does limit its hours in winter, sometimes opening between 8 am and a couple of pm. The Scenic Drive is on the market from 6 am till 8 pm in summer season.
Is Monument Valley in Utah or Arizona?
Monument Valley straddles the border, that means it’s formally in each Utah and Arizona, not only one or the opposite. Nevertheless, many of the park falls throughout the state boundaries of Arizona.
Monument Valley is outstanding; there’s no doubting that. These 92,000 acres comprise a lot pure magnificence and tradition. You possibly can be taught in regards to the Navajo Nation and pay for a guided tour to embrace Monument Valley with the Navajo individuals. You possibly can take a highway journey by means of Monument Valley through Freeway 163, passing Forrest Gump Level, Hollywood film scenes, and gorgeous rock formations. Or, you’ll be able to enterprise out on excursions close by, like visiting Goosenecks State Park, the Grand Canyon, or close by nationwide parks. A go to to Monument Valley is one you gained’t quickly overlook.
You now know all the sensible info obligatory to arrange a visit to Monument Valley. We hope you might have an exquisite time and encourage you to increase your keep to understand the broader area and its surrounding sights. In want of some further inspiration? These are essentially the most gorgeous locations to go to in Arizona. And we have now a whole information on Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ nationwide parks. Profit from visiting a vacation spot proper on the Utah-Arizona border.
Plan your Subsequent Journey To Utah Or Arizona Right here
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