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Monument Valley Tribal Park is one of the most photographed areas in the Colorado Plateau. Located on the border between Utah and Arizona and accessible from US Highway 63, this park is a part of the Navajo Nation territory. Thanks to Western classics by John Ford, the area gained popularity and continues to be featured in numerous films.
The park’s land is home to unique sandstone structures scattered over the desert floor, making for a theatrical landscape. In addition, the mesas and buttes add to the beauty of this area. Monument Valley Park is truly a spectacle worth visiting, with varied colored sands and rock formations that date back millions of years.
17 Mile Scenic Valley Drive
This is one drive you wouldn’t want to miss. You can drive your vehicle, but remember, most of the drive is on unpaved, sometimes sandy surfaces. A high-ground clearance vehicle is preferably but not essential. The speed limit of 15 mph will take time. But it’s worth it since you see the fantastic panoramic views of these sandstone structures jutting out in the distance. Early mornings are the best time to enjoy this drive.
Monument Valley Navajo Guided Tours
To explore the park and get a good understanding of the landscape, its history, and geology, book a guided tour with a Navajo Guide. There are plenty of options regarding the duration of the tour and the sights to be covered. Tours last 1.5 hours for the scenic drive and up to 8 hours for the Monument Valley – Mystery Valley tour. Moccasin Arch and Sun’s Eye Arch can only be visited with a Navajo Guide.
Horse Riding Tribal Park
If you want to feel like you’re in the wild West, jump on the back of a horse and venture out into the valley. You can opt for a horseback riding tour around the valley or pay for a horse and ride alone. The horse stables are suitable for the Visitor Center.
View Hotel Monument Valley
This is a spectacular experience. Book a room or a cabin at The View Hotel for an experience that will stay with you forever. The rooms overlook the valley and offer breathtaking views of the formations stretching far and wide. A unique feature is the Starview rooms on the 3rd floor that provide great views of the Mittens and the night sky. Website.
Camping Monument Valley
Another option that is worth considering is camping. There are many wilderness campsites inside the Monument Valley Tribal Park; you can pitch your tent and stay in an RV. For camping and hiking, be sure to get the necessary permits. Most campgrounds offer the finest views; if you get a clear night sky, nothing can beat that!
Souvenirs at the Trading Post
Check out the widest selection of American Indian tribal art displayed at the Trading Post inside The View Hotel. From rugs to sand paintings and pottery, to Kachina dolls, among other arts and crafts on sale, the proceeds go towards the conservation efforts of the Navajo Nation and its people.
Getting There
Access to the Monument Valley Tribal Park is on US-163 just north of the Utah-Arizona border. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle. Open April through September 6 a.m – 8 p.m. October through March 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Utah Day Trip Ideas
Canyon de Chelly
Joshua Tree National Park
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Hi. I saw your article after I returned from 4 nights at The View Cabins. During my visit, the Tribal Park had only recently reopened on July 9th. You are not allowed to drive your own vehicle into the canyon any longer since the start of Covid. You are required to hire a certified Navajo guide to escort you at all times. Most of the touring companies went out of business at the start of Covid. The few remaining have been forced to wait months for recertification of their permit licenses – leaving a limited few that are operating with overbooked tours – and tourists unable to secure reservations during their stays. The reservation has never stopped operating under Covid restrictions with masks required at all times – long after restrictions were lifted in the rest of the US – and long before new Delta variant arrived. I made the mistake of entering a gas station not knowing they were still under mask restrictions, and people gasped and were in shock to see a white man not wearing a mask. Last, most restaurants and stores were closed – no food to eat at The View Hotel who failed to mention their restaurant is no longer in operation. Please warn your readers of these challenges and that they need to bring their own food and drink – or face long drives to search for food.
Thanks for the information.