If you’re heading to Monument Valley, this Monument Valley Trip guide is exactly what you need!
You’ll find a lot of Monument Valley photos with locations, tips, and where to stay to be fully prepared and inspired for your Monument Valley trip!
Technically Monument Valley is located in Northern Arizona, but actually almost on the Arizona/Utah border, so get ready for the Monument Valley trip in two different states and time zones! Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a place where you can hardly take bad pictures — nature has done all for you to have the best memories from there, it’s ideal and beautiful itself.
The Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is $8 per person per day, America the Beautiful Pass is not accepted here, as it’s not a National Park. The fee is valid for the whole day, however, if you’d like to visit Monument Valley the next morning, you should pay again. They usually accept credit cards only, I always see the note “No Cash” there.
Visitor Center is open 8 am – 5 pm.
The best time to go to Monument Valley
Optimal weather conditions for traveling to Monument Valley are typically experienced during the spring and autumn months, providing comfortable temperatures. Summer, on the other hand, tends to be characterized by crowds and higher prices at The View Hotel (we’ll delve into lodging details soon too). It’s worth noting that summer is also the hottest season, with temperatures ranging between 91°F / 32°C and 100°F / 38°C. Despite the heat, the longer daylight hours give you an extended window to appreciate these stunning views! And winter brings snowy and cold conditions, yet offers the advantage of minimal crowds and the lowest prices. Days are also shorter, with sunset occurring between 5-6 pm depending on the month.
Distances and Driving Times to Nearby Airports
- Phoenix — 5 hours, 320 miles / 520 km
- Albuquerque — 5 hours, 325 miles / 525 km
- Las Vegas — 6.5 hours, 430 miles / 690 km
- Salt Lake City — 6.5 hours, 390 miles / 625 km
- Denver — 8.5 hours, 525 miles / 845 km
Distances and Driving Times to Nearby Cities and National Parks
- Page, Arizona — 2 hours, 125 miles / 200 km
- Grand Canyon — 3 hours, 180 miles / 285 km
- Moab — 2.5 hours, 150 miles / 240 km
Monument Valley Things To Do
The most breathtaking and awe-inspiring view can be found conveniently right next to the Visitor Center and parking lot. Renowned for its spectacular beauty, this vantage point is a well-known highlight of Monument Valley. If your schedule is tight and time is limited, beginning and concluding your visit right here is more than enough to enjoy the best of Monument Valley. The bonus is that this view is accessible from any point you choose within the area near the Visitor Center. It stands out as the most popular and cinematic-looking viewpoint, enhancing the overall visual experience of Monument Valley.
1. Valley Drive, 17-mile dirt loop. It is a road with 11 parking spots, each offering breathtaking views of Monument Valley’s scenic wonders. Among these, the iconic John Ford’s Point stands out as one of the most famous and must-visit spots along the journey.
2. You can buy a guided tour for a more in-depth and exclusive experience and have access to trails that are not available to the general public, allowing you to delve deeper into the cultural and natural richness of Monument Valley guided by locals.
3. Have dinner at The View Hotel overlooking the area. The View Hotel provides a unique perspective and an ideal vantage point to have your meals with a view!
4. Buy southwest-style souvenirs in the Visitor Center. There, you can find unique stuff from uniquely crafted Native American art to vibrant and authentic southwestern textiles, but simple magnets and cards are also available.
Monument Valley Scenic Drive
When embarking on the scenic drive through Monument Valley, there are several must-see stops along the loop with the most inspiring views! It’s also called Loop Drive and this is a 17-mile (27 km) loop road that has 11 viewpoints. The average time to do it is about 3 hours, but my personal experience allowed me to complete the loop in ~2 hours, showcasing the flexibility of the journey. Feel free to tailor the length of your scenic drive based on your preferences. It’s also possible to stop everywhere to capture the perfect pictures for longer than 4 hours. The length of this scenic drive is up to you!
Monument Valley Loop Drive Map
Monument Valley Loop Drive includes many breathtaking stops that offer awe-inspiring views of this iconic landscape. The 17-mile dirt and gravel road, called Valley Drive, passes by some of the most famous rock formations in the area. Here are 11 notable stops that you might encounter along the Monument Valley Loop Drive:
- The Mittens and Merrick Butte
- Elephant Butte
- Three Sisters
- John Ford’s Point
- Camel Butte
- The Hub
- Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei
- Totem Pole and Sand Springs
- Artist’s Point
- North Window
- The Thumb
Here are my recommendations for amazing cinematic viewpoints that are actually worth making a stop (but probably you’ll decide to see all of them!)
The scenic road and views between Elephant Butte and Three Sisters (stops #2 and #3).
Three Sisters — stop #3.
John Ford’s Point — is an absolute must when exploring Monument Valley. This iconic location is the most famous spot in the entire valley (with the view from the Visitor Center). Not only does it offer amazing panoramic views, but it also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to dive into the Wild West cinematic experience and even take a memorable photo of yourself on a horse for $10. This is stop #4.
Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei — hold a special place in my heart, I absolutely adore this particular stop along the Loop Drive. In fact, it secures the position of my second favorite viewpoint in this entire journey. And it’s #7.
Artist’s Point — #9 and standing as one of the more distant stops. By the time you reach Artist’s Point, you’ll likely have spent a couple of hours driving and taking pictures in the area!
Throughout the Monument Valley loop drive, each stop has a unique perspective! I highly recommend driving there for true film views.
Things to keep in mind:
— they don’t accept motorcycles into the loop drive
— you won’t be allowed to do the loop drive or trails after 4 pm and 2:30 pm in winter (Oct. 1 thru Dec. 31), after this time the road will be closed to entry
— closures are possible due to weather conditions
Cinematic Point Outside Monument Valley That Is Worth Visiting
This area has a lot of hidden gems and locations that you can hardly find on a map. But this one is worth your attention and visiting! Monument Valley has been featured in many popular movies, for example, Forrest Gump. You will find Forrest Gump Point 20 min away from the Visitor Center, it offers a truly cinematic view that has become iconic thanks to its appearance in the film “Forrest Gump.” This location provides a panoramic vista of the unique rock formations and mesas that define the landscape of Monument Valley. GPS coordinates 37°06’12.1″N 109°59’17.8″W
And great news! This spot is free to use and take pictures. There are parking pockets for cars — but be prepared for an increasing number of people at sunset. Because it’s truly the best time of the day to visit this location!
Don’t want to wait for all the people standing on the highway to take a picture? I have a tip for you!
To avoid crowds, stop at another point that has these coordinates on Google Maps: 37°06’05.9″N 109°59’26.7″W. The same view, but there was just one car. I saw big lines at the Forrest Gump Point.
Where to stay in Monument Valley
- The View Hotel — Indian Rte 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536
- Hampton Inn by Hilton — US-160, Kayenta, AZ 86033
There is only one hotel on the territory: The View Hotel at Monument Valley. It offers probably the most beautiful view that any hotel can provide. Available options: campground ($59), guest rooms (at low seasons starting $169, at peak seasons starting $289), premium cabins (at low season $159, at peak seasons $309). But the sad news is that they are almost always sold out, especially in peak seasons! And it’s not surprising, it is such a dreamy location. That’s why I recommend booking in advance, probably even several months before!
The nearest chain hotel is Hampton Inn by Hilton in Kayenta which requires 30-min drive (28 miles/45 km). Keep in mind that there is limited phone service in this area and the hotel’s wi-fi is not great too.
I booked both hotels and I can share my opinion.
The View Hotel undoubtedly offers an unreal landscape to enjoy, but my booking, made just two days prior, presented me with only one available option — the “driver’s room.” This particular room doesn’t have the Monument Valley view and provided me with a window that overlooks a parking lot. Despite this, the room does come equipped with essential amenities, including a microwave, bathroom, and coffeemaker. Additionally, breakfast was included, although I didn’t have the chance to try it. Overall, it’s a satisfactory choice for an overnight stay, especially if your priority is being within the Monument Valley area.
My rate:
Food — 2/5 (I bought premade salad and it wasn’t fresh, I changed it)
Location — 5/5
Room — 4/5
Price — 3/5
Hampton Inn by Hilton in Kayenta is pretty much the same, it offers a similar experience, except more spacious rooms compared to The View Hotel. However, it is located approximately 30 minutes away from Monument Valley. It’s worth noting that their breakfast options are somewhat limited. But both offer complimentary parking.
My rate:
Food — 3/5
Location — 4/5
Room — 3/5
Price — 3/5
This is truly one of the most breathtaking destinations that should be a part of any Utah travel itinerary! I hope that this post helped you to know more about Monument Valley— from the must-visit stops along the Monument Valley Loop Drive to my personally chosen picturesque viewpoints. I’ve also provided some hotel options for your consideration and shared a hidden gem like Forrest Gump Point, offering you an opportunity to extend your Monument Valley adventure and discover additional incredible spots for unforgettable pictures!
