Visit Monument Valley: Tickets, Hours, Scenic Drive & Tips

This page is the practical planning guide to Monument Valley. Use it for entrance fees, opening hours, scenic drive access, parking, guided tour options, route planning, and visitor rules inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

If you want geography and Navajo cultural background first, start with About Monument Valley. For the full historical timeline, see History of Monument Valley.

• Monument Valley is managed by the Navajo Nation, so U.S. National Park passes do not apply.
• General park entry and guided tour bookings are separate costs.
• The Visitor Center is the main parking, check-in, and scenic overlook area for most visits.
• Time zone differences can affect arrival planning, especially if you are driving in from Page or Las Vegas. If Antelope Canyon is part of the same route, review this Antelope Canyon planning guide before locking in timed entries.

• Spring (March–May):
  Mild temperatures, ranging 50–75°F (10–24°C), clear air, and excellent photography conditions. Moderate crowds. Desert flowers bloom, soft and colorful sunlight enhances photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. Ideal for hiking and scenic drives.
• Summer (June–August):
  Hot desert climate, daytime highs often above 95°F (35°C); occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The busiest season. Long daylight hours, dramatic cloud formations, intense light contrast for photos. Early morning and late afternoon hikes recommended.
• Fall (September–November):
  The best all-around season. Comfortable temperatures 55–80°F (13–27°C), crisp mornings. Golden sunlight enhances the iconic silhouettes of The Mittens, Merrick Butte, and other formations. Excellent conditions for scenic drives, hiking, and photography.
• Winter (December–February)
  Cold mornings below 30°F (-1°C) with mild afternoons 45–55°F (7–13°C); occasional snow. Perfect for quiet, peaceful, reflective visits. Snow-dusted buttes create stunning contrasts with red sandstone. Some unpaved roads may be temporarily closed.

Airports Nearby

• Page, Arizona (PGA) – 2 hours If you are combining both destinations, use this Antelope Canyon overview to compare sections before you leave Page.
• Flagstaff, Arizona (FLG) – 3 hours
• Farmington, New Mexico (FMN) – 2.5 hours
• Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) – 7 hours

Driving Routes

• From Page, AZ → US-98 → US-160 → US-163
• From Moab, UT → US-191 → US-163
• From Flagstaff, AZ → US-89 → US-160 → US-163
• GPS Tips: When entering the park, search for “Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center”, not just “Monument Valley.”

Monument Valley lies within Navajo Nation Tribal Park, which means:

• No U.S. National Park Pass applies
• Navajo rules and access regulations must be followed
• Some areas are accessible only with Navajo tour guides

Main Ways to Explore

Drive the 17-mile Scenic Loop

One of the most popular ways to explore Monument Valley is by driving the 17-mile Scenic Loop Road. For detailed stops, driving conditions, and route tips, see our complete Scenic Drive Guide.

Join a Navajo-Guided Tour

Highly recommended. Guides provide access to restricted areas such as:

• Ear of the Wind
• Big Hogan
• Sun’s Eye
• Totem Pole & Yei Bi Chei

Guided tours also include stories, geology, and Navajo cultural perspectives.

Hiking

The Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided hiking route in the park.

Half-Day Visit

• Sunrise at The Mittens
• 17-mile Scenic Loop
• Photo stop at John Ford’s Point
• Quick visit to Artist’s Point
• Enjoy lunch at The View

Full-Day Visit

• Sunrise from The View Hotel
• Morning Navajo-guided tour to restricted areas
• Lunch + Visitor Center Museum
• Scenic Loop drive
• Sunset at North Window or Hunts Mesa (guided only)

Two-Day Visit

• Day 1: Scenic Loop + Wildcat Trail
• Day 2: Full cultural Navajo tour + sunrise/sunset photography

Monument Valley is sacred land. Please follow:

• No climbing on formations
• No drones (strictly prohibited)
• No off-road driving
• Stay on marked trails
• Do not photograph Navajo residents without permission
• Pack out all trash
• Respect quiet zones and cultural sites