Plan Your Visit to Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest — towering sandstone buttes, endless red-desert horizons, and Navajo cultural heritage all in one place. Whether you’re planning a half-day visit or a multi-day stay, this guide covers everything you need to know: best visiting seasons, transportation, Navajo Nation rules, top viewpoints, fees, accommodations, safety, itineraries, and more.

• 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
• 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

A rough unpaved road with famous stops including West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, John Ford’s Point, The Three Sisters, and Artist’s Point.

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