Monument Valley is the iconic desert landscape people dream of. It is absolutely gorgeous. It makes you feel like you traveled back in time 200 years, or you’re on the set of an old western movie.
Directions
Monument Valley is located in a very remote area on the Utah/Arizona border.
A navigation system like Google Maps will take you directly to the park from any direction. However, you will most likely encounter areas without cell phone reception, so make sure you have verything dialed and saved before travelling.
Here’s an idea of how far Monument Valley is from notable destinations:
- Grand Canyon: 244 miles
- Moab: 146 miles
- Lake Powell: 194 miles
- Salt Lake City: 380 miles
- Las Vegas: 395 miles
Take A Scenic Drive Through Monument Valley Tribal Park
The best way to see Monument Valley is by taking the “Valley Drive.” Admission is $8 per person. This road is around 17 miles long and passes by eleven designated stopping points. Each stop is marked with a numbered sign and the name of the formation. You will see the Mittens, the Three Sisters, John Ford’s Point, the Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chai, and the Ear of the Wind, amongst others.
For me, this self-guided drive was perfect, but if you want to see more, you can hire a Navajo guide to take you to Mysteryalley, Hunts Mesa, and other hidden gems.
*Prices and park information are subject to change; check the Navajo Nation Parks website for updated information.
Hiking in Monument Valley
The Wildcat Trail is the only official hiking trail in the park, but there are several good hiking areas in the area.
Wildcat Trail
The Wildcat Trail is a 3.9-mile roundtrip trail, and it is the only hiking trail in the park. The trail takes you along a scenic loop with views of Mitten and Merrick Buttes.
Lee Cly and Mesa Rim Trails
The trailhead for this 2.7-mile hike starts at the end of the View Hotel parking lot near the water tower. The hike provides great views of the valley and gives you a different perspective of the park. Because this trail isn’t in the Monument Valley Tribal Park, it’s a lot more private.
Goulding Arch
The hike to Goulding Arch is only .6 miles, but it’s totally worth it. Access to the Goulding Arch trailhead is located in the parking lot of the Goulding Campground. The hike is pleasant, and you most likely won’t see many other people along the route.
Forest Gump Point
When in Monument Valley, you need to check out the iconic Forrest Gump Point and get a picture! The point is located 8.2 miles outside of the park, and from there, it’s a short walk to the spot. Forest Gump Point was made famous by the hit film Forest Gump. In the film, the main character, Forest Gump stopped running next to mile marker 13. The point is a popular place to take a selfie. It’s fun because of the movie, but it is also gorgeous!
Valley of the Gods
The Valley of the Gods is close to Monument Valley. It is located in southeastern Utah, near the town of Mexican Hat, just across the border from Arizona. Access to the Valley of the Gods is via Utah State Route 261, a scenic byway that traverses the area. There are no designated hiking trails in the Valley of the Gods, but exploring the area on foot allows you to discover its beauty at your own pace. You can hike among the towering sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires, creating your own routes based on the terrain and your interests.
Leave Monument Valley Better Than You Found It
Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!