Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Nature's skyscrapers, built from red sand over millions of years.Ancient red sandstone buttes rise 1,000 feet from the desert floor, where Navajo guides lead tours to petroglyphs and cliff dwellings along a 17-mile scenic drive.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park spans the Arizona-Utah border, where red sandstone buttes rise 1,000 feet from the desert floor. You'll drive past the distinctive East and West Mitten Buttes, photograph ancient petroglyphs in Mystery Valley, and explore cliff dwellings with Navajo guides. The park's dramatic landscape has appeared in Western films since the 1930s, making it one of the most recognizable symbols of the American Southwest.
Valley Drive Through Monument Valley
The 17-mile dirt road leads you through the heart of Monument Valley. Stop at 11 viewpoints to see formations like the East and West Mitten Buttes - twin rock pillars that mirror each other - and Merrick Butte rising from the valley floor. Plan 2-3 hours for the drive. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle for the unpaved road. The rough terrain and sharp turns make the route inaccessible to RVs, ATVs, and vehicles with large trailers.
Guided Tours in Monument Valley
Book a Navajo guide to access restricted areas like Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa. You'll see hidden arches, examine petroglyphs carved into rock walls, and visit cliff dwellings. Morning tours start before sunrise to watch the first light hit the buttes, while evening tours catch the red rocks glowing at sunset. Some guides lead horseback rides between the formations on traditional Navajo paths.
Getting to Monument Valley
Plan your trip carefully - the park is in a remote location. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is 334 miles away, while the closer Canyonlands Field Airport is 178 miles from the valley. The visitor center operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer (May-September) and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter (October-April). Entry costs $8 per person. The park closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Weather and Seasons
The high desert climate creates large temperature variations. Summer temperatures reach 90°F (32°C) during the day and drop significantly at night. Winter brings occasional light snow that melts within days, with temperatures rarely falling below 0°F (-18°C). Spring and fall have mild temperatures ideal for exploring. At 5,564 feet elevation, the valley stays cooler than lower desert regions, with clear skies that make good conditions for photography.
Navajo Art and Culture
Navajo artisans work and sell their crafts along Valley Drive and at the Trading Post. Watch craftspeople create silver jewelry, weave rugs, shape pottery, and make sand paintings. Each piece incorporates traditional symbols and patterns passed down through generations. Many artists work at roadside stands where they demonstrate their techniques and explain the meaning behind their designs.
