Monument Valley | Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation (2024)

Navajo Nation Park & Recreation

While visiting the Monument Valley, the 17-mile loop road has reopened. Currently, with the Winter hours in effect we want all travelers to know that all entry is based on “First come, First served” entry. We do not accept motorcycles into the loop drive, due to the rough terrain and deep sand dunes in the area. We ask that travelers prepared for long wait times and inclement weather during the peak season. Please obey all signs, stay on designated route; stay hydrated and stay safe. The safety of our public is our utmost importance.

Navajo Tribal Parks asks that everyone follow all NDOH and CDC Guidelines. Wear your mask at all times indoor/outdoor.

Welcome to the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. You are experiencing one of the most majestic – and most photographed – points on earth. This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding.

The landscape overwhelms, not just by its beauty but also by its size. The fragile pinnacles of rock are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs and trees, and windblown sand, all comprising the magnificent colors of the valley. All of this harmoniously combines to make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience. Enjoy this beautiful land. While on your travel stop and take a look at some of our vendors on the loop road. Our vendors have beautiful hand crafted jewelry and more. You can buy direct from the artisan, which makes your travel experience so much more to have a momentous keepsake with you while at home.

Navajo Name: Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii – Monument Valley

Hiking Trails: Wildcat Trail 1.5 miles (Sign in/out at Visitor Center).

Monument Valley Regular Hours of Operation: Park Office:

8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Monday-Friday

Winter Hours

Scenic Drive: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Last Vehicle Entry at 2:30 pm.

Tour Booth: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Monument Valley Closures:

We are Closed during all major Holidays in accordance with the Navajo Nation.

  • Thanksgiving Day – Nov 24
  • Christmas Day – Dec 25
  • New Year’s Day – Jan 1

Elevation: 5,564 feet above sea level

GPS Coordinates: N 37.00414 W 110.09889

Backcountry Permit: A Backcountry Permit can be obtained from the Visitor Center, and for San Juan River Permit it can be purchased at the Welcome Center. Please sign in/out prior to Hiking. Please proceed with extreme caution.

Navajo Parks and Recreation is not liable for any damage to vehicle while in loop drive or on Navajo Tribal Park land.

Special Use Permit: Needed for all other types of Land Usage. Photography, Filming, Weddings, and Paintings. Please stop by Visitor Center for more information.

Size:91,696 acres (spans Utah & Arizona)

Entry Fee: $8 per person, per day.
Additional Person: $8 per person, per day (Subject to change).

TicketPURCHASE MONUMENT VALLEY ENTRY FEE

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History

Before human existence, the Park was once a lowland basin. For hundreds of millions of years, materials that eroded from the early Rock Mountains deposited layer upon layer of sediment which cemented a slow and gentle uplift, generated by ceaseless pressure from below the surface, elevating these horizontal strata quite uniformly one to three miles above sea level. What was once a basin became a plateau.

Natural forces of wind and water that eroded the land spent the last 50 million years cutting into and peeling away at the surface of the plateau. The simple wearing down of altering layers of soft and hard rock slowly revealed the natural wonders of Monument Valley today.

From the visitor center, you see the world-famous panorama of the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. You can also purchase guided tours from Navajo tour operators, who take you down into the valley in Jeeps for a narrated cruise through these mythical formations. Places such as Ear of the Wind and other landmarks can only be accessed via guided tours. During the summer months, the visitor center also features Haskenneini Restaurant, which specializes in both native Navajo and American cuisines, and a film/snack/souvenir shop. There are year-round restroom facilities. One mile before the center, numerous Navajo vendors sell arts, crafts, native food, and souvenirs at roadside stands.

Buy local, Buy Navajo!

Monument Valley | Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation (1)

Monument Valley | Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation (2)

SCAN QR CODE FOR MONUMENT VALLEY MAP

Monument Valley | Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation (3)

Monument Valley | Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation (2024)

FAQs

Can you drive the 17 mile loop in Monument Valley? ›

While visiting the Monument Valley, you will need to try the 17-mile loop drive for a view of the scenic beauty and magnificent formations. Currently, with the monsoon season we want all travelers to know that the valley drive has very rough terrain and deep sand dunes.

How many days do you need in Monument Valley National Park? ›

Sure, it's possible to drive right through Monument Valley, visiting the main sites in just two or three hours, but if you really want to explore it, consider spending at least one day here.

Is alcohol illegal in Navajo Nation? ›

The use of » alcoholic beverages and firearms are both strictly prohibited on the Navajo Nation. As any tourist should, please be respectful when it comes to photography. Cameras are not always welcome, and you should secure permission before photographing, videotaping, sketching, or audiotape recording any event.

Can anyone enter Navajo Nation? ›

While visitors are not permitted to enter the Navajo Reservation itself, there are plenty of Navajo Nation activities and tours in the nearby area.

How long does it take to drive through Monument Valley Loop? ›

The drive through Monument Valley covers a 17-mile (27 km) loop road. Most people spend about 3 hours driving through the valley, but some people spend as little as 2 hours or even longer than 4 hours, and basically it all depends on you and how much time do you want to spend at Monument Valley.

How much does it cost to go to Monument Valley 17-mile loop? ›

Seeing the sunrise at Monument Valley is a must do! General admission to drive the 17-mile scenic loop road is $20 per car for up to 4 people, ages 9 or younger are free.

What is the best month to visit Monument Valley? ›

Fall and spring are the best times to visit Monument Valley. This is when temperatures are most pleasant. If you are looking for warm days and comfortable nights, we recommend September as the best month to visit Monument Valley. Monument Valley is cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

Is it worth staying overnight at Monument Valley? ›

Short answer to this would be - definitely yes.

Staying overnight in Monument Valley offers an experience that goes beyond the typical day trip, allowing visitors to witness the park in all its changing lights and moods.

Is a guided tour of Monument Valley worth it? ›

Whether you prefer solo exploring or traveling as part of a guided tour, Monument Valley has much to offer and is well worth your time. With its red rock formations, sandy plains, and desert landscapes, it's easy to see why this area has been the backdrop of some of Hollywood's most iconic films.

What not to do in Navajo Nation? ›

Please respect tribal beliefs. No Dumping of Cremations on Navajo land. Climbing and Base Jumping is STRICTLY Prohibited in Navajo Tribal Park areas. Please abide by the humble religious requests of the Navajo people and do not climb on the Monuments, Sacred Sites, and/or Buttes.

Can you drink at 18 on an Indian reservation? ›

There are no federal laws related to a minimum drinking age on Native American reservations. They are considered to be domestic independent sovereigns that are able to establish their own sets of regulations and laws.

What alcohol did Native Americans drink? ›

Surprisingly, there are a number of accounts of alcohol use among other American Indians and Alaska Natives. Beverages were limited to wine and beer, and included: balche, pulque, and "haren a pitahaya" wines, tulpi beer and other beverages.

Can you carry a gun on the Navajo Nation? ›

Navajo Nation law prohibits the unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, particularly loaded firearms.

Can a non-Indian live on an Indian reservation? ›

Non-Natives can live in reservations as long as they work for an agency that provides housing or lives with a Native family who lives in the reservation. Non-Natives are not permitted to buy any property or rent any property as long as it is on native lands. Many do here in the West.

Does I 40 go through the Navajo Nation? ›

I-40 also passes through the Navajo Nation, the largest Indian reservation in the US.

Can I drive my car through Monument Valley? ›

If you're planning a trip near the region, a self-guided drive through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park will bring you the best of nature's wonderland–from gorgeous red rock creations to towering spires and buttes. And if you're wondering can you drive through Monument Valley, the answer is yes, and it's easy to do!

Is 17-mile drive open? ›

The 17-Mile Drive gates are open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

Is Monument Valley Loop worth it? ›

Since Monument Valley is a protected area, there is only one hiking route available. This 3.2-mile loop takes you around the base of the famous buttes and is well worth doing to see them from a fresh and unique perspective.

Where does Monument Valley Loop start? ›

The Monument Valley Loop is a picturesque ride through Northeast Arizona and Southeast Utah. Starting in Mexican Hat, Utah, this route is filled with amazing scenery from the very first mile.

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