Monument Valley

Monument Valley is 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, 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.

Monument is what most people picture in their minds when they think of the American West. Monument Valley has been featured in many forms of media since the 1930s. Director John Ford used the location for a number of his best-known films.  The Navajo name for the valley is Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning valley of the rocks.

Admission & Hours

Entry Fees
General Admission – $20.00
Ages 6 or younger – Free

Per vehicle fee: $20.00, up to four people
Additional person(s), $6.00 each
Commercial fees:  1-6 passengers (additional $6.00 each), $35.00 7-15 passengers, $100.00
16-25 passengers, $125.00
26-+ passengers, $300.00
**National Parks and Golden Eagle Passes are not accepted.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center Hours
Peak Season (April 1 – Sept 30) 6:00am – 8:00pm, 7 Days a week
Off Season (Oct 1 – Mar 30) until 8:00am – 5:00pm, 7 Days a week
Thanksgiving Day – 8:00am – noon
New Years Day – closed
Christmas Day – closed

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Scenic Drive Hours**park will close due to inclement weather
Peak Season (Apr 1-Sept 30) 6:00am – 7:00pm
Off Season (Oct – Mar 30) 8:00am – 4:30pm
**Scenic Valley Drive CLOSED at 7:00pm**

Much of Monument Valley can only be seen on tours conducted by official Navajo guides. This policy protects the traditional land-use patterns of Navajo families who have lived in the valley and surrounding areas for generations. But it also guarantees a richer and more complete experience to visitors from around the world – unusual views at the best times of day, stories and legends of the Navajo people, ancient ruins, and an insider’s view of the most spectacular landscape in the Navajo Nation.

Getting There:

Driving Directions

The monument is reached via US-163 from the north or south. It’s 148 miles, or 3 hours, from Moab Monument Valley. Bluff to Monument Valley, on Highway 163, is 48 miles or 50 minutes.

GPS coordinates of park visitor center: 37.002449, -110.172615

Get directions on Google Maps.

Maps:

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.

Facilities

The visitor center at the View Hotel has bathrooms, a gift shop, and restaurant.

Location Contact Information:

Nearest City or Town:

 Mexican Hat Utah

Links

Monument Valley Guided Tours

Monument Vallely Gallery

Click Here for full page gallery

More Photographic Destinations in Arizona:

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.

Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State