Welcome to Monument Valley—icon, legend, and the backdrop of the American West's greatest hits.

This isn't just a drive through the desert—it's a roll through the reel of American cinema. Monument Valley is the sandstone soul of the West: a place where time stands still, tumbleweeds roll on cue, and every butte looks like it’s waiting for its close-up. 

But beyond the camera’s frame lies something deeper. This land belongs to the Navajo Nation, and its stories stretch back centuries before the first movie script ever hit the page. Today, you can explore the 17-mile Tribal Park loop, see iconic formations like the Mittens and Merrick Butte, and even take a Navajo-guided tour to places beyond the public road—where the heart of the valley truly beats.

One day is plenty to soak it all in—but don’t be surprised if your soul lingers a little longer. After all, as director John Ford once said, “This is where God put the Old West.” And, trust us, once you're standing there, beneath the towers of red,and the golden hues of sunset...you won't find any room to argue.

Experience Monument Valley with Shaka Guide

On Shaka Guide's Monument Valley Tour, we'll take you through the iconic landscapes of this Navajo Nation treasure.

Journey through the towering buttes, deep red canyons, and vast desert vistas that define this sacred land. Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo people as you explore.

With Shaka Guide, you're free to explore at your own pace—no schedule, just the open road and breathtaking views. You're in charge, so enjoy the journey!

Itinerary

1. Navajo Welcome Center

Ron Cogswell from Arlington, Virginia, USA

• Duration: 20 minutes

First up: the Navajo Welcome Center—your introduction to the Navajo Nation.
Located just before the entrance gate, this small but welcoming facility is a great place to stop for restrooms, regional brochures, and Navajo crafts for sale. It’s a quieter spot to ask questions, browse locally made souvenirs, or just get oriented before diving into the main event.

During the busier seasons, you might also find Navajo vendors set up outside selling handmade jewelry, pottery, and artwork—authentic and affordable, directly supporting local artists.

2. Navajo Nation Monument

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

This statue is a quick photo-op on your way into the park.

3. Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 30 minutes

The Navajo Nation Welcome Center is the perfect place to start your Monument Valley adventure. Just inside the entrance to the Tribal Park, this modern visitor center offers a wealth of information about the landscape, history, and Navajo culture. Inside, you’ll find interpretive displays, clean restrooms, and a gift shop featuring authentic Navajo jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs—many made by local artists. There's also a small restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat before heading out. 

The viewpoint from the center is also a great place for a photo and overlooks the first portion of the drive, including the two Mittens formations.

Writer's tip: If you’re interested in a Navajo-guided backcountry tour (which gives you access to restricted areas like Ear of the Wind Arch and Big Hogan), book it here early—slots fill up fast, especially during peak season. There are likely tour guides waiting inside as well as outside in the parking lot.

4. Lee Cly Trail

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Distance: ~2 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: ~150 feet

This is one of two hikes that can be taken without a guide in Monument Valley. Lee Cly Trail is only two miles long, and it starts south of The View Lodge, and then loops around near Mitchell Butte. 

Named after a respected Navajo Park Ranger, the trail gives you a quieter, more personal experience of the valley’s terrain—red sand underfoot, wide skies above, and the sandstone giants rising all around. Expect minimal shade, so bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.

5. Wildcat Trail

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: ~3.2 miles (5.1 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: ~300 feet (91 meters)

This is the only self-guided hiking trail that loops around the iconic West Mitten Butte with views of East Mitten and Merrick Butte. Expect sandy, uneven footing and some rocky stretches. It’s best to start early to avoid the midday heat and bring plenty of water and sun protection.

6. Mittens' and Merrick's Viewpoint

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 10 minutes

The first major viewpoint is along Monument Valley Drive. From here, you can see the large Merrick Butte as well as the two Mitten Twins. This stop sometimes has Navajo vendors selling local crafts.

7. East Mitten and Mitchel Mesa Viewpoint

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

Another great view of the front features of Monument Valley, especially the wide Mitchell Mesa.

8. Three Sisters Viewpoint

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

This overlook looks out at one of the best features in the park. The three pillars of the sisters are said to look like nuns in their habits.

9. John Ford Point

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 15 minutes

The top spot in Monument Valley isn’t just about the view—it’s the view that made Hollywood fall in love with this place. John Ford used this ledge over and over in his Westerns, so standing here feels like stepping into a carefully framed scene. Only this time, you're the star! 

If you want to go full-on classic, rent a horse nearby and snap that perfect Western postcard shot. Just practice your tough cowboy face first—horses have a low tolerance for amateurs.

10. Linda's Frybread Stand

tinyfroglet

• Duration: 10 minutes

You know what? I think you've earned yourself a treat. So head on over to Linda's Frybread Stand for some warm, soft, pillowy dough, fresh-fried with a smile. 

Writer's Tip: My favorite way to eat this carb-bomb? With lots of salt and honey! Salty and sweet...yum.

11. Hub Point

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

Hub Point offers views of the wagon-wheel-like hub and a lookout to Mystery Valley—the back area of Monument Valley only accessible by a guided tour. For more information, check out our Know-Before-You-Go article.

12. Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei Viewpoint

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

This viewpoint overlooks several great pillars. Yei Bi Chei is said to resemble masked Navajo dancers, and the Totem Pole is one of the tallest free-standing spires in the world.

13. The Cube

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

The Cube looks so unusual, you’d swear it was carved by human hands. But nope—this perfectly cubic sandstone formation is all Mother Nature, who somehow fractured it into straight lines that are almost too precise to believe.

14. Artist's Point

Tobi 87

• Duration: 5 minutes

Artist's Point is one of the more famous overlooks in the park. The view of flat desert landscapes is broken by jutting rock features, such as the distinctive King-On-His-Throne. 

15. The Thumb Viewpoint

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

The Thumb is exactly what it sounds like—a quirky rock shaped like a giant thumb sticking up from the valley floor. While you’re here, don’t miss the nearby Camel and Elephant Buttes, whose shapes are just as easy to spot (but less likely to give you a hand).

16. North Window Overlook

• Duration: 5 minutes

Another crowd favorite, this overlook looks out at the front of the valley and is one of the most photographed spots in the tribal park.

Explore Monument Valley with Shaka Guide

Monument Valley is full of spectacular scenery and Navajo culture. To see all that this valley has to offer, be sure to stop by the gift shops, craft sellers, food sellers, and more.

And, don't forget to download your Shaka Guide Monument Valley app before you go, where we'll regale you with lots of Navajo stories and history!

Final Tip: Monument Valley is great, to be sure, but the wonders don't stop there. All around this tribal park are beautiful features, parks, and side-stops to inspire and entice. Be sure to add our Road to Monument Valley Tour to see it all!

Meet the Writer: Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. Before venturing to the far corners of Utah, she knew the sweeping red vistas of the Navajo Nation would steal her heart—but what truly surprised her was how deeply they stayed with her. It’s more than just the views; it’s the vast silence and open space, rich with histories patiently waiting to be shared. Today, she’s continuing on her mission to share the stories that live in the land and the spaces that make us feel small in the best way.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Monument Valley Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Monument Valley Know Before You Go article.

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