Monument Valley is a famous Western icon, featuring some of the most breathtaking red monoliths found in all of the United States.
Easily explored in one day, this tribal park is a one-hour drive through some of the some of the most photographed features in Utah.
As a Western film director, John Ford, said "...this is where God put the old west."
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
The Navajo Nation Welcome Center is a great first stop. There's a lot of information on the area, as well as restrooms, crafts for sale, and a restaurant.
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
With park personnel ready to answer all your questions, plus a gift shop, cafe, and many informative exhibits this is a great way to start your drive through the valley.
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.
4. Lee Cly Trail
Rachel Ennis
- Duration: 1 hour-1:30 hours
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.
5. Wildcat Trail
Rachel Ennis
- Duration: 2:30 to 3:00 hours
Wildcat is an easy four-mile round trip hike that loops around the West Mitten Butte and has excellent views of the East Mitten, and Merrick Butte.
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
John Ford Point is the number one stop in the park. The panorama from the ledge was often used by director John Ford in his western films. If you're feeling adventurous, hop up on a horse for a Christmas card-worthy photo.
10. Linda's Frybread Stand
tinyfroglet
- Duration: 10 minutes
Feeling a little hungry on your adventure? Then swing by Linda's Frybread Stand for a fantastic fried treat. Try it with salt and honey!
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.
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 think it has to be man-made. But no! This cubic sandstone feature was made by Mother Nature's handiwork and fractured into perfectly straight lines.
14. Artist's Point
Tobi 87
- Duration: 5 minutes
Astist'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 just what it sounds like--a quirky little rock feature shaped like a thumb! There are also great views of camel and elephant butte.
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 app before you go, where we'll regale you with Navajo stories and history!
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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