Know Before You Go, The Road To Monument Valley

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to The Road to Monument Valley! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• There are three tour starting points:
  • The southbound directions start either from Bear’s Ears or Bluff, Utah.
    • Bears Ears National Monument, Utah - On Highway 261, just south of the junction with Utah State Route 95.
    • Bluff, Utah - On the western edge of the town of Bluff.
  • The northbound direction starts just outside of Kayenta.
    • Kayenta, Arizona- On the northern edge of the town of Kayenta.
• The tour takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes of drive time, plus 4+ hours for stops.
• The tour goes north to south and south to north.
• The roads are often rough, bumpy, remote dirt roads.
• There is often no cell service. 
• No reservations are needed, but might be helpful in Monument Valley, especially during the busy summer season.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Adam Kampe

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.

• Gooseneck State Park
  • $5 per car
  • $2 per person, commercial tour bus or tour group
  • $10 per night for camping
• Monument Valley: $8  per person
• Day Hike Fees: $5 per person
• Cash for roadside souvenirs

Hours of Operation 

This tour is unique in that it will guide you to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park with stops along the way! Below is a list of hours of operation for stops on the tour.

• Kane Gulch Ranger Station: open in the
  • Spring (March 1 – June 15) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day
  • Fall (Sept. 1 – Oct. 31) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day
  • Summer and Winter: call Monticello Field Office
• Navajo Welcome Center: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Monument Valley Park: typically 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Monument Valley Scenic Drives: 
  • Winter: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Summer: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Get Packing!

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. What you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Car charger
• Phone Mount
• Water bottles/ lots of water
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Spare tire advised
• 4-WD vehicle advised for some stops

Best Time to Visit 

Rachel Ennis

Any time is a good time to take the Road to Monument Valley Tour, but some roads may be inaccessible after rain or snow. The Moki Dugway, a dangerous, serpentine road, should not be driven in wintry conditions.

Safety Information 

The roads are often rough, bumpy, and remote dirt roads. Be sure you have the right kind of vehicle, and spare tires, and let someone know where you will be. There is often no cell service. 

Leave No Trace 

Rachel Ennis

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's The Road to 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 The Road to Monument Valley Itinerary.

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