The Road to Monument Valley tour guides listeners through some of Arizona's most memorable and breathtaking western landscapes.
Following the cultural and historic Scenic Byway known as The Trail of the Ancients, visitors will see countless red sandstone monuments, precipitous canyons, winding rivers, and so much more.
Along with those great views are stories about the local people, the land's geography, and Monument Valley's undeniable influence on Western cinema.
There are countless stops to choose from on this tour, including:
- a scenic drive through the Valley of the Gods
- the striking vistas of Goosenecks State Park
- the unique formations of Mexican Hat Rock, and, of course
- the iconic Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Experience Road to Monument Valley with Shaka Guide
On Shaka Guide's Road to Monument Valley Tour, we’ll guide you through Arizona’s iconic western landscapes.
With Shaka Guide, explore the rich history and cultural significance of this land, while enjoying Monument Valley's cinematic beauty at your own pace. No rush, no crowds—just you and the open road!
Itinerary
1. Kane Gulch Ranger Station
- Duration: 10 minutes
To learn more about the history and rock formations of Bears Ears National Monument, visit the Kane Gulch Ranger station.
There, you’ll find exhibits, hiking information, and friendly rangers to guide you on your adventure.
2. Muley Point East
- Duration: 5 minutes
The first of two lookouts with views that stretch across the San Juan Cliffs, and out to Monument Valley.
3. Muley Point
Adam Kampe
- Duration: 10 minutes
While you’re lookin’ across the San Juan Valley, see if you can spot John’s Canyon Road, down at the bottom of the cliffs.
On a clear day, you might also see Monument Valley’s iconic buttes and mesas, way out in the distance.
4. Moki Dugway Overlook
Gedstrom at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: 5 minutes
The Moki Dugway road can be quite dangerous, but it's also gorgeous. It’s a three-mile stretch of road that serpentines down twelve hundred feet of cliffside, through a series of sharp switchbacks.
If that doesn’t sound scary enough, it’s also pretty steep, with a grade of 11 percent. And to top it all off, the road is unpaved and has no guardrails.
But, there are several viewpoints along the way where you can admire the road and the surrounding vistas.
5. Valley of the Gods View
- Duration: 5 minutes
This view from Moki Dugway looks out at the vast expanses and towering monoliths of the Valley of the Gods.
6. Valley of the Gods
US Bureau of Land Management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: 1 hour
Sometimes nicknamed "mini Monument Valley," there's nothing mini about this experience. Big, grand red sandstone monuments stretch as far as the eye can see on this rough and bumpy dirt road.
This western entrance connects to the eastern entrance, on the other side of the tour near Bluff.
7. Goosenecks State Park
Adam Kampe
- Duration: 20 minutes
This small state park features a short paved drive to the San Juan River overlook, and then a long, bumpy dirt road off into adventure. A small fee is required.
9. Sand Island Petroglyph
Adam Kampe
- Duration: 1 hour
This landmark and recreation area features Native American rock art ranging from 300 to 3,000 years old.
10. Rincon
Adam Kampe
- Duration: 30 minutes
This great Rincon is a massive butte set inside a now-dry oxbow lake. The dirt road down is bumpy, and a 4-WD vehicle is recommended.
12. Mexican Hat Rock
Rachel Ennis
- Duration: 10 minutes
Just like the name implies, this big red rock looks like an upside-down sombrero. While you can see it from the road, pulling in lets visitors hike and scramble their way to the top.
13. Mexican Hat Town
- Duration: 30 minutes
This small town, just south of the memorable Mexican Hat Rock, is a great stopover for hungry travelers, curious visitors, and anyone wanting to stretch their legs by the San Juan River.
14. Forrest Gump Viewpoint
Rachel Ennis
- Duration: 5 minutes
"I'm pretty tired. Think I'll go home now." This unforgettable movie scene was filmed in a place every bit as extraordinary as the blockbuster film itself.
This quick roadside pullover is a huge hit with tourists, and is totally free!
15. Once-Upon-A-Time Brick Arch
- Duration: 30 minutes
This is the famous "hanging arch" from the iconic film "Once Upon a Time in the West." While most of it has fallen, the base is still intact and it could be a worthwhile stop for film enthusiasts.
16. Monument Valley Overlook
- Duration: 5 minutes
This roadside pullover offers great views of the northeastern red rock features of Monument Valley.
17. Monument Valley Viewpoint
- Duration: 5 minutes
Even if you aren't entering the Monument Valley Tribal Park, this beautiful stretch of road offers glimpses of monuments such as The King on His Throne, the Stagecoach, and Brighams Tomb.
18. Goulding's Lodge
Image from Flickr by m01229
- Duration: 30 minutes
Goulding's Lodge and Trading Post is an iconic piece of history. Stop in to grab a bite, stay the night, or learn about some Navajo and film history at the museum.
19. Navajo Welcome Center
- Duration: 30 minutes
The Navajo Welcome Center is a great stop to refresh yourself, learn about local tours, and, of course, pick up some great handcrafted souvenirs.
This is also where you can switch over to your Monument Valley Shaka Guide Tour if you've purchased it.
20. Monument Valley
Rachel Ennis
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Monument Valley rose to superstardom with John Ford's classic western, "Stagecoach." Today, Monument Valley’s idyllic towers, buttes, and mesas have become nearly synonymous with the American West.
21. Navajo Market
This is a great chance to pick up your own artisanal Navajo souvenir, like a woolen rug, silver jewelry, or authentic leatherwork.
Explore Road to Monument Valley with Shaka Guide
Whether you're heading straight to Monument Valley, or just passing through on your way to your next big adventure, this beautiful scenic byway is a destination in itself.
With so many treasures hidden just off the beaten path, trust Shaka Guide to take you to all of these must-see, but not as well-known Western wonders.
All the while, we provide you with turn-by-turn directions and give you the insight you need to know which stops are right for you.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's 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 Road to Monument Valley Know Before You Go article.
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