An iconic image of the Wild West and one of the most photographed places on earth. Featuring giant red buttes and mesas that tower up to twelve-thousand feet high, Monument Valley should be on everyones bucket list. Not only was it featured in Forest Gump, Mission Impossible II, 2001: A space Odyssey, and National Lampoons Vacation but it was also featured in HBOs Westworld series. No matter how often you have seen this site on television, nothing compares to seeing it in person. But make sure that your vehicle can handle a graded dirt road, you don’t want to get stuck trying to get up a hill. Especially if it rains, the terrain gets very slippery.
How was Monument Valley created?
A long time ago this area was a sea. Then the seafloor rose, and what was once a basin became a plateau. All in all, the seafloor rose three miles. Over the next fifty million years, wind and water eroded this plateau. Since it is made up of different types of rock, they don’t all erode the same way. Some are harder than others, so they withstood the test of time better. Eventually, most of the softer material wore away exposing massive red buttes and mesas. As a matter of fact, the top of the buttes are made from rock that is more solid than the base. As a result, they are protected from rainfall and any erosion that would result from it.
Meet the Navajo
Since Monument Valley is owned and operated by the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, it’s a great place to explore the Navajo history and learn all about their way of life. Above all, you can even take a piece of it home with you because there are many artisans on site. By the same token, you could also sample their cuisine or follow one on a tour. The fact that they have been in this region since 1200 BCE, proves that they are extremely resourceful people who have a special connection with the nature surrounding them. That being said, please respect their culture, religion and beliefs and do not venture off the dirt road.
Hours
| April 1 – September 30 | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| October 1 – March 30 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Closed:
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Admission
$20 per vehicle, up to four people
$6 per additional passenger
Even though you can visit this site in two to four hours, ideally you will need a full day.
Directions
Monument Valley
Indian Route 42,
Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536
From Kayenta, take US-163 N then turn right onto Main Monument Valley RD/Monument Valley Rd. Then continue to your destination.
If arriving from Bluff, take US-163 S then turn left onto Main Monument Valley RD/Monument Valley Rd and continue to your destination.
Accommodations
The closest accommodations are in Kayenta, Arizona or Bluff, Utah. My link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available. If you purchase your vacation through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. However, rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! In fact, the only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!
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