Our last stop on our Spring Break road-trip brought us to a place I had dreamed of visiting since childhood—Monument Valley. This stunning landscape, known for its towering red rock buttes, has captivated travelers for generations. Classic Hollywood westerns showcased its beauty, making it one of the most recognizable sights in the Southwest. Seeing it in person felt like stepping into a postcard.
We explored every corner of this breathtaking destination and gathered essential tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip. From must-see attractions to the best places to eat and stay, this guide covers everything you need to know. Get ready to experience the magic of Monument Valley!
Location
Monument Valley sits on the northeast border of Arizona and Utah, within the Navajo Nation. Its remote location kept me from visiting sooner, but this trip finally made it possible. After leaving Page, we drove one and a half hours east before turning on US-163, entering the valley from Kayenta, the closest town about 30 minutes away. The drive alone felt like an adventure, with towering rock formations appearing in the distance as we approached.
Planning your visit requires understanding the time difference between Arizona and Utah. The Monument Valley Tribal Park and Visitor Center operate on Arizona time, which does not follow daylight savings. However, restaurants and accommodations just outside the park sit in Utah, where daylight savings applies. Depending on the time of year, the time difference can affect your schedule, so check the local time before making plans.
Monument Valley: Visit
Monument Valley operates as a Navajo Nation Park, so national park passes do not cover entry fees. Visitors must pay $8 per person per day to access the park. During our trip, the park followed winter hours, opening from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours extend visiting time, allowing entry from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, the last permitted entry is at 2:30 p.m. in winter and 4:30 p.m. in summer. Arriving early ensures enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
The park offers several guided tours through local operators, catering to different interests. Visitors can choose photography tours, horseback rides, or even San Juan River tours. However, the main highlight is the 17-mile scenic loop drive. This dirt road winds through the valley, bringing travelers up close to the towering buttes. Each turn offers breathtaking views, making it a dream for photographers. The journey takes several hours if you stop at each viewpoint to soak in the scenery.
Many viewpoints feature local vendors selling handmade Navajo jewelry and fresh fry bread. At John Wayne Point, visitors can usually pose for a photo on horseback, though it was unavailable during our visit. Every stop along the drive felt like stepping into a painting. The colors, shadows, and textures of the landscape created stunning photos—screensaver-worthy with no editing needed. This drive alone made our visit unforgettable, and we highly recommend taking the time to enjoy it fully.
Monument Valley: Restaurants
Monument Valley’s remote location limits dining options, making planning ahead essential. The View Restaurant, located inside the park’s Visitor Center, serves as the primary dining option for both park visitors and guests of The View Hotel. The restaurant only operates for breakfast and dinner, so lunch isn’t available. Directly outside the park, Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room provides the only other nearby sit-down dining option. For more variety, Kayenta, about 30 minutes away, offers several choices, including Mexican cuisine, breakfast spots, and fast food chains.
During our visit, we dined at Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room, conveniently located near our campground. The menu features classic American comfort food alongside Mexican dishes. The highlight of our meal was the Navajo Fry Bread starter—warm, fluffy flatbread dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey. After a day of exploring, this sweet treat hit the spot. Arrive early for dinner, especially during peak seasons, as the limited options in the area can lead to long wait times.
Monument Valley: Lodging
Lodging choices in Monument Valley mirror its dining options—limited but unique. The View Hotel, located inside the park, stands out as the top option with every room offering stunning views of the buttes. However, its rooms only accommodate smaller parties, making it less ideal for larger families. Just outside the park, Goulding’s Lodge offers more variety, including hotel rooms, cabins, and an RV park. This historic location provides a convenient stay with on-site dining and scenic surroundings. For those willing to drive a bit further, Hampton Inn in Kayenta offers a more standard hotel experience with modern amenities.
We stayed just outside the park at Arrowhead Campground, a rustic but peaceful option for self-contained RVs. The campground provided basic amenities without hookups, making it best for one-night stays. While the views couldn’t match The View Hotel, our site still overlooked distant buttes. Watching the sunrise from our campsite made the early morning unforgettable. If you travel with a self-contained RV and want a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Arrowhead Campground makes a great base for exploring Monument Valley.
Overall Impression
Monument Valley deserves a spot on every travel bucket list. The 17-mile off-road loop drive ranks among the best scenic drives in the Southwest. This route winds through towering sandstone buttes, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Take your time along the drive to stop at each viewpoint, photograph the buttes from different angles, and browse the Navajo vendor stands. The shifting sunlight casts a golden glow on the red rocks, creating a stunning contrast against the bright blue sky. Each stop along the loop offers a new perspective of this iconic landscape.
Planning ahead ensures you get the most out of your visit. Lodging options, especially at The View Hotel and Goulding’s Lodge, sell out months in advance. If you’re considering a guided tour or horseback ride, book early to secure your spot. With limited accommodations and tours, last-minute plans could leave you without a place to stay or missing out on unique experiences. Monument Valley rewards those who come prepared, making the journey to this remote destination an unforgettable adventure.
Let us take the stress out of planning your Monument Valley trip! Our Plan Your Trip creates custom itineraries to fit your travel style and interests. We’ll book lodging, tours, and dining to ensure you maximize your visit without missing a thing. Let us handle the details so you can fully enjoy this unforgettable destination!
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