Monument Valley is one of my favourite places on earth.

You’ll recognise the valley from the innumerable Westerns and TV commercials that have been filmed there. I’d go as far as to say that Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the USA, if not the world.

Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park on the border of Arizona and Utah within the Navajo Reservation, actually the first tribal park of its kind. It’s a large area of 91,000 acres, but you’ll want to head for the famous valley with its three striking buttes.

Here’s what to do in Monument Valley, as well as some key information you’ll need for your time here.

How Much Time Do You Need In Monument Valley

If you can arrive early enough in the day then a one night stay in the park gives you plenty of time to enjoy the valley. If you’ll be arriving late then I would consider two nights so you have a full day there.

Stay Onsite

No question but that you should stay onsite at The View Hotel.

When I first came to Monument Valley there was no lodging in the valley itself and the closest hotel was Gouldings Lodge which is 5 miles away or the town of Kayenta which is 26 miles away. Travel tip: Gouldings Lodge actually has a great museum housed in the original 1920s trading post which is worth a stop.

Then in 2008 the Navajo Nation built The View hotel onsite at Monument Valley and that really changed the game. A few years later they added in the cabins and all of a sudden lodging was available and aplenty. You still have to book early as it will likely sell out, but what a wonderful addition to the valley The View Hotel was. It allows visitors to spend more time in the valley and less time driving to their next hotel.

The View Hotel

The hotel itself is a fantastic place to stay. The buildings blend into the red desert landscape and every room has a front and centre view of the valley, hence the name. Travel tip: the higher the floor the better the view. You can pay extra for a Star Room on the top floor but each room has a great view of the valley so don’t stress about it too much, you don’t need to pay extra for a good view. You’ll also have been staring straight at that view for your entire time in Monument Valley, so there’s no way you’ll miss it.

The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, of a genuinely high standard. They are well worth the price tag. The cabins are a good second choice if the hotel is sold out. These are slightly off centre so your view will be slightly uncentred and they are slightly further away from the car park and visitor centre, but still an excellent choice. Travel tip: both hotel and cabins sell out well in advance so book these as soon as you can.

Take A Lot Of Photos

Monument Valley is ridiculously photogenic. In all kinds of weather but especially when the sky is blue, which it often is in this part of the world. You’ll want to spend some time just staring at the majesty and peacefulness of the valley. There are plenty of places outside the visitor centre and hotel to do this, and you won’t need to worry about other people in your view so don’t worry if it’s crowded when you get there, you’ll be able to find a good spot for some photos.

Drive The Valley Road

Now I say this with some hesitation. There is a 17 mile loop road that goes down into the valley, around the buttes and beyond into some nice desert landscape. However, they do not look after this road and it can be really rough in places. Do not attempt in heavy rain or a rental car. They will warn you at the entrance gate not to drive the road. Whether or not they deliberately leave the road in bad condition so you take a tour is not for me to say.

Nevertheless you will see plenty of people bouncing down the road into the valley trying to avoid the larger potholes. In various cars including small saloon rentals. Along the way there are a few stalls selling jewellery and some photo stops, although some of the photo stops are restricted to the tour groups and you won’t be allowed to park here.

Take A Tour

Instead of driving the road yourself you might opt for a guided tour. The tour guides will take you down into the valley (be warned: it’s a bumpy ride), along the road and into some hidden spots. You may also get lunch depending on the tour. The tours are expensive and not necessary to enjoy the valley, but if you’d like to see more beyond the buttes and be guided by a local who knows the land these may be a good option for you.

Take A Hike

There are not many hikes at all that go down into the valley. But there is one and it’s a cracker. The Wildcat Trail is a 4 mile round trip hike which starts near the cabins, goes down into the valley and around the buttes. What goes down must come up, and the climb back out of the valley on soft sand is challenging. Reward yourself with an ice cold soda in the cafe afterwards. It can be hard to find the start of the hike. In fact one year we could not find the start at all and got so fed up trying that we eventually gave up.

Once down in the valley the walk is flat and easy and you will feel like you have the whole place to yourself. To be standing among the buttes and looking up at them is a sight to behold. They are majestic and inspiring. This hike is my top tip for Monument Valley, highly recommended.

Go Horseriding

There are a few tour operators at the top near the carpark who will be able to offer you a horseride. Alternatively there are some stables on the 17 mile loop road where you can secure yourself a horse riding tour. This is a really fun way to see the valley. I have only done this once when I was younger and braver but it was brilliant. If safety is a concern maybe skip this one, as it’s unlikely you’ll even wear a hard hat. A friend and I went out with one tour guide just riding around the valley. At one stage our guide asked us if we wanted to try letting the horses run a bit, and we did. Totally amazing to be galloping through Monument Valley with the wind in your hair and the incredible scenery all around you. Once in a lifetime territory here, you will really feel like John Wayne.

Try A Navajo Taco

The onsite restaurant is a decent spot for lunch or dinner with standard fare like burgers and a soup and salad bar. You can also try a Navajo Taco which is a large piece of fry bread topped with meat and salad. Be warned though: these are absolutely massive. You will have no hope of finishing it, let alone get through half of it, and will feel subsequently guilty about the food wastage. Try sharing this between a couple of people, or try a side of fry bread if you just want a smaller taste of this local speciality. Fry bread is delicious dipped in honey.

Buy A Souvenir

The onsite gift shop is epic and worth spending some time looking for a little souvenir to take home. Travel tip: If you’re staying in The View Hotel you’ll get a discount in the gift shop.

Watch a Sunrise or Sunset

If you stay at The View you can do both! Watching the colours of the sky change with the black silhouettes of the buttes is magical and shouldn’t be missed. Sunrise is particularly special, and easy to do right from the balcony of your room. Pull up a chair and a coffee and watch nature put on a show for you.

Catch A Storm In The Valley

There are often night time storms that roll through the valley and if you are lucky enough to catch one of these during your stay be sure to get on the balcony and enjoy the show. Seeing the dark valley suddenly lit up by a flash of lightning is really something special to behold.

Other Things To Do In The Area

Monument Valley is a great addition to a Utah/Arizona road trip. Some other awesome spots nearby are Antelope Canyon and Arches National Park.

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