Mittens Viewpoint Monument Valley
Iconic sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor, offering breathtaking vistas and a deep connection to Navajo culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mitten Shadow event
Mittens Viewpoint Monument Valley
Best Time
Mitten Shadow event
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor, offering breathtaking vistas and a deep connection to Navajo culture.
"Nature is the best artist. Living proof is here."
🚗 Scenic Drive Prep
The 17-mile scenic drive is rough. Go slow, especially in larger vehicles. Consider a guided tour!
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the Mittens.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mittens
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Iconic sandstone buttes resembling giant mittens, rising 1,000 ft above the valley floor. A must-see natural wonder.
Mitten Shadow Event
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Witness the unique shadow cast by the First Mitten Butte onto the next butte, occurring only in March and September.
Wildcat Trail
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
A 4-mile hiking trail offering a closer perspective of the Western Mitten Butte and the surrounding desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating Monument Valley
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive Prep
The 17-mile scenic drive is rough. Go slow, especially in larger vehicles. Consider a guided tour!
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the Mittens. 
📅 Shadow Event Timing
Plan around the Mitten Shadow event in March & Sept for a unique photo op.
🚶♀️ Wildcat Trail
Hike the 4-mile Wildcat Trail for a closer look at the Western Mitten.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive Prep
The 17-mile scenic drive is rough. Go slow, especially in larger vehicles. Consider a guided tour!
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the Mittens.
📅 Shadow Event Timing
Plan around the Mitten Shadow event in March & Sept for a unique photo op.
🚶♀️ Wildcat Trail
Hike the 4-mile Wildcat Trail for a closer look at the Western Mitten.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the majestic beauty and iconic scenery of the Mittens in Monument Valley. The dramatic landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset, are frequently praised. However, some find the scenic drive to be rougher than expected, and a few feel the experience is less impressive than anticipated without a deeper understanding of the cultural context.
"The West and East Mitten Buttes (also known as the Mittens) are two buttes in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in northeast Navajo County, Arizona. When viewed from the south, the buttes appear to be two giant mittens with their thumbs facing inwards. This two buttes rise 1,000 ft above the valley floor below. According to Navajo legend, they are the carcasses of long-defeated monsters. The buttes are made of red sandstone and are isolated hills with steep sides and a flat top. The buttes have been exposed over the eons as the valley has been eroded. Wildcat trail is a hiking trail that circles the Western Mitten Trail that is around 4 miles."
Doug Ho
"If you're visiting the 17-mile scenic drive inside Monument Valley, this spot comes up early in the route. It was less impressive than expected. We entered carefully with a Class B RV."
JAY HWANG
"Perfect views of several red rocks"
hanhua ge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monument Valley is located on the Arizona-Utah border. The Mittens are best accessed via the 17-mile scenic drive within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Driving yourself is an option, but be prepared for a rough road. Many visitors opt for guided tours for a more comfortable experience and cultural insights.
Monument Valley is quite remote. It's about a 3.5-hour drive from Flagstaff, Arizona, and a 4-hour drive from Moab, Utah. Many travelers include it as part of a larger Southwest road trip.
Yes, RVs can navigate the scenic drive, but it's advised to enter carefully and drive slowly due to the rough, unpaved road. Some visitors with larger RVs have found it challenging.
Absolutely! Navajo guides offer tours that provide a deeper understanding of the land, culture, and history. These tours often use 4x4 vehicles, making the rough terrain much easier to handle.
The most popular way is via the 17-mile scenic drive. For a more immersive experience, consider hiking the Wildcat Trail or taking a guided tour that might go off the main drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee per vehicle for the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. As of recent information, it's around $8 per person or $20 per vehicle, but it's always best to check the official Navajo Parks & Recreation website for the most current pricing.
Tickets are typically purchased at the park entrance. Advance booking is generally not required for self-guided visits, but it's wise to confirm if any special events or tours necessitate pre-booking.
The park is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, specific hours for visitor centers or guided tours may vary, so it's recommended to check the official Navajo Parks & Recreation website.
Monument Valley is typically open from sunrise to sunset. Overnight stays are usually limited to designated campgrounds or lodges outside the park, and nighttime access to the scenic drive is generally not permitted.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, or military personnel. It's advisable to inquire at the entrance station or check the official park website for any applicable discount information.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and bathing the red rocks in warm hues. The 'golden hours' are truly magical for capturing the Mittens.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and long exposures.
The unique Mitten Shadow event, where the shadow of one Mitten falls on another, occurs twice a year: in March and September. Plan your visit around these dates for a truly special photographic opportunity.
The main viewpoints along the scenic drive offer classic perspectives. The area near the visitor center provides excellent, easily accessible views of the Mittens.
Be mindful of the sun's intensity and bring plenty of water. Respect the Navajo Nation's land and culture; avoid trespassing on private property and always ask permission before photographing people.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The 17-mile scenic drive is a loop that takes you through the heart of Monument Valley, offering numerous pull-offs with stunning views of the Mittens and other rock formations. The road is unpaved and can be quite bumpy and sandy in places.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to complete the 17-mile scenic drive, especially if you plan to stop frequently for photos and to take in the views. Rushing through it will diminish the experience.
Yes, the Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided hiking trail in the park, circling the Western Mitten Butte and is approximately 4 miles long. Guided hikes to other areas are also available through authorized Navajo guides.
The park has a visitor center with restrooms, a gift shop, and a restaurant. There are also designated viewpoints and picnic areas along the scenic drive. Lodging options are available nearby.
The visitor center and some viewpoints along the scenic drive are generally accessible. However, the unpaved nature of the scenic drive and trails may present challenges for those with mobility issues. Guided tours might offer more accessible options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Wildcat Trail might be a bit long for very young children, but shorter walks at viewpoints are manageable. Emphasize the Navajo legends of the Mittens to make the visit more engaging and educational. The vast, open landscape provides a sense of wonder and encourages exploration, making it a memorable family destination.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a tripod for low-light conditions. Don't miss the chance to hike the Wildcat Trail for different compositions and perspectives. Remember to respect the land and its cultural significance while capturing its beauty.
🚗 Road Trippers
Be prepared for the rough road of the scenic drive; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. If you're on a tight schedule, a guided tour can save time and offer a more efficient way to see the highlights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Legend of the Mittens
According to Navajo legend, the Mittens are the petrified remains of ancient monsters that were defeated by the Hero Twins. The buttes are seen as powerful symbols of the Navajo Nation's history and spiritual connection to the land. This rich cultural narrative adds a profound layer to the visual spectacle, transforming a geological formation into a living story. Understanding these legends enhances the visitor's appreciation for the sacredness of Monument Valley.
When viewed from the south, the two main buttes, known as the West and East Mitten Buttes, appear as giant mittens with their thumbs pointing inward. This distinctive shape is what gives them their name and makes them one of the most recognizable landmarks in the American Southwest. The interplay of light and shadow on these formations, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates a dynamic and ever-changing panorama.
Experiencing the Scenic Drive and Trails
Many travelers recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours for the scenic drive to allow ample time for stops at the numerous viewpoints. Each pull-off provides a unique perspective and photo opportunity. For those seeking a more intimate encounter with the landscape, the Wildcat Trail offers a 4-mile loop around the Western Mitten Butte. This trail allows hikers to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the buttes up close, providing a different, more grounded perspective than the drive.
For an even more immersive and informative experience, consider a guided tour led by authorized Navajo guides. These tours often utilize 4x4 vehicles, allowing access to areas off the main scenic drive and providing invaluable insights into Navajo culture, history, and the natural environment. Many visitors find these tours to be a highlight of their trip, offering a deeper connection to the land and its people.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit