The View Point Monument Valley
Iconic sandstone buttes rise dramatically from the desert floor, offering a quintessential American Southwest landscape. A sacred Navajo Nation site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the buttes.
The View Point Monument Valley
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the buttes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic sandstone buttes rise dramatically from the desert floor, offering a quintessential American Southwest landscape. A sacred Navajo Nation site.
"The view is absolutely unbeatable—nothing else compares. It’s worth staying at least once."
Book The View Hotel Early
Cabins with front-row views sell out fast! Book well in advance for the best experience. :bed:
Check Scenic Drive Hours
The drive often closes by 4:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment! :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The View Hotel Balcony
The View Hotel
Wake up to unparalleled sunrise views of the Mittens from your room or balcony. Pure magic!
Forrest Gump Point
US-163, near mile marker 13
Recreate the iconic movie scene on this famous stretch of highway with breathtaking views.
John Ford Point
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Experience a cinematic panorama of the buttes, famous from classic Western films. Horse rides available!
Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Explore the heart of the valley on this 17-mile dirt road, offering close-up views of iconic formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
+3Navajo Tribal Park Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book The View Hotel Early
Cabins with front-row views sell out fast! Book well in advance for the best experience. +1 :bed:
Check Scenic Drive Hours
The drive often closes by 4:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment! :clock:
Forrest Gump Point Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds and softer light for your iconic photo op.
Consider a Tribal Tour
Local guides offer deeper insights and access to areas not reachable by private vehicle. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book The View Hotel Early
Cabins with front-row views sell out fast! Book well in advance for the best experience. +1 :bed:
Check Scenic Drive Hours
The drive often closes by 4:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment! :clock:
Forrest Gump Point Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds and softer light for your iconic photo op.
Consider a Tribal Tour
Local guides offer deeper insights and access to areas not reachable by private vehicle. :bus:
Dress for the Desert
Layers are key! It can be hot during the day and cool in the mornings/evenings. Comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the unparalleled, breathtaking beauty of Monument Valley, with many calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially when viewed at sunrise or sunset from The View Hotel. While the scenery is universally lauded, some find the park's commercial aspects and entrance fees a bit much, and accessibility can be a concern for some.
"Brilliant in the afternoon sunset light. We also booked the monument valley tribal tours which was absolutely fantastic. We organised to drive up to Forrest Gump point before our tour which is 20 mins up the road. A must do if you are visiting the area."
Brightway Lighting
"The view is absolutely unbeatable—nothing else compares. It’s worth staying at least once, but whether it’s truly essential is debatable."
JAY HWANG
"I wish we could have stayed longer. Beautiful place to stay. We were upset because we wanted to see the sunset here and ran behind schedule, so we will need to come back!
Everything was great. Customer service was amazing, beds were super comfy, our room was spectacular. We were lucky to be there during a new moon so we were able to see the Milky Way from our room. We also watched the sunrise with our PJ’s on from our balcony in the third floor. Definitely worth the money for those rooms."
Deb Clif
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monument Valley is located on the Arizona-Utah border. The most common approach is by car, often as part of a larger road trip through the American Southwest. The nearest major airports are Flagstaff (FLG) and Las Vegas (LAS), both several hours away. Many visitors drive from Page, AZ, or Moab, UT. +2 The iconic Forrest Gump Point is located on US-163.
Public transportation directly to Monument Valley is very limited. It's best explored with a personal vehicle or a rental car. +1
Many rental car agreements prohibit driving on unpaved roads, which includes the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. Check your contract carefully.
If coming from the north, US-163 offers stunning views as you approach. If coming from the south, US-160 connects to US-163. +1
Monument Valley lies on the border, with the iconic buttes straddling both Arizona and Utah. The Navajo Nation encompasses the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee per person to enter the Navajo Tribal Park. This fee is separate from any tours you might book.
The Park Administration Office is typically open Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. The Scenic Drive usually has a last entry time, often around 2:30 PM or 4:30 PM in summer. Always check current hours before your visit.
While there are viewpoints along US-163 like Forrest Gump Point that are free, to access the main scenic drive and viewpoints within the park, the entrance fee is required.
For general park entry, advance booking isn't usually necessary. However, if you plan to stay at The View Hotel or book guided tours, booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. +1
Discounts are not commonly advertised for general park entry. However, if you are a Navajo Nation member, there may be different entry requirements.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include The View Hotel for sunrise/sunset, Forrest Gump Point on US-163 for the endless road shot, and John Ford Point for classic Western vistas.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, casting a warm glow on the red rocks. Midday can be harsh, but still offers impressive views.
Drone usage is generally restricted within the Navajo Tribal Park for cultural and safety reasons. Always check current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific buttes. Don't forget a tripod for low-light photography at sunrise/sunset or for the Milky Way.
Consider capturing the Milky Way on a clear, moonless night from The View Hotel. Horseback riding tours also offer unique perspectives.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The 17-mile loop is a dirt road that takes you through the heart of the valley, offering close-up views of famous formations like the Mittens and Merrick Butte. It can be bumpy and is not suitable for all vehicles.
While there are no designated hiking trails within the park itself, you can explore on foot along the scenic drive. Guided tours often involve some walking.
Yes, Navajo guides offer various tours, including horseback riding and jeep tours, which provide access to restricted areas and cultural insights. +1
Accessibility can be challenging. Sidewalks may lack ramps, and there's limited elevator access. The scenic drive is unpaved.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Layers are recommended as temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is essential.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The View Restaurant at The View Hotel offers dining with spectacular views of the Mittens. Options outside the park are limited and often require driving to nearby towns like Kayenta.
The View Restaurant may offer some variety, but options for specialized diets might be limited. It's advisable to inquire directly or pack snacks.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring or if dining options are limited during your visit.
Reviews suggest the food at The View Restaurant is decent, with the main draw being the incredible panoramic views.
Designated picnic areas are not widely advertised, but you can typically find spots to enjoy a packed meal with a view, especially if you are self-driving.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options are limited. Be prepared for the desert climate with hats and sunscreen. 🚗 Road Trippers
+2 Plan your timing to catch the sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic views, and consider booking a night at The View Hotel for an unforgettable experience. +2 Be mindful of rental car restrictions regarding unpaved roads if you plan to do the scenic drive. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Forrest Gump Point and John Ford Point are must-visit locations for iconic compositions. +3 Consider staying at The View Hotel for incredible opportunities to photograph the Mittens from your balcony, including the Milky Way on clear nights. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Views: Buttes and Mesas
Many of the most recognizable vistas are captured from viewpoints along the highway, such as Forrest Gump Point and John Ford Point. These locations have been immortalized in countless films and photographs, making them pilgrimage sites for travelers seeking that quintessential American Southwest experience. The way the light plays on the red rock throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, transforms the landscape, offering a different, yet equally breathtaking, spectacle each time.
+4For a more immersive experience, the Monument Valley Scenic Drive allows visitors to get closer to these formations. While the 17-mile loop is unpaved and can be rough, it offers a unique perspective and a sense of adventure. Guided tours, often led by Navajo guides, can provide access to areas not open to private vehicles and share invaluable cultural context, enriching the understanding and appreciation of this magnificent natural wonder.
Staying at The View Hotel: A Unique Experience
Guests rave about waking up to spectacular sunrises and enjoying sunsets from their rooms, often in their pajamas. The hotel also provides opportunities to witness the Milky Way on clear, moonless nights, a truly magical sight. While the rooms are comfortable, the real draw is the view, making it a worthwhile splurge for many visitors.
It's crucial to book accommodations at The View Hotel well in advance, as rooms, especially those with prime views, are in high demand and sell out quickly. The hotel's location offers convenience for accessing the scenic drive and experiencing the valley's beauty at different times of day.
Beyond the Postcard: Cultural Significance and Local Insights
Local Navajo guides offer invaluable insights into the history, traditions, and legends associated with the valley. Taking a guided tour, whether by jeep or horseback, not only provides access to areas off-limits to private vehicles but also offers a unique cultural exchange. These tours often highlight the traditional Navajo way of life and the enduring connection to the land.
Some visitors have noted that the commercial aspects can be a bit much, but many also emphasize the importance of supporting the Navajo community through park fees and guided tours. Balancing the desire for iconic photos with an appreciation for the cultural significance is key to a fulfilling visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit