Monument Valley Tribal Park
Time Needed: full-day, half-day
Experience Type: cultural heritage, scenic views
Monument Valley Tribal Park is an iconic desert landscape of the American West, where sandstone buttes and mesas rise along the Utah–Arizona border on Navajo Nation land. Monument Valley has been featured in over 100 films and TV shows, including Forrest Gump.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Drive the Scenic Loop – Follow Monument Valley Scenic Drive, a 17-mile dirt road that winds through iconic formations, like The Mittens and Three Sisters Overlook.
- Photograph The Mittens – East Mitten and West Mitten, the park’s twin monoliths, are most striking at sunrise and sunset—but truly they’re a can’t-miss any time of day.
- Stop at John Ford’s Point – This legendary overlook, named for Oscar-winning director John Ford, is famous from Hollywood westerns and offers iconic views you won’t want to skip.
- Take a Guided Tour – Join a Navajo guide to explore numerous hidden formations in restricted areas while learning about Navajo culture and traditions.
- Stay at The View Hotel – The park’s only lodging offers sweeping views of Monument Valley from the private balcony of your hotel room or cabin. There is also an on-site restaurant.
Itinerary Idea: Book a three-hour tour with a Navajo guide who can take you beyond public viewpoints. See towering buttes, spires, arches, and Anasazi petroglyphs while learning about the land’s geology, culture, and deep spiritual significance.
Photo Credit: Eclipse Chasers/Pexels