What is Monument Valley

You’re about to explore one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest—Monument Valley. Located along the Arizona–Utah border within the Navajo Nation, this dramatic desert landscape is home to towering sandstone buttes, wide-open skies, and long, dusty roads that feel straight out of a movie—because many of them are. But this isn’t a national park or a movie set—it’s a Navajo Tribal Park, and it's part of a living cultural landscape. Unlike national or state parks, this is sovereign tribal land, and visiting here means entering a living landscape that’s deeply tied to Navajo culture, tradition, and identity.

What to See and Do in Monument Valley

There are a few ways to explore Monument Valley, depending on how much time you have and how far off the beaten path you want to go. You can drive the 17-mile scenic loop, stopping at famous overlooks like John Ford Point and The Mittens. You can hike one of the rare self-guided trails, like Wildcat Trail or Lee Cly Trail. Or, for a deeper experience, you can join a Navajo-led tour into the restricted backcountry—where the general public isn’t allowed to go on their own.

However you explore it, Monument Valley offers more than just views. It offers a chance to slow down, tune in, and experience a place that still feels sacred.

Start Planning! 

Monument Valley doesn’t take a ton of advance planning—no reservations required for the scenic drive or general entry. But a little prep can go a long way.

Here's what we'll go over to help make the most of your trip.

• Tour Start
• Entrance Fees
• Hours of Operation
• Budget
• Weather
• Packing List
• Safety

Tour Start

The tour has two starting points:

• Southbound—7 minutes north of Monument Valley on Hwy 163 Just south of Monument Valley Viewpoint heading from the town of Mexican Hat.
• Northbound—7 minutes south of Monument Valley on Hwy 163. Just south of the Navajo Indian Market, heading from the town of Kayenta.

Entrance Fees and Tickets

Entrance to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is $8 per person. 

Monument Valley has seasonal hours of operation, as do their facilities. Visit Monument Valley’s website for more information or check out “hours of operation” below.

Reservations are not required; however, we recommend booking your tickets early in the busy season (summer). 

The Monument Valley Shaka Guide Tour includes all of the areas of the park that can be explored without an in-person Navajo Guide. To see Mystery Valley, the back portion of the park, you will have to book a tour with a Navajo tour company. Tour guides can be found in front of the Visitor Center.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Rachel Ennis

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the route—but here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Entrances and Activities

• Park Entry: $8 per person, paid at the gate of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This gives you access to the 17-mile scenic loop and overlooks.

• Self-Guided Trails: Free with park admission—no extra permit needed for Wildcat Trail or Lee Cly Trail.

• Navajo-Guided Tours: $60–$120+ per person, depending on the length and type of tour (jeep, horseback, sunrise, etc.). These tours are the only way to access restricted backcountry areas.

• Goulding’s Museum: $5 per adult, $2 for kids. A great stop if you’re into film history, especially old Westerns.

• Souvenirs: Handmade Navajo jewelry, pottery, and crafts range from $10 to $200+. Small keepsakes or postcards may run $2–$10.

Food

• The View Restaurant (inside the park):

  • Navajo Taco or Mutton Stew: $12–$18

  • Coffee, tea, snacks: $3–$6

  • The view from the dining room? Free, but unforgettable.

• Goulding’s Lodge Café (just outside the park):

  • Breakfast: Biscuits, Burritos, Sandwiches: $10–$25

  • Lunch/Dinner: Burgers, sandwiches, steaks: $15–$35

  • Snacks and Drinks (Goulding’s Grocery or gas station): $1–$10 depending on how road-trip-hungry you are.

Gas

 If you're running low, fill up at Goulding’s—prices can be a little higher than average due to the remote location. Cheaper gas may be available at Kayenta or Mexican Hat.

Lodging (per night estimates)

• The View Hotel (inside the Tribal Park):

  • $230–$450+ depending on season and view (all rooms face the Mittens)

• Goulding’s Lodge (just outside the park):

  • $170–$300+ for standard rooms, suites, and casitas

• Hogan Stay (traditional Navajo-style dwelling):

  • ~$90–$150 per night, rustic accommodations with limited amenities

  • Typically booked through local Navajo tour operators

Budget Tips: The further away from the valley you are, the cheaper things get. Head to Kayenta or Mexican Hat if you're looking for the best prices on gas, food, and accommodations.

Hours of Operation 

Hours of operation change season to season. Keep in mind, the entrance gate stops accepting new visitors several hours before closing. Check the Monument Valley’s website before you head out, and try not to cut it too close. 

• Navajo Welcome Center: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Lee Cly Trail:
  • Standard Park Hours: Summer Hours—7 a.m.-7 p.m., last entry 4:30 p.m.
  • Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry 2:30 p.m.

Get Packing!

Rachel Ennis

What you bring really depends on how you plan to explore Monument Valley. If you’re just doing the scenic drive, you can pack light. But if you’re planning to hike, join a tour, or stay out for sunset, a little extra prep will go a long way.

Here's a list to get you started.

• Car charger
• Phone mount for car
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Lots and lots of water—it’s very hot in summer!
• Cash money—for Navajo vendors
• 4-wheel-drive vehicle—If driving on your own, a 4WD vehicle is highly, highly recommended.

Best Time to Visit 

Rachel Ennis

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park opens late and closes early in the winter, which can limit your time inside—but if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and shorter days, you’ll be rewarded with peaceful views and hardly any crowds. Just bundle up—daytime highs hover in the 30s and 40s °F, and mornings can dip below freezing.

Spring is one of the best times to visit, with wildflowers blooming, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds. Daytime highs are usually in the 60s to 70s °F—perfect for hiking and scenic drives.

Summer brings long daylight hours and full park access, but it’s also the busiest season. Expect crowds, hot temperatures (often in the 90s °F), and strong sun. Afternoon monsoon storms are common from July through early September—brief but dramatic, with sudden downpours and lightning over the buttes. If you’re visiting during this time, check the weather and avoid unpaved roads during rain.

Fall is another great option, especially late September through October, when the weather cools off but the skies stay clear. It’s a quieter time to visit, and the light this time of year is especially stunning for photos.

Safety Information 

Temperature Warning

Reminder: Monument Valley is extremely hot, especially in the summer months. Pack extra water! If the heat levels get too extreme, some trails may be closed.

Driving Warning

If driving, be aware that rain and mud can make the Monument Valley drive impassable, particularly in highly rutted out pot-holed roads. Again, 4-WD vehicles are highly recommended for the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. When you drive, you drive at your own risk. If you get stuck, you are responsible for paying any tow fees or damages.

Leave No Trace 

Rachel Ennis

While exploring Monument Valley, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles—and even more important to understand that this isn’t just scenic land. It’s Navajo land, governed by the Navajo Nation and protected under tribal law.

That means:

• Stay on designated roads and trails—off-roading is strictly prohibited.
• Do not climb or deface rock formations, touch petroglyphs, or enter restricted areas unless accompanied by a licensed Navajo guide.
• Respect wildlife and livestock—this is their home, too.
• Pack out all trash, including food scraps, which can harm animals and the ecosystem.
• No drones, unless you have a permit from the Navajo Parks & Recreation Department.

This place holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. By traveling responsibly, you're not just protecting the land—you’re showing respect for the people who have called it home for generations.

Meet the Writer: Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. Before venturing to the far corners of Utah, she knew the sweeping red vistas of the Navajo Nation would steal her heart—but what truly surprised her was how deeply they stayed with her. It’s more than just the views; it’s the vast silence and open space, rich with histories patiently waiting to be shared. Today, she’s continuing on her mission to share the stories that live in the land and the spaces that make us feel small in the best way.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Monument Valley Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Monument Valley Itinerary, Know-Before-You-Go, and Scenic Drive Ultimate Guide.

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