What is The Road to Monument Valley?

Now, you’ve likely heard of Monument Valley—that iconic film star, the beauty with the buttes. Its scenic drive draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and for good reason. But for many, that’s where it ends.

They don’t know that just miles away lie places like Muley Point, the Valley of the Gods, and Goosenecks State Park. They’ve never heard of the Moki Dugway, the Rincon, or the Sand Island Petroglyphs.

But we have. And we’re here to share it—with stories, context, and a drive that shows just how much more this corner of the Colorado Plateau has to offer.

About the Tour

Following the cultural and historic scenic byway known as the Trail of the Ancients, visitors will see countless red sandstone monuments, precipitous canyons, winding rivers, and so much more.

Along with those great views are stories about the local people, the land's geography, and Monument Valley's undeniable influence on Western cinema.

There are countless stops to choose from on this tour, including:

• a scenic drive through Cedar Mesa National Monument
• the unique formation of Mexican Hat Rock,
• a bumpy journey across the Valley of the God, and, of course
• that piece de resistance, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Experience Road to Monument Valley with Shaka Guide

On Shaka Guide's Road to Monument Valley Tour, we’ll guide you through Arizona’s iconic western landscapes.

With Shaka Guide, explore the rich history and cultural significance of this land, while enjoying Monument Valley's cinematic beauty at your own pace. No rush, no crowds—just you and the open road!

Time to Spend

The road to Monument Valley can be traveled in half a day to a full day, depending on your pace. But to truly experience Monument Valley itself, we recommend setting aside at least half a day for the park.

Itinerary

1. Kane Gulch Ranger Station

• Duration: 10 minutes

Your adventure begins at the edge of one of the Southwest’s most sacred and spectacular landscapes—Bears Ears National Monument. Known for its towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and rich cultural history, Bears Ears offers a glimpse into a world shaped by both nature and ancient peoples.

Make a stop at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station to get oriented.

There, you’ll find exhibits, hiking information, and friendly rangers to guide you on your adventure.

2. Muley Point East

• Duration: 5 minutes

Muley Point is the first of two incredible lookouts offering sweeping views across the San Juan Cliffs, stretching all the way out to Monument Valley’s iconic buttes. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take in the vast desert landscape, and snap some unforgettable photos. It's kind of a prelude of what's to come.

3. Muley Point

Adam Kampe

• Duration: 10 minutes

While you’re looking across the San Juan Valley, see if you can spot John’s Canyon Road, down at the bottom of the cliffs. On a clear day, you might also see Monument Valley’s iconic buttes and mesas way out in the distance.

4. Moki Dugway Overlook

Gedstrom at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 5 minutes

Nerves of steel? Brakes recently serviced? Then come on down the Moki Dugway.

The Moki Dugway is as thrilling as it is beautiful. This three-mile stretch of unpaved road winds down 1,200 feet of cliffside through a series of sharp switchbacks.

It’s steep—dropping at an 11 percent grade—and has no guardrails, which makes for a drive that’s equal parts exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

If you’re feeling cautious, don’t worry—there are several pullouts along the way where you can stop, catch your breath, and take in the stunning views of the road and the vast surrounding landscape.

5. Valley of the Gods View

• Duration: 5 minutes

This view from Moki Dugway looks out at the vast expanses and towering monoliths of the Valley of the Gods.

6. Valley of the Gods

US Bureau of Land Management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 1 hour

Sometimes nicknamed "mini Monument Valley," there's nothing mini about this experience. Big, grand red sandstone monuments stretch as far as the eye can see on this rough and bumpy dirt road.

This western entrance connects to the eastern entrance on the other side of the tour near Bluff.

7. Goosenecks State Park

Adam Kampe

• Duration: 20 minutes

This small state park offers a short, paved drive to a stunning overlook of the San Juan River’s dramatic bends. Beyond that, a long dirt road beckons those ready for a bit more adventure.

There is a small entrance fee to enjoy the park, but the views of the winding river carving deep canyons are well worth it.

Note: As of 2025, the fee is just five dollars per vehicle.

9. Sand Island Petroglyph

Adam Kampe

• Duration: 1 hour

Sand Island is a landmark and recreation area known for its extensive collection of Native American rock art—petroglyphs that date from around 300 up to 3,000 years old.

These ancient images tell stories of the people who lived here long before us—depicting animals, human figures, symbols, and scenes that offer a rare glimpse into past cultures and beliefs.

10. Rincon

Adam Kampe

• Duration: 30 minutes

This great Rincon is a massive butte set inside a now-dry oxbow lake. The dirt road down is bumpy, and a 4-WD vehicle is recommended. 

Writer's Note: This is a stop for travelers with a sense of adventure. The road is rough, remote, and easily missed. Be sure to have safety procedures in place, like spare tires, extra water, and notifying others when to expect you back, etc. With all this worry, you may wonder, is it even worth it? Abostively. 

12. Mexican Hat Rock

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 10 minutes-30 minutes

Just like the name implies, this big red rock looks like an upside-down sombrero. While you can see it from the road, pulling in lets visitors hike and scramble their way to the top.

13. Mexican Hat Town

• Duration: 30 minutes

This small town, just south of the memorable Mexican Hat Rock, is a great stopover for hungry travelers, curious visitors, and anyone wanting to stretch their legs by the San Juan River.

14. Forrest Gump Viewpoint

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

I'm pretty tired. Think I'll go home now."

That unforgettable movie line was filmed right here—in a spot as extraordinary as the film itself.

This quick roadside pullover has become a huge hit with visitors. And the best part? It’s totally free.

15. Once-Upon-A-Time Brick Arch

• Duration: 30 minutes

This is the famous “Hanging Arch” from the iconic film Once Upon a Time in the West. While much of the arch has crumbled over time, the base still stands strong.

It’s a neat stop for film buffs and anyone curious about the real-life locations behind classic Westerns.

16. Monument Valley Overlook

• Duration: 5 minutes

This roadside pullover offers great views of the northeastern red rock features of Monument Valley.

17. Monument Valley Viewpoint

• Duration: 5 minutes

Even if you aren't entering the Monument Valley Tribal Park, this beautiful stretch of road offers glimpses of monuments such as The King on His Throne, the Stagecoach, and Brigham's Tomb.

18. Goulding's Lodge

Image from Flickr by m01229

• Duration: 30 minutes

Goulding's Lodge and Trading Post is an iconic piece of history. Stop in to grab a bite, stay the night, or learn about some Navajo and film history at the museum.

19. Navajo Welcome Center

• Duration: 30 minutes

The Navajo Welcome Center is a great stop to refresh yourself, learn about local tours, and, of course, pick up some great handcrafted souvenirs.

This is also where you can switch over to your Monument Valley Shaka Guide Tour if you've purchased it.

20. Monument Valley

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 3-4 hours

Monument Valley rose to superstardom partially in thanks to John Ford’s classic western, Stagecoach, filmed here in 1939. Covering about 91,000 acres on the Arizona-Utah border, its iconic sandstone towers and buttes soar up to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. The 17-mile scenic loop winds past famous landmarks like The Mittens and John Ford Point, showcasing the rugged beauty that’s become synonymous with the American West. Beyond its film legacy, this land is part of the Navajo Nation, whose rich culture and stories are deeply tied to the landscape.

Need more info? Check out the full Monument Valley itinerary for every stop and the Know-Before-You-Go for all your planning needs. And don't forget to bundle with Shaka Guide's Monument Valley Tour!

21. Navajo Market

Last stop? How about a souvenir? This is a great chance to pick up your own artisanal Navajo craftwork, like a woolen rug, silver jewelry, or authentic leatherwork. If you're hungry, snag a Navajo taco before you hit the road!

Explore Road to Monument Valley with Shaka Guide

Whether you're heading straight to Monument Valley, or just passing through on your way to your next big adventure, this beautiful scenic byway is a destination in itself.

With so many treasures hidden just off the beaten path, trust Shaka Guide to take you to all of these must-see, but not as well-known western wonders. All the while, we provide you with turn-by-turn directions and the insight you need to know which stops are right for you.

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 Road to 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 Road to Monument Valley Know Before You Go, and Monument Valley Ultimate Scenic Drive Guide.

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