Monument Valley, Utah
Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii, Valley of the Rocks in Navajo, straddles the Utah-Arizona border and it is heralded by both. The reason? Monument Valley is the icon of the American West. Here, cowboys and Indians come alive. And formations such as The Mittens, east and west, and Totem Pole are no less impressive in person than on the big screen. Yet Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, as the area open to the public is known, often disappoints. Hiking is restricted to Wildcat Trail, an easy 3.2-mile loop around West Mitten Butte. Vehicles are only permitted on Valley Drive, a poorly maintained 17-mile dirt road that more often than not requires a 4-wheel drive. The visitor center and nearby picturesque points have a claustrophobic feel when the tour bus crowd arrives. Guided tours – jeep, horse and balloon - are exorbitantly priced. In short, a tourist trap. But if you dig deep into your wallet and select a tour that will engage the kids and get you off the beaten path you are likely to be rewarded 10 times over. It’s the only way to get backstage at this movie set.
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Getting there
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located 23 miles (37 km) north of Kayenta, Arizona and 22 miles (35 km) south of Mexican Hat, Utah. The park entrance is accessible from Highway 163. And while this often photographed icon of the American West is part of the Grand Circle and Trail of the Ancients it is a long way from the nearest airport. The regional airports in Page, AZ (131 miles or 2.5-hour drive), Farmington, NM (160 miles or 3 hours), Flagstaff, AZ (181 miles or 3.5 hours) and Grand Junction, CO (267 miles or 4.5 hours) are the closest. Phoenix, AZ is 326 miles (5.5 hours) from Monument Valley, Las Vegas is 433 miles (7 hours) and Salt Lake City is 389 miles (6.5 hours) away.
Getting around
This Navajo Tribal Park may be 91,696 acres in size but only one track and one trail are open to the general public. Hiking and driving are prohibited everywhere else. Valley Drive, a poorly maintained 17-mile dirt road, is oftentimes difficult to navigate without a 4-wheel drive. Wildcat Trail, an easy 3.2-mile loop around West Mitten Butte, is the park's only marked hiking trail. Families interested in seeing more, inside the park or in adjacent areas such as Mystery Valley and Hunt's Mesa, can hire a guide. Be sure to shop around; many Monument Valley guided tours offer little but ask a lot. What's more, few outfitters operate from inside the park further reducing your options once inside the gate.
When to travel
Monument Valley has 4-season climate; two of which are experienced each day. Summer days are hot and often soar above 90°F (32°C). Summer nights are cool with a low of 70°F (21°C) or less. Winter highs are in the mid-40s (7°C) but winter lows are well below freezing. Expect precipitation - rain and snow - from September through January.
Travel health & child safety
The climate in Monument Valley is high desert and the park sits 5,564 feet above sea level. Wear sunscreen and a hat and carry plenty of water (4 liters per person per day in summer). From May to September, plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon avoiding the peak heat hours from 11:00 - 16:00. Take the necessary precaution in summer storms; they come up quickly in this part of the world.
Opening hours
Valley Drive is open 6:00 - 20:30 from May through September and 8:00 - 16:30 from October through April. The Visitor Center is open 6:00 - 20:00 from May through September, 7:00 - 19:00 from March through April and 8:00 - 16:00 from October through February. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
Fees
An entrance fee is charged to all visitors. Children aged 9 and under are free of charge. Camping and guided tours are charged separately.
Contact details
For additional information on the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
dial +1 (435) 727 5870 or visit their website. Things to keep in mind
The visitor center has a restaurant, souvenir shop and small convenience store. Mitten View Campground is located near the visitor center. Navajo Jewelry Mall, a strip of wood-framed concessions, is located on Highway 163 just south of the park entrance. Goulding, once a trading post, may be small but is has a gas station, laundromat, restaurant and hotel.
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