Road Travel America


Monument Valley Travel Guide

New travelers to the Western USA have read about this popular destination, but want to know things like "Where is Monument Valley?"

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park lies on the border between northeastern Arizona and extreme southeastern Utah, with the stateline running through the Valley. It is operated by the Navajo Nation, not the National Park Service. The monument is reached via U.S. Highway 163 from the north or south. Moab lies 148 miles, or 3 hours, to the north. Monument Valley is about 5 hours driving time from Phoenix.

What can I expect to see in Monument Valley?

The valley is host to towering sandstone rock formations that have been sculpted over time and soar 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Combined with the surrounding mesas, buttes, and desert environment, Monument Valley is one of the natural wonders of the world.

Scene at the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Scene at the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Over the years, Monument Valley has been the locale for the filming of numerous movies starring such film legends as John Wayne. Scenes in movies such as Stagecoach, Back to the Future Part III, Easy Rider 2001: A Space Odyssey and Forrest Gump have been been filmed in the valley.

Can I drive my car or SUV through Monument Valley?

Visitors may explore the 17-mile scenic drive through the park in private vehicles or book a half-day or full-day jeep tour to explore the area's backroads and sacred lands with the help of a local guide.

The road passes many notable features, including the Mitten Buttes, Three Sisters, Yei-bi-chai, North Window, and the famous Totem Pole. Passenger cars can drive the road, although care must be taken in loose sand and rocky areas. No hiking or driving off the posted track is allowed.

We have driven the scenic dirt road twice, both times in a high-clearance SUV. We would not attempt the drive in a low-clearance sedan, although visitors do it all the time.

We have also toured the Goulding Film and Cultural History Museum at Goulding's Lodge.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, with the 17-mile road seen below
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park with the 17-mile park road seen below


Arriving at Monument Valley

Arriving from the South

The "Classic" western view ... arriving at Monument Valley from the south, on U.S. Highway 163, heading northbound
The "Classic" western view ... arriving at Monument Valley from the south, on U.S. Highway 163, heading northbound


Arriving from the North

Just north of Monument Valley on U.S. Highway 163 is the spot at which Forrest Gump ended his 3-year, crosscountry run in the famous movie.

U.S. Highway 163 north of Monument Valley, looking south
View on U.S. Highway 163 north of Monument Valley, looking south
Forrest Gump ending his 3-year run
The scene in the movie when Forrest Gump ends his 3-year coast-to-coast run, near Monument Valley
A popular point in the 1994 movie "Forrest Gump" was filmed just north of Monument Valley. Shown below is the sign marking the spot where Forrest Gump ended his coast-to-coast run, leaving his group of followers questioning his next move. And where he uttered his famous line ... "I'm pretty tired. Think I'll go home now.”   The location is a popular stop for roadtrippers to get a selfie or photo op!
Sign marking the spot where Forrest Gump ended his coast-to-coast run just north of Monument Valley, leaving his group of followers questioning his next move. And where he uttered his famous line ... "I'm pretty tired. Think I'll go home now.”


Lodging at Monument Valley

Goulding's

During our most recent trip to Monument Valley, we stayed at the historic Goulding's Lodge, located across Highway 163 from the Tribal Park. It features a restaurant, large gift shop, swimming pool, sundeck, and museum on site, as well as an RV park, villas and campground. Phone the lodge at 866.313.9769 for more information.
The official address of Goulding's is 1000 Gouldings Trading Post Rdoad Oljato-Monument Valley, UT 84536.

Goulding's Lodge, RV resort and Campgrounds website

Read traveler reviews about Goulding's Lodge on TripAdvisor

Click to read traveler reviews about Goulding's Lodge and restaurant at TripAdvisor

Entrance sign at Goulding's Lodge at Monument Valley

Gouding's Lodge
Goulding's Lodge at Monument Valley
Goulding's Villas & Cabins
Goulding's Villas and Cabins at Monument Valley
Goulding's RV Resort & Campground
Goulding's RV Resort and Campground at Monument Valley

The View

Another lodging option is The View Hotel, operated by the Navajo and situated adjacent to the park's Visitor Center. In addition to the hotel overlooking the valley, also available are premium cabins, RV sites, campground, and trading post. Phone 435.727.5555 for information.

The View Hotel website

Read traveler reviews about The View on TripAdvisor

Click to read traveler reviews about The View Hotel and restaurant at TripAdvisor

The front entrance area at The View Hotel at Monument Valley

The View Hotel facing the Valley floor
The View Hotel facing the Monument Valley floor
Balcony looking out onto the Valley
The View Hotel balcony looking out onto the Monument Valley floor
Premium cabins at The View
Premium cabins at The View overlooking Monument Valley

 

Other Lodging in the Monument Valley Area

Farmington, New Mexico

Mexican Hat, Utah

Moab, Utah

Cortez, Colorado

Durango, Colorado

Kayenta, Arizona

Click to review Monument Valley hotels and restaurants, read reviews and make reservations at TripAdvisor


Getting Started at Monument Valley

Sign at the entrance to Monument Valley Tribal Park
Sign at the entrance to Monument Valley Tribal Park
Visitor Center at Monument Valley
Visitor Center at the Monument Valley Tribal Park


Experiencing the 17-Mile Dirt Road

Driving the 17-Mile dirt road through Monument Valley Tribal Park

Scenes Around Monument Valley

Monument Valley Tribal Park Scene from the Visitor Center at the Monument Valley Tribal Park
Tour trucks driving the 17-mile dirt road at Monument Valley Tribal Park Monument Valley Tribal Park
Monument Valley Tribal Park The 4Runner parked at the Monument Valley Tribal Park

 

 

Interactive Map of the Monument Valley Region


For More Information about Monument Valley

Monument Valley official Navajo Parks & Recreation website

Monument Valley at VisitUtah.com

Monument Valley Travel Guide at TripAdvisor



Want to Drive Dirt-Road Switchbacks near Monument Valley?

The Moki Dugway in Utah

The Moki Dugway is a steep, gravel three mile road located in southeastern Utah, traversing 1,200 feet from the top of Cedar Mesa to the broad valley below. The road is actually part of Utah Highway 261, most of which is paved.

The gravel section of 261, the Moki Dugway, is well maintained and open all year, but road closures can occur, so be sure to check conditions before traveling to this area. During and after a rain or snow storm, the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and can easily get muddy if it rains making it challenging to get through.

Aerial view of the Moki Dugway in Utah, seen from the top of Cedar Mesa, with the Valley of the Gods below
Aerial view of the Moki Dugway in Utah, seen from the top of Cedar Mesa, with the Valley of the Gods below