Monument Valley

Located less than an hour away from Bluff, iconic Monument Valley stands as a beacon of natural splendor, drawing visitors from around the globe.  Whether you are interested in Navajo culture, a photography enthusiast, or a fan of classic Westerns, a visit to Monument Valley promises an unforgettable experience. Its timeless beauty and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through the American Southwest.

Relax in our rustic-chic, modern accommodations. Unwind in our indoor pool, fitness center, or seating areas, and savor a delightful dinner at Duke's, our acclaimed in-house restaurant. Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is the perfect base for your unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Grand Circle.

We hope you enjoy these tips on how to best experience Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Monument Valley is a Navajo Nation Tribal Park and is located on the Navajo Nation.  The entrance is on Highway 163 near the Utah/Arizona border and is well-marked with signage.

Fees and Hours
Fees are $8 per person per day, but are subject to change.  Hours depend upon the season.  In summer, hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. for the Scenic Drive.  Click here for fees and hours.

The Experience  

Depending on time, you'll find several options to tour viewpoints inside the park.  Or, if you're short on time, you can soak up an iconic view from the Visitor's Center.

• Self-Guided Scenic Drive of the 17-Mile Loop (2 – 4 hours)
  Drive your car or truck on the 17-mile loop to see 11 scenic viewpoints. Maps are available to download on the Navajo Nation Parks website.  Note: The loop is unpaved with rough terrain, especially during monsoon season (July and August). Low-clearance cars, motorcycles, RVs, camper vans, large SUVs, and off-road vehicles are not permitted.
• Guided Tours by Jeep or Horseback
  Enhance your visit with a Navajo guide who can take you to exclusive sites beyond the self-guided drive viewpoints. For a list of licensed Navajo guides, click here.
  • Jeep Tours (2 – 3 hours)
    Available from individual Navajo operators. Look for tour operators in kiosks in the Visitor Center parking lot. Same-day tours are usually available. Jeep tours are also offered by Goulding’s Lodge.   A face covering is a good idea for these tours as the trail can get quite dusty.
  • Horseback Tours
    Experience Monument Valley on horseback with a Navajo guide for an unforgettable adventure. Book ahead for the best experience.  You can also find horseback tours at the kiosks in the Visitor Center parking lot.
• Enjoy Views Near the Visitor Center
  Here you can take in the magnificent view of the Left and Right Mittens and Merrick Butte.  The Visitor Center also features:

• Year-round restrooms
• Exhibits on Native American history, including a Navajo Code Talkers exhibit
• Large Trading Post featuring high-quality Native American arts and crafts
• Seasonal restaurant
• Snack/souvenir shop
• Viewing area.

The Red Rocks by Visitor Center

Located to the left of the Visitor Center parking lot (opposite the Visitor Center), these red rocks offer a great photo spot with the Mittens and Merrick Butte in the background.

Forrest Gump Point

Located north of Monument Valley on Highway 163 at mile marker 13.  In the Forrest Gump movie, this iconic spot is where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run.  There is a pull-off from the highway, but exercise caution as Highway 163 is busy and cars travel at high speeds.

What Time Is It? 

Knowing the correct time can be tricky in this area, as Arizona and Utah are in different time zones.  Double-check the time shown on your phone with the time of a nearby reference city.  

Utah is on Mountain Daylight Time and DOES observe Daylight Savings Time.  Bluff, Utah and the Desert Rose Resort & Cabins have the same time as Denver, Colorado.

Arizona is on Pacific Standard Time and DOES NOT observe Daylight Savings Time.  Arizona has the same time as Los Angeles, California.  However, the Navajo Nation does observe Mountain Standard Time.