Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
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  • GeorgiaJaneite
    144 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was our first time visiting, and we were excited to be seeing the iconic sights of Monument Valley and grateful to be allowed onto the Navajo tribal land to enjoy it. We got to the park around lunch time, and there is only one option for lunch in the gift shop (mostly packaged sandwiches), but the options in the nearby town of Kayenta are pretty much all fast food. (You may want to eat before you get there or pack a picnic.) The gift shop is large and sells lovely native dolls/figures and pottery along with "typical"souvenirs like t-shirts and post cards. Overall I have to say that our only disappointment was with the visitors center. There was no one working there so it was really impossible to get information there. (The booths that seemed intended for disseminating information were unstaffed.) We walked around trying to find maps, displays, or other information but were disappointed. Since we'd been in the car a lot during our trip, we opted out of the driving tour and instead hiked the Wildcat Trail. I highly recommend that as it was a wonderful opportunity to actually walk down amongst the rocks and see the desert flora up close. The valley is simply majestic, and it was truly a blessing to be able to take this lovely walk there. There are many options for tours from locals including driving tours and horseback tours. I would recommend taking advantage of one of those options if you have the time. We stayed the night at The View Inn so we were able to watch the sunset and sunrise as well as see the incredibly brilliant stars at night. Monument Valley is a beautiful and awe-inspriring place that I think everyone should visit at least once in their lives, and we are very glad that we did!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 23, 2024
  • Annette S
    Gosport, United Kingdom276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did the self drive which I would only recommend to do if you have a truck or equivalent. The road was so uneven and bumpy. Had we known how bad the road/track was, we would have probably done a tour and saved the suspension in our vehicle (Ford expedition) The scenery is absolutely stunning. The viewpoints can get quite crowded as can the little native cafe which serves native food. There is a man with a horse at the John Ford point. To take a photo of him costs $5, to sit on the horse for a photo costs $5 and to sit on the horse for a photo at the point costs $10. There are a lot of signs saying 'no photos' (unless you pay/tip) which makes the experience quite sad as they're obviously out to get as much money as possible. There is a nice gift shop but very expensive. I bought a mug and fridge magnet for $28. Well worth the visit though and, despite the roads and costs, highly recommended.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 13, 2024
  • ftringali
    Bracciano, Italy214 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You will realize that you already know many of the most beautiful views of the Monument Valley because inserted in so many movies and advertisements that are constantly seen around. Nevertheless, the impact is formidable. Even the view from the terrace of The View rewards you for the miles you’ve made to get there. The tour inside the park can be done by car at a cost of $8 per person to enter or using Indian guides in their open Jeeps with towel cover. We opted for the tour with the guide. The roads in some places are unfortunately not in very good condition and we have seen so many people with their own cars in difficulty. Inside the park the guide stops at all the most famous spots and leaves time to capture the view. If you go with the Navajo guide you will also have access to the "sacred" area after the village of Hogan. Our guide was very nice, sometimes a bit picturesque seasoning the various descriptions with some "beautiful, beautiful, mamma miaaaa" Highly recommended
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 6, 2024
  • Gus
    Ibiza, Spain4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Is it really worth visiting? The answer is yes, but beware there are certain details to keep in mind. Admission is $8 per person, you go through a cabin with the car (there is no barrier and when we went on November 22, 2024 we saw a car passing through the next door being that there was no one and did not pay, we do not know if it was staying at The View hotel). This park is NOT included within the annual National Park Pass. First tip: DO NOT buy anything inside unless it is necessary as the prices are high, we order two cappuccinos for 14 dollars, so go well stocked. Regarding the vehicle we used a Nissan Altima, sedan type and quite low, and we had no problem whatsoever. The road is somewhat wrong at its beginning and in a small intermediate section but going slowly and carefully it becomes enjoyable (so do not be alarmed), fully accessible without being 4x4 so unless it rained the previous days or is snowy (it would form quite mud), I would save a money in 4x4 cars and especially tours of the Navajos. We did the tour in about 2 hours and 20 minutes standing quietly at the designated points and taking photos, the truth that is left over since in the end it does something repetitive unless you get a different perspective and you really like photography / nature, but it is a place of must visit, do not miss it.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 22, 2024
  • Hartmama
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is such a beautiful park to visit! The iconic rock formations are amazing to see up close. The entrance fee is very reasonable, and we did not have to wait to get into the park (we visited on a weekday). The staff was pleasant and the buildings were clean. As many other reviews state, the park drive is quite an adventure! We were in a newer Nissan Armada, and the entrance attendant said we would be fine with our ground clearance even though we did not have 4x4 or AWD. So, we decided to go for it. My husband is an experienced driver, and he had a blast with the "off-road" experience and the Armada handled it with ease. It is not a drive for the inexperienced or the faint of heart! . I would NOT recommend a sedan, sports car, or other low-clearance vehicle. It most likely will experience some damage from bottoming out, and might not make it back up the hills to the visitor center. I would definitely recommend visiting Monument Valley (we liked it better than Arches National Park!).
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 6, 2024
  • Custanten
    Casatenovo, Italy463 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Know that the entrances with your own car (most likely with the rental car) are allowed until 15, because then by 17 you must complete the tour and go out. So if you plan a trip to the USA that includes this stage you must rent a car type SUV and possibly with four-wheel drive. At the entrance kiosk to the park, where you pay the not particularly expensive ticket (if you take the tour with "your" car, otherwise the price changes) in theory they should admit only vehicles with four-wheel drive, in reality the controls did not seem particularly strict, in fact we entered with an SUV but two-wheel drive. The route must be done slowly, also given the dirt road that in some places is definitely bumpy, making all the stops suggested by the map that will give you at the entrance and enjoying, with different vantage points, these giants that seem to come out of nowhere, in a Martian scenario.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written November 4, 2024
  • Davide F
    Fivizzano, Italy250 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hard to be objective about a Monument Valley review. One of the most famous places in the world, symbol of an entire era of TV movies. Live is as impressive as in the photographs. The tour inside the park can be done by car at a cost of $8 per person to enter or using Indian guides. We opted for the car ride ourselves. The roads in some places are unfortunately not in very good condition so it is preferable to use a car that is a little higher off the ground like an SUV. Inside the park you can stop at several spots to admire the view and take some pictures. At one of the most famous sightseeing spots, John Ford's Point you can have a picture taken on horseback. Just outside the entrance to the park there is a visit point with adjoining restaurant.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 30, 2024
  • Régis1972
    Lancy, Switzerland20,144 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Monument Valley is an Indian reserve that is still managed by American Indians. It is probably with Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and Amtelope Valley one of the most beautiful sites in the American West. These vast plains are bordered by emerging red sandstone rocks and offer an incredible panorama in terms of both scenic and colour. You don’t want to go to the area without going to this park and ideally sleep in the Pension there to enjoy the sunset and sunrise either from the room or from the restaurant. A car tour of more or less 90 minutes is possible through a tour operator or with his own vehicle. However, I recommend having an SUV or a 4x4 because low cars will have problems or even serious problems with some climbs a little difficult and especially some rocks that can damage the underbody or even block the vehicle. The conservation of the site is unique it is definitely worth the trip.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 20, 2024
  • Melabaffi
    Rome, Italy1,793 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went twice, once in summer and once in winter. On both occasions I was moved. For me this place is magical! You can ride in an hour with the car or you can also choose the tour with the open buses that you find on the site but it is clear that there is so much dust that you have to take it into account. With the car even if you do not have an SUV and 'absolutely feasible just proceed slowly and avoid the stones. You pay the entrance and you have to look at the timetable because especially in winter it closes early. Many do not know that the most beautiful photograph is taken at the forrest gump point about 15 km east of the site. Don't miss it because it's a wonderful spot
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 16, 2025
  • FÁTIMA G
    Coimbra, Portugal274 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The rates during the summer are exceptionally high but the canyon is beautiful! Our guide, Nathaniel, would get us the best photos of certain rock formations that made us go wow!! It takes an hour inside the canyon and it's way cooler than the outside temperature.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Roberto I.
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
A breathtaking wonder!
Visiting Monument Valley is, certainly, one of the things to do in life.
A unique panorama in one of the most iconic places in the world.

I recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset.
If you have a 4x4 I recommend doing the tour independently.
I did it with a front-wheel drive SUV.

The initial road is steep and rugged.
So if you are not an expert driver, I recommend taking the guided tour.

I do not recommend carrying out the tour independently if the road is icy/wet and/or muddy.

The self-guided tour costs nothing (just $16-18 for park entry).

If you are interested in a hotel in the area, I recommend The View (right inside the Monument). Remember that inside the reserve they do not sell any type of alcohol (as it is prohibited).

Have a good trip!
Google
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Giulia B
Ortisei, Italy165 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
Monument Valley is something that takes your breath away. However, the Indians who run it could be a little more friendly. You pay 8 dollars per person to enter (so it's not worth the National Park Pass) and they make a fuss because apparently the car ride on the scenic drive can only be done with a 4X4 car (something not reported on their official website). We took the risk and did it anyway, despite the disapproval of the lady at the toll booth who didn't want to let us through! The road at the end is quite ok, just go slowly and watch out for potholes. But it can also be done with a normal car! I also recommend taking a horseback ride, immersed in nature the ride has a completely different charm!
Google
Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cosimo D.
45 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Let's start with the obvious, the view is very beautiful, the view from the visitor center is wide.
Here the positive notes end.
Paid 16 USD for 2 people and they immediately told us that we couldn't do the scenic drive by car since we arrived too late (it closes at 4pm and we were queuing to enter at 3.50pm).
Each service offered is paid and at exaggerated prices. No map of the location or directions are offered.
The restaurant and the souvenir shop have highly inflated prices, as does the tour guided by them (obviously despite the indicated closing time being 4pm they were allowed to pass).
The road is very rough and narrow: there is a risk of damaging the vehicle.
Having taken a road trip, you don't notice much of the difference in landscape between the surrounding areas and the paid site. If you have your own transport available, it is much better to explore the surrounding area rather than pay for no service.
Google
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dsears3
Midway, UT510 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
Stunning. If I were spiritual, I would add that in. A few cautions:
currently the tribal elders decreed that all visitors have to exit the loop road by 7 pm.
Unfortunately, sunset is now (Sep 1st) an hour later.
When your tour ends, as sunset approaches, head to the The View Hotel - pass through the Gift Shop to the south east decks (where diners might eat if/when their restaurant re-opens; still under COVID restrictions)
In fact, masks have to be worn in open air - including in tour vehicles.
Highly recommend the Dineh Bekayah tour group; female owned (one of the only in the Valley) female managed, female guides. All very professional. Bring cash to save on 8% tax.
Some tours done through Goulding’s etc inc the Navajo Nation entry fee of $20/ car w/ 2 pax. Request a refund if you already paid the latter online or while driving the 17 mile loop on your own beforehand.
Written August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Edward
Santa Rosa, CA3,236 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
The Navajo Tribal Park in Monument Valley contains much of the most stunning and iconic scenery in the area. There is a hotel and visitor centre with shop.

One must pay to enter and even if paid ahead of time must queue up to drive in. We paid in advance to enter around a certain time, but still had to wait in the queue, which took some time.

There is a rough dirt rood loop to drive on for the scenery. Visitors may drive on their own on the drive if early enough in the day. However, after a certain time of day, one may no longer drive on it and must instead pay to take a tour. These see to be readily available at the parking lot at the visitor centre and we ended up having to take one since we were only there for that day as we drove through. We researched it ahead of time (given the time we had to plan this trip, a replacement for a UK trip cancelled due to Omicron), and found out about the park, scenic drive, entrance fee which we could pay in advance, but did not discover any information about the time limit for driving through the park on one's own.

Either way, if you want to see this, it is well worth it. The tour was great and took us all over the place. In fact, the road is extremely rough in places and even though we have a Subaru all well drive, we were thankful not to have to negotiate that ourselves. We loved the magnificent and iconic setting, magnificent in its own right, but also so iconic and famous from many Westerns.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ecosse_posse
Chipping Sodbury, UK50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
Being brought up on the Road Runner cartoons, I have always wanted to visit this amazing location and have been lucky enough to do it this October. The drive in from Kayenta, AZ just sets you up for what you are about to experience, some of the world's most awesome vistas! We stayed at Gouldings Lodge which I have reviewed separately to see the sunset over the monuments, this was a truly magical experience for my wife and I. Then following day we drove to the visitors centre which has an $8 cover charge per person, this includes the drive round the monuments which is fantastic value for money. The off road drive although very uneven in places is tremendous and well worth it, plenty amazing photo stops and a good laugh actually especially in our compact hire car! The visitors centre itself it's very overpriced so we bought our souvenirs from the Navajo stalls on the valley drive, fantastic prices and lovely to meet these graceful people who love to share a story or two and ask you about your story! Would 100% go again.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel M
9 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
It’s $8 per person to get in that’s fine you can drive the scenic route for free! If you have a 4x4 I’ve seen people say you can drive it with a 2 wheel drive we were in a hire car and not going to risk it.
The woman on the gates put the fear of god in you that they won’t tow you out if you get stuck… so ok we go and see how much a tour would be ( open mini truck with about 6/8 seats they were charging $110 dollars each! For an hour tour. I couldn’t believe how the Navajo feel this is just!
So my advise to anyone heading all that way and hiring a car get yourself a Jeep or similar! It’s FREE!
Written October 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard N
Stroud, UK467 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
In anyone's language this is undeniably a must-see place. How you do it is up to you, but to really experience the land, culture and history, you really need to go on a guided tour with a Navajo guide.

Not only do they go into detail you can't possibly get from a book or by self-touring, they take you to unique parts of the Valley to really immerse you in the whole experience. Plus they know the best spots for taking the perfect photo, and heaven knows there's plenty of those opportunities.

The price for me as realistic too. We paid around £70 each for a 3.5 hour sunset guide which included unlimited bottled water. An unforgettable experience.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

307leven
Stroudsburg, PA307 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
Visited the week before Thanksgiving (Tuesday) and did the self driving tour. I only had about 4 hours since I drove up from Flagstaff in the morning. I had a pre-paid ticket ($8.00 plus $1.00 admin fee) so I entered the park and started the tour. The scenery was stunning and I repeatedly pulled over during the 17 mile course and took photos while admiring the great views.

I had read other posts about the poor road conditions, so I had rented an SUV and I was glad I did. The road was in terrible condition as I constantly had to slow up for potholes, dips in the road, rocky areas and deep ruts. In fact, an SUV in front of me (Nissan Armada) actually hit the bottom of his vehicle on a deep rut as he pulled out from a scenic pullover. I do not recommend taking the self driving tour with a lower sitting sedan as you will risk causing damage to the underneath of your vehicle. If you do drive a sedan, you may want to consider taking one of the several jeep tours offered by the Navajo. The posted speed limit was 15 mph, but there were many times I had to drive slower than that. The road is also very dusty which resulted in a heavy coat of dust on my vehicle at the end of my visit.

I saw at least 2-3 portable toilets at the scenic pullover sections for those needing a bathroom break. I also brought my own water and snacks which saved time from going to the visitor's center. The entire tour lasted just under 3 hours which included taking a lot of stops to admire the scenery and take photos. It wasn't crowded and I didn't have to wait to get it, but I'm sure it does get more crowded during holiday weeks and weekends so plan accordingly.

If you go, have fun and enjoy the stunning views as it was a thrill to finally see this famous icon of the southwest.
Written December 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lily L
24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
My husband and I unexpectedly and delightfully ended up on a private tour with Carol when the other people failed to show. She was a wealth of knowledge, having been a guide here since 1995. We loved hearing her stories about her family, Navajo customs and heritage. She set up incredible photo ops for us, led us up close to ancient puebloan petroglyphs, and entertained us with several Navajo songs. We briefly shared Big Hogan with another tour group, where Frank, their guide, played a haunting flute melody for us. I would most definitely recommend this 3.5 hour extended backcountry tour if you want to get an intimate look at Monument Valley.
Written April 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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