Scenic Self-Drive Tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Immerse yourself in the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley with a self-guided scenic drive, offering unparalleled views of the Southwest's natural wonders.

Last updated: May 2024
  • $8/person park entrance fee

Description

Immerse yourself in the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley with a self-guided scenic drive, offering unparalleled views of the Southwest's natural wonders. Begin your journey with a self-guided scenic drive through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where the majestic rock formations and vast, sandy landscapes have captured the hearts of travelers and filmmakers alike. This iconic drive allows you to explore at your own pace, starting with the awe-inspiring Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte, which stand as sentinels at the park's entrance. As you wind along the 17-mile loop road, each turn reveals a new marvel, from the towering spires of the Three Sisters to the ancient, weathered formations of John Ford's Point. The drive is dotted with 11 designated stops, each offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the valley's grandeur and to capture the perfect photograph.

Perfect for

For solo
For two
For groups
For parents and grownups
Outdoorsy

Good to know

$
Tour
First come, first serve
Few hours
Half a day
Street Parking

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Itinerary

  1. Arrive early to catch the sunrise.
  2. Start at the Visitor Center to pick up a map.
  3. Follow the loop road, stopping at designated viewpoints.
  4. Take your time at each stop to enjoy the views and take photos.
  5. Complete the loop and return to the Visitor Center.

Location

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, AZ 84536

Show directions

Packing List

  • Comfortable driving shoes
  • Water and snacks
  • Sunscreen and hats for sun protection
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Binoculars for distant views

 4.7  ● Google reviews

  • ksk vrm

    7 months ago

    Visiting Monument Valley was an amazing experience. The entrance fee is $10 per person, and if you want to do the scenic drive, it costs $15 per vehicle, which is totally worth it. The 17-mile scenic drive is beautiful you get to drive through the massive red rock formations and see them up close. Some parts of the road are gravel and a bit rough, while some sections are smooth, so a bigger vehicle is definitely recommended for a better and more comfortable experience. At John Ford’s Point, you can also take a picture with a horse for $10 per person, which is a must-do for that iconic Monument Valley photo. Overall, it’s an unforgettable drive with breathtaking views all around.
  • Gary Miller Foto

    4 months ago

    A must see. Plan ahead though, don't just show up as there may not be anywhere to stay. Take one of the guided tours unless you have an offroad vehicle you want to capture images of with monuments behind and or around it.
  • Roxanne Duran

    4 months ago

    Campground sites were amazing Monument Valley doesn't even look real. It is that gorgeous, I recommend this to everyone. Just stay warning. The campground has no shade picnic. Table available bathrooms, shower, bring your own. Soap, it was quite an adventure. 17 mile drive loop was incredible
  • Road Trip Hero:AdventureHermit

    4 months ago

    I have visited Monument Valley several times. There are fantastic views from the view Hotel. If you purchase a pass, you can visit the hotel without staying there. There is also a gift shop on site as well as access to the restaurant and grab and go food items. If you wish to visit closer to the monuments, you will need to purchase a pass for your car or a guided tour. The guided tours are highly recommended as they give you much more information about the area. Additionally, you can protect your vehicle from the Roofer terrain. If you do decide to travel down the 17 mile loop on your own, it is recommended that you air down your tires. Just be prepared to air them back up when you get back to pavement.
  • leslie johnson

    10 months ago

    This was an amazing experience. While you can take the scenic loop through the valley, I would highly recommending paying for a Navajo guided tours. It was phenomenal and we learned so much.

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