The Monument Valley Scenic Drive, also known as the Valley Loop Road or the Valley Loop Drive, is the classic way to experience the heart of the Navajo Tribal Park and a memorable way to experience the valley’s vastness and silence at your own pace. This 17-mile (27 km) unpaved road winds among the towering sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires that define Monument Valley’s world-famous skyline, and offers one of the most unforgettable and scenic experiences in Monument Valley. From John Ford Point to the Three Sisters viewpoint, nearly every turn reveals a scene straight out of a Western film.
While guided jeep tours are available, visitors can also explore this route independently with their own vehicle (weather permitting). This self-guided drive lets you stop as often as you like for photos, short walks, and quiet moments among the giant red rocks.
Monument Valley Scenic Drive Highlights – At a Glance
Length: 17 miles (27 km) round trip
Time Required: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on stops and photo time
Road Surface: Graded dirt road; suitable for most cars in dry conditions (4WD recommended after heavy rain)
Starting Point: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center
Hours: Roughly sunrise to sunset (park access closes at dusk)
Fees: Included with Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park entrance fee
Highlights: The Mittens Overlook, Elephant Butte, John Ford Point, Three Sisters, Artist’s Point, Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chei
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for soft light and fewer vehicles; late afternoon for dramatic shadows and golden-hour photography.
Disclosure: This page (Monument Valley Scenic Drive – Self-Guided Tour)may contain product affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. More details can be found on our disclosure and policies page.
Monument Valley Scenic Drive – Location and Map
The Scenic Loop Drive lies within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, straddling the Arizona – Utah border. The route begins directly from the main visitor parking area, just below The View Hotel and Visitor Center, providing instant access to some of the valley’s most iconic and photogenic landscapes.
How to Get to Monument Valley
The easiest and most practical way to reach Monument Valley is by car, since there is no public transportation to the park.
Driving times to Monument Valley
- Page, AZ: 200 km / 125 mi – about 2 hours
- Moab, UT: 240 km / 150 mi – about 2.5–3 hours
- Flagstaff, AZ: 280 km / 175 mi – about 3 hours
- Las Vegas, NV: 640 km / 400 mi – about 6–6.5 hours
- Salt Lake City, UT: 615 km / 380 mi – about 6–6.5 hours
These times assume good weather and minimal stops.
If you need to book a rental vehicle for your road trip, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
We also highly recommend Airalo (eSIM card) for your connectivity needs when travelling abroad. Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
Nearest Gas Stations
The nearest gas station is Goulding’s Gas Station, located next to Goulding’s Lodge, just across the highway from the Monument Valley Visitor Center, about a 10-minute drive away.
If you’re arriving from the north, the last gas station before Monument Valley is in Mexican Hat, roughly 30 minutes away. If coming from the south, the closest option is in Kayenta, also about 30 minutes away.
Given the remoteness and limited services in this part of the Navajo Nation, it’s best to arrive with a full tank of fuel, as waiting too long could mean fewer options and higher prices.
Time Zone Information
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park observes Mountain Time (MT), in alignment with the Navajo Nation.
- In the winter months, all three share the same time.
- Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, while Utah and the Navajo Nation do.
- During daylight saving months (March–November), Monument Valley and Utah are one hour ahead of most of Arizona.
Scenic Drive Access and Fees
Scenic Drive location: The scenic drive road (link to Google Maps) begins between the main visitor parking area and the campground, immediately south of the Wildcat Trailhead.
Facilities: Public washrooms are available at the nearby Visitor Center.
The View Restaurant is next to the Visitor Center and offers dinner and continental breakfast with views of the valley. During the day, The View Deli offers grab-and-go lunch options.
Scenic Valley Road opening Hours: Summer hours (typically May to September) from 7 am to 7 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm); Winter Hours (typically October to April): 8 am to 5 pm (last entry at 2:30 pm).
The road may occasionally close during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, flash flood risk, or high winds, or during special park events.
Monument Valley Entrance Fees
All visitors entering Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, whether to hike the Wildcat Trail, drive the scenic loop, or simply enjoy the viewpoints, must pay the applicable Navajo Parks and Recreation Department entry fee.
Entrance Fees
$8 per person, per day.
Payment & Passes
Fees are paid upon entry at the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park entrance station. Note that U.S. National Park passes (such as the America the Beautiful Pass) are not valid here, as the park is managed by the Navajo Nation, not the National Park Service.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at the entrance booth, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash in case of network outages.
As of 2025, online pre-purchase options are available through the official Navajo Parks and Recreation Department website (but cost an additional $1 due to an online fee surcharge), although entry is still controlled at the gate.
About Monument Valley
Timeless Desert Icons: Monument Valley’s towering sandstone buttes and mesas, some rising over 1,000 feet (300 m), form one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest. These colossal formations have been shaped over millions of years by erosion, leaving behind an awe-inspiring desert panorama of red rock spires, vast open plains, and deep blue skies.
Navajo Nation Heritage: Monument Valley lies entirely within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which is managed by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. The Navajo Tribal Parks system functions as the Navajo Nation’s equivalent to the U.S. National Park Service, preserving the land’s cultural and natural significance for future generations. Visitors are guests on Navajo land, where traditional herding, farming, and crafts continue to thrive.
Hollywood’s Western Backdrop: From classic John Ford films like Stagecoach and The Searchers to modern blockbusters and car commercials, Monument Valley has long been the cinematic symbol of the American West. Standing among the Mittens and Merrick Butte feels instantly familiar, like stepping into a movie scene brought to life.
Dark Skies & Desert Silence: Far from urban light pollution, Monument Valley offers pristine night skies ideal for stargazing. The quiet of the desert, broken only by wind and distant echoes, creates an atmosphere that’s as spiritual as it is scenic.
Exploring the Valley: Visitors can take in the landscape via the 17-mile Valley Drive, accessible by guided tour or private vehicle (when conditions allow), or experience it on foot along the Wildcat Trail, the park’s premier self-guided hiking route. Both reveal the monument’s scale and beauty in unforgettable ways.
The Valley Loop Road – Driving Conditions & What to Expect
The Valley Loop Road begins just below the Monument Valley Visitor Center, descending onto a wide dirt track that immediately delivers world-class views. The full 17-mile (27 km) loop is unpaved but generally well-graded and suitable for most vehicles in dry weather.
Road surface: The road surface alternates between hard-packed sand and loose gravel, with some washboarded sections and short, uneven dips that may be rough on low-clearance sedans. The first section of the road, right after leaving the visitor center, is the most challenging, featuring steep grades, tight switchbacks, and loose gravel. This initial descent can be tricky if traffic is coming uphill in the opposite direction, so take it slow and use caution.
2WD vs 4WD: Having a four-wheel drive (4WD) is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended after recent rain, as some stretches can become muddy or rutted. We used a high-clearance 2WD SUV in dry conditions and had no issues.
Cell coverage: Cell coverage in Monument Valley is very limited to nonexistent once you leave the visitor center area. You may have a faint signal near The View Hotel or Goulding’s Lodge, but don’t rely on it. Download offline maps and any trail information before arriving. Always let someone know your plans if hiking alone.
Loop driving direction: The first and last quarters of the route follow the same two-way section, while the middle portion is a one-way, counterclockwise loop..
Drive duration: The drive is self-paced, with ample pullouts at each viewpoint where you can park, take photos, or explore short spur trails on foot. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours completing the loop, depending on how many stops you make. Trying to rush through isn’t recommended, since not only will you miss much of the experience, but the road’s bumpy surface won’t let you go fast without making the ride uncomfortable.
The Scenic Loop isn’t just a drive, it’s an experience. Take your time at the main viewpoints, get out, walk around, and absorb the silence of the desert. The slower pace also makes the road much more comfortable to navigate.
Respect Navajo Tribal Land: Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation, and visitors are asked to show respect by staying on designated roads and observing all posted signs. Off-road driving is not allowed. Drones are strictly prohibited without a special permit.
Live route monitoring: You can track your progress along the drive using AllTrails, but be sure to download the offline version of the map in advance.
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
We find that AllTrails is a great tool to have when hiking, particularly for assisting with navigation when the trail is hard to locate and to help monitor your progress along the trail, which helps estimate how much time you’ll need to complete the trail.
Best Viewpoints & Stops Along the Scenic Loop Drive
Below are the main stops along the 17-mile Monument Valley Scenic Loop Drive, following the one-way counterclockwise section after the initial descent. Distances are approximate and measured from the Visitor Center.
The first three stops are along the 2-way portion of the road (you’ll cross them on the way back).
1. The Mittens & Merrick Butte Overlook
The classic postcard view, the West and East Mittens alongside Merrick Butte, rising from the valley floor. Both sunrise and sunset light this trio beautifully, creating long shadows that stretch dramatically across the desert.
2. Elephant Butte
Named for its elephant-like silhouette, this formation showcases intricate wind-carved patterns and colorful sandstone layers. A great stop for photography in morning light.
3. Three Sisters Viewpoint
Three slender spires stand side by side beside a broad mesa, one of Monument Valley’s most photogenic spots. From here, you can also glimpse portions of the Wildcat Trail winding below the butte
The remaining viewpoints are found along the loop portion of the drive, so you’ll only cross the once (unless you circle the loop a second time). You can zoom in on the All Trails Map to pinpoint their location.
4. John Ford Point (short 0.2 mi detour from the main loop)
The park’s most popular viewpoint is named after the director who filmed several John Wayne Westerns here. The overlook delivers sweeping views across the valley, and you’ll often find Navajo vendors selling jewelry and crafts, as well as Linda’s Fry Bread Stand, which is the only spot along the drive to get food and refreshments.
This is the spot where Navajo riders sometimes pose on horseback, an iconic Western image. This spot, however, can get quite busy as you may have to wait for a while if you want your shot with nobody in it.
5. Camel Butte & The Hub
Camel Butte’s twin humps make it easy to spot, while The Hub, a solitary pillar rising from the flat desert, marks one of the loop’s most striking open-space vistas.
6. Totem Pole & Yei Bi Chei Viewpoint
The slender Totem Pole towers 450 feet above the desert floor, flanked by the sculpted pinnacles of Yei Bi Chei.
7. Artist’s Point (short 0.2 mi detour from the main loop)
This elevated overlook delivers a sweeping panorama of the entire central valley, with The Mittens visible on the horizon. It’s the best spot along the drive to enjoy a truly panoramic view. We took A LOT of pictures here.
8. North Window Overlook (short 0.3 mi detour from the main loop)
A natural “window” between buttes frames the desert beyond. It’s often less crowded than earlier stops and ideal for late-afternoon photos with warm light filtering through the formations.
This viewpoint offers a similar panorama to that seen at Artists’ Point (the previous stop), albeit from a slightly different perspective, so it’s a skippable viewpoint if you want to save some time and stay on the main loop road.
9. The Thumb
The final major viewpoint before rejoining the two-way road back to the Visitor Center. Its tall, slender column offers a striking farewell, and one last photo opportunity before the climb back up to the visitor center. You can either stop on the way to or the way back from the North Window Overlook.
Beyond the standard viewpoints, there’s beautiful scenery to be seen all over the drive.
Best Time to Drive the Monument Valley Scenic Road
The 17-mile Scenic Loop Road in Monument Valley can be enjoyed year-round, but timing your visit can make a big difference in comfort, road conditions, and photography opportunities. The best seasons are spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, the skies are clear, and the soft desert light brings out the rich reds and golds of the sandstone formations.
Spring (March–May):
Spring is one of the most rewarding times to visit Monument Valley. Daytime temperatures typically range from 60–80°F (16–27°C), making for pleasant driving and exploring. The desert blooms lightly with patches of green, and the angle of the sunlight enhances the colors of the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and other formations. Early spring can be windy, especially in March, but visibility is excellent and crowds are moderate.
Summer (June–August):
Summer brings the heat, often exceeding 95°F (35°C), and little shade. If visiting in these months, plan your drive early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the hottest part of the day. The monsoon season (July–early September) can produce short but powerful afternoon storms that may make the dirt road muddy or temporarily impassable. Always check the forecast before setting out, as the valley can close during heavy rain or flash-flood conditions.
Even though you’ll be driving, temperatures can soar. Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to take short walks at viewpoints like John Ford Point or Totem Pole.
Fall (September–October):
Fall rivals spring as the best time to explore Monument Valley. Daytime highs hover in the 60–80°F (16–27°C) range, nights are cool and crisp, and the air clarity is superb. The lighting is especially dramatic in late afternoon and evening, making this the prime season for photography. Visitor numbers begin to drop, offering a more peaceful experience on the loop.
Winter (November–February):
Winter offers solitude and striking contrasts, especially when a dusting of snow highlights the buttes. Daytime highs are typically 40–55°F (4–13°C), but early mornings can be below freezing, and icy patches sometimes form on the dirt road. Most days remain sunny, and the low-angle winter light creates stunning long shadows across the valley floor. Be sure to dress warmly and check road conditions if there has been recent precipitation.
Best Time of Day to Drive
The early morning and late afternoon hours are by far the most rewarding times to drive the Monument Valley Scenic Loop.
- Early morning paints the Mittens and Merrick Butte in a soft golden glow, often accompanied by long shadows stretching across the valley floor, ideal for photographers.
- Late afternoon brings warmer tones and dramatic lighting on the eastern formations like Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei.
Midday light is the harshest and tends to flatten the landscape, but it can still be a good time to explore if you’re looking to avoid crowds or if the day is slightly overcast.
Guided Scenic Drive Tours
If you’d prefer not to drive the Valley Loop Road yourself, or if conditions are too rough for a 2WD vehicle, guided scenic drive tours are an excellent alternative. These tours are operated by local Navajo guides and follow the same 17-mile route, often with added commentary about the area’s history, geology, and cultural significance.
Most tours use open-air jeeps or SUVs and include stops at all the major viewpoints, such as John Ford Point, Totem Pole, and Artist’s Point. Some also extend into restricted backcountry areas that are not accessible to self-drivers, offering a deeper look at sacred sites, hidden arches, and petroglyphs.
Tours can be booked in advance online or at the booths near the Monument Valley Visitor Center. Prices vary depending on duration (typically 1.5 to 3 hours), and many operators offer sunrise, sunset, or photography-focused tours, ideal for those chasing the best light or unique perspective.
The following three tours are some of the most popular in Monument Valley:
Other Things to Do in Monument Valley
Beyond the Scenic Drive, Monument Valley offers a variety of unforgettable experiences that let visitors experience the landscape from new perspectives. If you’d like to explore on foot, the Wildcat Trail provides a 4-mile (6.4 km) loop around West Mitten Butte, the only self-guided hiking trail that descends onto the valley floor. For a shorter, less demanding walk, the Lee Cly Trail near the visitor center offers elevated views of the Mittens and Merrick Butte without the sandy climbs.
For those looking to go deeper, Navajo-guided backcountry tours, available by jeep, horseback, or even on foot, provide exclusive access to areas closed to self-drivers, including Mystery Valley, Ear of the Wind Arch, and Hunts Mesa, a legendary viewpoint overlooking the entire valley. These guided excursions often include insights into Navajo history, culture, and the spiritual significance of the formations.
If you prefer to take things slower, sunrise and sunset photography tours reveal Monument Valley at its most cinematic, while stargazing experiences after dark highlight its International Dark Sky Park–level visibility. The clear desert air and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in the Southwest to see the Milky Way.
For a complete overview of these activities, including tour options, costs, and photography tips, see our full Monument Valley Travel Guide.
Where to Stay Near Monument Valley
When it comes to accommodation, few places in the American Southwest can match the views offered by The View Hotel, the only lodging located directly inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Perched on the rim above the valley floor, it lives up to its name: every room, cabin, and even the on-site restaurant faces the Mittens and Merrick Butte. Waking up to the sunrise lighting up these iconic formations, or watching them fade into silhouette at sunset, is an unforgettable experience. While prices here are on the higher side, the location and scenery make it absolutely worth the splurge.
Just a 10-minute drive away, Goulding’s Lodge is the next best option. A historic property dating back to the 1920s, it offers comfortable rooms, suites, and cabins with partial valley views. The lodge also features a small museum, a restaurant, a grocery store, and the nearest gas station to the park, making it a convenient and slightly more affordable alternative to The View.
Some travellers choose to stay farther afield in Kayenta (30 minutes south) or Mexican Hat (30 minutes north), where prices are noticeably lower and more options are available. However, staying outside the park means missing the chance to experience Monument Valley at its most magical, sunrise and sunset. Driving these stretches in the dark is not recommended, as the roads are unlit, open-range livestock often wander onto the pavement, and cell service can be limited.
- In Kayenta, the Hampton Inn Kayenta is the top choice, offering modern rooms, a restaurant, and reliable amenities.
- In Mexican Hat, the Hat Rock Inn stands out for its scenic location above the San Juan River and easy access to Valley of the Gods and Goosenecks State Park.
For those travelling by RV or looking to camp, there are also several excellent options:
- The View Campground – Located right next to The View Hotel, this campground offers both tent and RV sites with stunning vistas of the Mittens. Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits.
- Goulding’s Campground & RV Park – A few minutes west of the park entrance, this site provides full RV hookups, showers, and access to the lodge’s pool and store—ideal for travellers seeking a bit more comfort.
Still, if your goal is to witness Monument Valley’s grandeur from dawn to dusk without ever leaving its scenery, The View Hotel remains the ultimate place to stay.
Monument Valley Scenic Drive – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to drive the Scenic Loop?
Not necessarily. The road is unpaved but passable for most 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. A high-clearance SUV is strongly recommended, especially for the first steep, bumpy section that descends into the valley. After rain, parts of the loop can become muddy and rutted, in which case, a 4WD vehicle is advisable or even required.
How long does it take to complete the drive?
Plan for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on how many stops you make. There are at least nine main viewpoints along the loop, plus several smaller pullouts worth exploring. If you stop for photos and short walks, expect closer to the full 2.5 hours.
Is the road open year-round?
Yes. The Valley Drive is open year-round, weather permitting. In winter, the road may temporarily close after snow or heavy rain until it’s deemed safe to reopen. Check at the Visitor Center or Navajo Parks & Recreation website for current conditions before visiting.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. As of 2025, entry to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park costs $8 per person, valid for one day. This covers access to both the Scenic Drive and the Wildcat Trail. Fees are paid at the entrance booth upon arrival.
Can I stop and walk around?
Yes. You’re encouraged to stop at pullouts along the route. Short walks around viewpoints like John Ford Point, Artist’s Point, and Totem Pole Viewpoint are popular. However, hiking beyond marked areas or venturing off-road is not permitted without a Navajo guide.
Is there cell service or GPS coverage?
Cell coverage is limited to nonexistent once you leave the Visitor Center area. Download offline maps before you go (Google Maps or AllTrails).
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Several Navajo-guided jeep and horseback tours depart from the Visitor Center and Goulding’s Lodge. Guided tours can access restricted backcountry areas such as Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa, which are off-limits to self-drivers.
Are drones allowed in Monument Valley?
Drones are strictly prohibited without a special permit. This restriction applies to launching, landing, or flying drones within the park boundaries.
How does the Monument Valley Scenic Drive compare to the Valley of Gods drive?
The Monument Valley Scenic Drive offers an unmistakable, iconic experience: a 17-mile dirt loop through towering sandstone buttes inside the Navajo Tribal Park, where you’ll find some of the most photographed landscapes in the American West. Because it lies within tribal lands, the route is somewhat controlled (with fees and some restrictions), and the scenery is precisely the grand “big-rock-buttes” panorama many travellers expect.
On the other hand, the Valley of the Gods road (30 miles north of Monument Valley) offers a more off-the-beaten-path alternative: also a 17-mile gravel loop, but without entrance fees, far fewer crowds, and a rawer, more remote desert feel. While both drives showcase dramatic red-rock formations carved over millions of years, Monument Valley is more polished, with recognizable formations and tourist infrastructure, whereas Valley of the Gods invites a quieter, more self-reliant road-trip mindset: you’ll want to bring supplies, check the weather, and accept that the road may be rougher and less supported.
Explore More Utah National & State Park Guides
Continue exploring Utah with these detailed guides:
Bryce Canyon National Park Guide
Capitol Reef National Park Guide
Goblin Valley State Park Guide
Arches National Park Guide
Canyonlands National Park Guide
Zion National Park
Explore More Arizona
Continue exploring Arizona with these detailed guides:
Best Things to See and Do in Sedona
Best Stops and Must-See Attractions Between Las Vegas and Sedona
Best Things to Do in Page
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is a travel insurance company that offers comprehensive coverage for travellers. Includes Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance. Primarily geared towards long-term travellers, digital nomads, and expats.
e-Sim cards
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide. With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land at their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges
eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
—–
Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Monument Valley Scenic Drive travel guide and that it will prove useful for planning your trip.
—–
You might also be interested in these related pages:
