Monument Valley is one of the most spectacular places in the United States. This valley is located on the border of Utah with Arizona and is within the reservation of the Navajo , the largest indigenous nation in the country. Many movies have been shot here, including Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, and numerous John Wayne western movies. Would you like to meet him with us?
All about Monument Valley
Venue information
Monument Valley covers an area of approximately 372,000 km2 and is located on the border between Utah and Arizona . The Navajo Indians know it as the Valley of the Rocks although, in reality, it is not a valley but a great plateau that is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level .
In this area, millions of years ago, there was a plateau crossed by the Colorado River. Over the years, and due to the erosion of the waters, it sank to form mountainous pinnacles up to 300 meters high. It is these rocks that make the landscape so impressive. The most famous are known as Mittens and Merrick Butte .
How to visit Monument Valley
Tribal Park Loop
It is the best option to visit Monument Valley. You only need a suitable car, a 4 × 4 is ideal, and pay $ 20 for the entrance of the vehicle with a maximum of four people. Doing it this way you can visit the place at the pace you want but without any guide.
The Tribal Park Loop is a panoramic circuit of about 27 kilometers that allows you to know some of the most famous places , the rest can only be seen with a tour. It is a circular route, so it begins and ends at the same point.
Guided tour
It is perfect for people who do not have much experience driving or for those who do not have a suitable vehicle. These tours can be done in a 4 × 4 or on horseback , the latter option being preferred by many for being an authentic experience. Tours are led by Navajos, who know the most beautiful places in Monument Valley. Some of these places can only be visited with these tours.
Wildcat trail
A rare option but perfect for people who like to walk. This path has a total of 5 km and is not too complicated , although in summer it can be harder due to the heat. It is the only path enabled to walk within the enclosure and it is beautiful. Of course, you have to be very careful with the snakes or reptiles that live in the area.
Essential places
Forrest Gump Point is about a 20-minute drive from the Visitor Center. Forrest Gump made this stretch of road famous because it was just at this point that the character and his group of followers stopped running. Lovers of western cinema cannot forget John Ford Point , a viewpoint made famous by John Ford films.
We also consider the viewpoint of The View hotel to be essential. It is not necessary to stay at this hotel to enjoy an incredible view of the place. The West and East Mitten Buttes , the two most beautiful geological formations in the park; the Teardrop Arch , a beautiful arch that can be seen by booking a tour; the Mexican Hat , a rock formation shaped like a hat; the Valley of the Gods , rock formations identical to those of Monument Valley but quieter and smaller; and Moki Dugway , to get the best views of the place.
The hours to visit this beautiful place are from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from May to September and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from October to April . Throughout the year they open every day of the week.
