Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Monument Valley is home to one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest and was one of my favourite stops on my road trip across the Southern States.
Renowned for its immense rock structures interspersed amongst the vast desert landscapes, one of the best ways to experience Monument Valley is by road, following the Monument Valley Scenic Drive! This 17-mile loop weaves through the desert tableau of towering sandstone buttes, dramatic mesas and majestic spires.
This guide will cover everything you need to know to navigate these red-dust roads; photograph the best of these breathtaking structures; and experience the Navajo culture! So whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photography buff, van-lifer, or are simply seeking the serenity of vast, open spaces, the Monument Valley Scenic Drive promises an adventure like no other!
About Monument Valley
Monument Valley (Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park) stretches across two states; Arizona and Utah. The Park, established in 1958, encompasses almost 92,000 acres covering a significant part of the Colorado Plateau. Much of this sits at an elevation of around 1500m (≈5000 ft) above sea level.
The striking sandstone formations of Monument Valley result from a combination of erosion of deposits from the Rocky Mountains and geological uplift. Further sculpting into buttes, mesas, and spires can be assigned to water and wind erosion over many centuries! These impressive monuments, which stand anywhere between 30m and 450m tall, were given descriptive names by early settlers.
Historically, Monument Valley holds significant cultural and spiritual importance to the Navajo Nation (hence the area is a Tribal Park rather than a National Park). The Navajo name for the region is Tsé BiiʼNdzisgaii (tseeh-bee-ni-zees-kay), meaning “valley of the rocks.”
The valley gained widespread fame through its frequent depiction in Western films, especially those directed by John Ford.
Mesa: Rock formations that look like tables, in that they are usually wide and stable. They’re in the first stage of erosion. (e.g. Spearhead Mesa)
Butte (bee-ute): Rock formations in the second stage of erosion, so smaller than a mesa. (e.g. Merrick Butte)
Spire: The final stage of erosion, whereby buttes become narrow and free-standing. (e.g. Totem Pole)
About Monument Valley Scenic Drive
The Monument Valley Scenic Drive is an unpaved, dirt road spanning 17 miles through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Starting at the Visitor Center near the Arizona-Utah border, the route travels south into Arizona to explore a series of epic natural monuments.
The drive follows a set route, driving down into the valley before circling Rain God Mesa anticlockwise. It covers 11 ‘official’ stops, though there are plenty more landmarks to see!
The first couple of miles are two-way as you use the same road in and out, but the middle loop follows a one-way system. This means you won’t be able to get lost or miss any stops!
Monument Valley Scenic Drive Route Map
The map below shows the driving route including all the stops and interesting rock formations to look out for.
What to Expect: Best Stops on the Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Follow the road down from the Visitor Centre at the top of the hill. This is the toughest part of the whole drive as the road is moderately steep and bumpy.
Once you’re down the hill it’s a dirt track for the rest of the loop with a couple of more sandy sections. It’s serene and peaceful.
Each stopping point is marked with a sign stating the name of the rock formation you’re looking at. I’ve included some additional, non-official stops below.
1. Mittens and Merrick Butte
Made up of East Mitten, West Mitten and Merrick Butte, these iconic rock formations are often the first major stop on the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. If you’ve seen any photos before of Monument Valley, these are probably the formations you’ve seen!
The Mittens are so named because they look like hands with sections of rock that look like ‘thumbs’. Merrick Butte (and Mitchell Mesa) are named after two ex-cavalry soldiers who were prospectors searching for silver in Monument Valley.
This stop offers stunning views, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can see the buttes from the Visitor Centre before joining the road, or there’s plenty of space to pull in to take photos at this first stop.
2. Elephant Butte
The second stop on the Monument Valley scenic drive is Elephant Butte. Named for its likeness to an elephant, this large formation is one of the most interesting sights along the drive.
I struggled to see the resemblance myself, but apparently others do. I’ll leave that for you to decide!
The elephant faces west with its ‘trunk’ jutting out causing the road to bend.
3. Three Sisters
One of the most recognisable formations on the loop, located on the edge of Mitchell Mesa is the Three Sisters.
This formation consists of three tall spires which supposedly resemble a Catholic nun facing her two pupils.
4. John Ford’s Point
John Ford’s Point is named after the famous Hollywood film director who made John Wayne famous. The viewpoint, which sits on a slight hill, offers panoramic vistas that have been featured in numerous Western movies. As you look around, you will have fantastic views of Mitten and Merrick Buttes, Elephant Butte, Three Sisstrs and the Camel.
This is one of the most visited sections of the Monument Scenic Drive as it sits aside the junction where the two-way road splits into the one-way loop. Because of the footfall, several souvenir stalls sell ‘handmade’ goods and gemstones, as well as drinks and snacks – including the local Navajo fry bread.
5. Camel Butte
Camel Butte is another huge butte formation situated just beside the road.
Much like Elephant Butte, I struggled to make out Camel Butte’s namesake. Whilst, in my opinion, this formation doesn’t look like a camel, at least it has a hump in the middle!
NOTE: Once you drive beyond Camel Butte and John Ford Point the road becomes one-way and you won’t be able to turn back.
6. The Hub & Rain God Mesa
The Hub is set back further away from the road. It’s a prominent rock that symbolises the hub of a wagon wheel, offering a distinctive silhouette against the sky.
Rain God Mesa marks the geological centre of the park and is the main rock formation that the Monument Valley Drive circles around. This huge formation will be on your left side for a couple of miles as you follow the road around! Navajo medicine men were meant to have prayed and given thanks to the Rain God who stored water for the people.
There are a couple of pull-ins and stalls along this stretch of the loop, but from here onwards the route was distinctly quieter.
7. Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei
Once again, set back further from the road are the Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei. There’s a designated parking area (where once again we found another stall), but both formations are in the distance.
Totem Pole is a slim, towering spire and a great example of what erosion does to a butte.
Yei Bi Chei located just east of Totem Pole features a series of rock formations that are meant to resemble Navajo dancers emerging from a Hogan (Navajo Indian hut).
NOTE: If you want a closer look at these formations you have to join a tour group.
8. Sand Spring and Bird Springs
Of all the stops on the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, Bird Spring and Sands Springs were probably the most underwhelming (personally).
This might’ve been because I wasn’t too sure what I was meant to be looking at! 😅 There are some cool red dunes here, but no spring in sight. At least this stop provides an alternative angle from which to view Totem Pole.
9. Spearhead Mesa
Spearhead Mesa is a really interesting structure that lines the whole eastern side of the Monument Valley Loop.
Jutting in and out, it almost looks like a series of separate rock formations, but it’s just that big!
Unfortunately, there’s no specific stopping point to take photos (though we just stopped when nobody was around).
10. Navajo Code Talkers Outpost (AKA Artist’s Point)
Navajo Code Talker Outpost is a viewpoint located just off the main loop. The detour provides a sweeping view of the valley floor and is a favourite spot for photographers.
I loved that you’re able to see some of the buttes from earlier but from a different perspective! It also gave an awesome sense of how desolate Monument Valley is!
Its name comes from the Navajo Code Talkers who used to deliver secret military messages during the war. This outpost honors the life and legacy of them! I’m not sure why it’s marked as Artist’s Point on Google Maps…
11. The Thumb
Driving west from Navajo Code Talker Outpost, towards the completion of the loop you will pass a couple of crossroads. The first is marked by the Thumb – another unique formation that is named after… Yep, you guessed it… a thumb (because of its rounded features)!
This distinctive landmark within the valley marks the turning point for the North Window overlook.
12. North Window
North Window, so named because of the natural frame it creates for the buttes beyond, is the final stop on the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. While most people stop at the dirt car park just before, I highly recommend driving to the end of the track to the overlook itself.
Here, the North Window overlooks the northern view of the lower valley. On the left is Elephant Butte. While on the right is, the much smaller, Cly Butte, which is named after a renowned Navajo medicine man who was buried at the base of the formation.
Once you’ve visited North Window, retrace your tracks to rejoin the loop and continue driving back towards the Visitor Centre.
13. Visitor Centre
The Monument Valley Visitor Centre isn’t officially on the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, but I think it’s still worth mentioning! (No – I’m not getting a commission from them!).
Besides an awesome view overlooking the start of the scenic drive, there’s also an awesome gift shop with interesting artifacts and artwork. It’s a good look around (though rather expensive!).
In terms of facilities, there are toilets, a restaurant, tourist information and also a hotel up here.
FAQs: Monument Valley Scenic Drive
How much is Monument Valley Scenic Drive?
Whilst the Monument Valley Scenic Drive is free, you will need to pay the $8 per person fee to enter the area since it’s located on Navajo land. There is a toll booth on the main road leading up to the Visitor Centre where you can pay.
The America is Beautiful National Park Pass does not work here as it isn’t a National Park. They also don’t accept cash so you will need to pay by card.
The entry fee also includes a map of Monument Valley Scenic Drive. This came in handy as service was intermittent around Monument Valley.
NOTE: If you book with a guided tour you will still need to pay this $8 entrance fee unless stated otherwise in the tour.
Is the road paved? What car do I need?
The road around the Monument Valley scenic drive is not paved. It’s a dirt road for all 17 miles.
It’s recommended that you have a 4WD vehicle, or at least a car with high clearance.
I completed this loop in a rental Nissan Kicks 2WD.
Are Monument Valley guided tours worth it?
I opted to avoid guided tours of Monument Valley. Partly this was to save money and partly because I prefer exploring places at my own pace. So I can’t exactly give an unbiased opinion….
That being said, the open-side vehicles they used looked pretty cool and it could’ve been enjoyable to have a guide talk us through everything. Though the leaflet provided on arrival did a pretty good job!
Most tours cost anywhere between $50-$100.
If it’s within your budget and you select a tour that doesn’t rush you through each stop, then I think this would be a good place for a tour so you can learn more about the Navajo culture! I still had an awesome (and potentially more peaceful) time without a guided tour.
How long does the Monument Valley Scenic Drive take?
We spent just over 3 hours driving around the loop, stopping everywhere we could to take photos and soak in the scenery. We even took the time to let tour groups overtake us so we could have the place to ourselves.
Part of the reason we took so long was because, firstly, we weren’t in a rush! Secondly, we had a few hours in the car heading south to the Grand Canyon later that afternoon so we wanted to get out of the car as much as possible to stretch our legs!
In reality, you probably need around 2 hours for the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. Most tours are 1.5-3 hours long.
When is the Monument Valley Scenic Drive open?
Monument Valley Scenic Drive Hours
- Summer (May-September): 6am-6pm
- Winter (October-April): 8am-5pm
- Holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day): Closed
NOTE: These hours are the same for the Visitor Centre and Museum.
Guided Tour Hours:
- Summer (May-September): 6am-8pm
- Winter (October-April): 8am-5pm
What else to do in Monument after the scenic drive?
Besides the scenic drive, there are still several things to do.
- Hike the Wildcat Trail: Leading from the Visitor Centre at the end of the scenic drive, you can walk straight after to get a closer look at West Mitten Butte.
- Hike the Lee Cly Trail: Not as popular as the Wildcat Trail, this hike takes you towards Mitchell Mesa from the Visitor Centre.
- Visit a Hogan Village: Located beyond the north parking lot, the sun-baked, mud-covered homes provide an interesting insight into the Navajo culture.
- Forrest Gump Point: Sunset from this iconic viewpoint where a scene in the film, Forrest Gump, was shot.
- Visit Mexican Hat: Not far from the scenic drive, visit this curious rock formation.
- Stargaze: Set up camp and get ready for the stars to come out over this magical place!
Where to go after Monument Valley?
Once you have completed the Monument Valley Scenic Drive and fully explored the rest of the area, you may wish to continue onwards.
If you are following the route that I did with my Southwest USA road trip, then your next stop will be further south towards the Grand Canyon! Here you can take on the incredible South Kaibab Trail.
Alternatively, you can head north into Utah where you have plenty of options. Canyonlands National Park or Arches National Park will take you deep into Utah’s surreal landscapes.
You can stay on the border of Utah and Arizona, by heading towards Page to check out Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Alstrom Point.
Before you go
Thank you for reading my travel guide on driving the Monument Valley Scenic Drive in Arizona. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.
Happy driving!
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