Monument Valley is not a national park. It's a Navajo Tribal Park — administered by the Navajo Nation, on Navajo land, with entrance fees that go directly to the Navajo community. Pay the fee without complaint. The experience is worth many times the cost.

The mittens, merrick butte, and the other sandstone formations rising from the flat valley floor are among the most recognized landscape images in American culture. John Ford filmed nine westerns here. The light at sunrise and sunset turns the sandstone from deep red to brilliant gold to crimson. It is as dramatic in person as it looks in photographs — more so.

Getting there with an RV

Monument Valley straddles the Utah-Arizona border on US-163. The approach from either direction delivers the classic view — the mittens appearing on the horizon as you drive across the flat desert. Most RVs handle the approach roads without issue.

The Navajo Tribal Park entrance is well-signed from US-163. The visitor center and The View Hotel sit on the rim above the valley.

The View Campground

The only campground inside the Navajo Tribal Park sits directly on the rim with unobstructed views of the mittens from the sites. Waking up to that view — the formations turning from grey to gold as the sun rises — is one of the great campsite experiences in the American Southwest.

Sites have electric hookups. Book directly at navajonationparks.org — do not try to book through third-party sites. Reservations open months in advance and the best rim sites go fast.

The sunrise from this campground is worth the entire detour. Set an alarm. The light in the first 20 minutes after sunrise on the mittens is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

The 17-Mile Drive

A dirt road loop through the valley floor past the major formations — the mittens, merrick butte, the three sisters, elephant butte, and others. The drive takes 2–3 hours with stops.

RV and trailer restrictions apply. The road is unpaved and gets rough in sections. Most passenger cars can handle it in dry conditions. RVs and trailers are generally not recommended on the loop — the road is too narrow in places and the turning radius at some formations is tight for longer vehicles.

The recommendation for RVers: Leave the rig at the campground or visitor center parking and drive the loop in your tow vehicle. If you don't have a tow vehicle, book a guided Jeep tour instead.

Guided Jeep tours

To access areas beyond the self-guided loop — including Mystery Valley with its ancient ruins, the canyon areas, and locations not visible from the main road — you need a Navajo guide. Multiple tour operators run from the visitor center.

This is not just a regulation — it's the right way to experience Monument Valley. The Navajo guides know the history, the geology, and the stories of the formations in ways no signage can convey. The revenue supports the community directly. Book a tour.

Half-day and full-day options are available. Sunrise tours are the most popular and book out the furthest in advance.

Horseback riding

Several Navajo-owned operations offer horseback rides into the valley. The experience of riding through the formations on horseback connects you to the landscape differently than a vehicle does. Two-hour and half-day options available from the visitor center area.

Photography

Monument Valley is one of the great photography destinations in the world. The light is best in the first and last hour of the day — midday sun flattens everything and washes out the red tones.

Forrest Gump Point — about 13 miles north of the visitor center on US-163, a stretch of road with the mittens perfectly framed ahead. Made famous by the film. Pull off the road safely — traffic moves fast on US-163.

John Ford's Point — on the 17-mile self-guided drive, the classic western movie viewpoint with a lone horseman silhouetted against the formations. One of the most photographed spots in the valley.

The View Hotel overlook — the hotel's outdoor terrace is open to non-guests and delivers the most iconic straight-on view of the mittens. Free to access. Best at sunrise and sunset.

Visiting respectfully

Monument Valley is sacred land to the Navajo people. Several formations have spiritual significance and photography of certain areas may be restricted. Follow all posted signs, stay on designated roads and trails, and respect the guides' instructions on tour.

Do not enter private areas or drive off designated roads. The Navajo Nation takes enforcement seriously and fines are significant.

Practical notes

The 17-mile loop is one-way. Once you enter you complete the loop — there's no turning back partway through.

Weather affects road conditions significantly. The dirt loop road becomes difficult or impassable in wet conditions. Check the weather forecast and ask at the visitor center about current road conditions before you start the loop.

No services in the valley. Fill gas in Kayenta, Arizona or Mexican Hat, Utah before you arrive.

Cell service is unreliable. Download offline maps before you enter.

Where to stay

The View Campground inside the tribal park is the obvious choice and is worth booking for at least two nights — one to arrive and orient, one full day to explore, and the second sunrise before you leave.

The Ultimate Southwest RV Road Trip →

Gear for Monument Valley

• Solar kit — hookups at The View are limited. Bring backup power. Best Portable Solar Kits →
• Leveling blocks — the campground sites are on the rim and uneven. Best RV Leveling Systems →
• Surge protector — always at unfamiliar campgrounds. Best RV Surge Protectors →

Part of the Southwest RV Road Trip

Monument Valley is stop six on the ultimate Southwest loop.

The Ultimate Southwest RV Road Trip →

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