Possibly the most recognizable icon of the Southwest. These monoliths have been featured everywhere from the Roadrunner cartoon, to Mario Kart, to Forrest Gump. Although these monuments are synonymous with the American desert, the valley is actually a Tribal Park on the Navajo Nation near the border of Arizona and Utah.

Monument Valley in surprisingly popular considering how remote it is. It is 180 miles to the nearest (small) airport in Flagstaff, AZ. It is more than a five hour drive from any major airport (either Phoenix or even Albuquerque). If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, it is still more than 150 miles away from the Desert Watchtower on the East side of the canyon. The park is on the Navajo Nation, and therefore is a Tribal Park. Despite much of the Navajo Nation being underdeveloped, the visitors center here is on par with any major National Park facility including a world class gift shop, a restaurant, and a hotel, all with views overlooking the valley. The road through the valley itself is a different story, though. Your only options, without a guide, are driving the Valley Drive or hiking the 3.8 mile Wildcat Trail loop which circles the West Mitten and takes you close to the East Mitten as well as Merrick Butte.

WILDCAT TRAIL

Apart from the scenic drive through the valley, this is the only activity you are allowed to do without a Navajo guide. This wonderful 3.8 mile loop is an easy stroll for 95% of the trek, but climbing back out of the valley is a bit of a challenge considering the trail is slightly steep and sandy. Every step requires twice the effort. Don’t let this deter you though. I’ve seen every age group tackle this trail without too much fuss. The trail meanders around the West Mitten, passes near Merrick Butte, and offers great views of the East Mitten and the valley beyond. The trail takes ~2 hours to complete, and the park requires you to check in and then out before the park closes, so make sure you pay attention to closing time if you want to take this hike.

VALLEY DRIVE

Just about any ordinary passenger vehicle can take this drive, but you will need to stay vigilant because the dirt road is pitted, rough, dusty, and full of ruts. High clearance vehicles are recommend, but not necessary. RVs are not allowed on the Valley Drive, so you may need to book a tour with one of the many companies that offer them. The road takes you past the iconic Eastern and Western Mittens, which really do look like mittens, and Merrick Butte, which is the more square shaped butte near the mittens. Beyond these icons, you will pass John Ford Point, which is a small scarp, but from the right angle appears to be a point overlooking a vast valley below. A man with a horse is usually standing here to offer photo shoots with the horse for a small fee, or you can even get your picture on the horse for a not-as-small fee. There are also usually Navajo vendors here selling homemade jewelry and trinkets. This is also a good place to get a view of the Three Sisters.

GOULDING’S LODGE

If you plan on staying nearby, the hotel within the tribal park is an option, or just outside the park is Goulding’s Lodge. All rooms have windows and/or balconies that face the monuments, albeit from a distance. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant with surprisingly good food on site along with all of the standard motel accommodations. Just down the road is a small grocery store, gas station, and laundromat owned by the same people.

VALLEY OF THE GODS

If the drive through Monument Valley wasn’t enough for you, head north on Rt. 163 past Mexican Hat Rock (yes, that’s its name) to Valley of the Gods. This is like Monument Valley part 2, unregulated back-country adventuring. The rugged dirt road between Rt. 163 and 261 was actually in better shape than Valley Drive when we drove it. The buttes here aren’t quite as iconic as the Mittens or Merrick, but it is a great drive and I recommend it to anyone who has the time to spare. A few spots of the road were steep and possibly treacherous for low clearance vehicles, but if you are cautious and vigilant you should be just fine. On your way to Valley of the Gods you will pass Rt. 316 toward Goosenecks State Park. The view here overlooking the San Juan River is incredible. The river snakes through deep canyons, almost doubling back on itself in a few places. This detour can be done in less than 30min if you’re in a hurry, but it is a great place to have lunch if you’re not. Along Rt. 163, around mile marker 13, is where Forrest Gump decides he doesn’t want to run anymore and turns to head back home. There are a number of places where the shoulder is wide enough to pull over and admire the long desolate desert road leading to Monument Valley so don’t block traffic to snap a pic.