We’ve lived in Arizona for over 6 years and finally made it to Monument Valley this September. Located right at the northern AZ border near Utah in Navajo Nation, the landscape is stunning! Pictures can’t quite do it justice. About a 5 hour drive from Phoenix and 2.5 hours from Canyonlands and Arches National Park in Utah, this can be an easy weekend road trip or added to a bigger Utah trip.
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Quick facts
- Location: Navajo Nation, on the Arizona–Utah border
- Drive from Phoenix: about 5 hours
- Best for: a weekend road trip, or a stop on a Utah national parks loop
- Only hotel inside the park: The View Hotel
- Closest budget-friendly stay: Kayenta, about 20 minutes away
- Scenic Loop: Drive the 17 mi scenic loop or take a guided tour by vehicle or horseback
Best Viewpoints at Monument Valley
The Mittens and Merrick Butte
This is the famous view you see for most photos of Monument Valley; East and West Mittens with the Merrick Butte to the right. The best panoramic view is from the patio of the visitors center. East and West Mittens is also a viewpoint on the scenic drive which is a must! Make sure to stop at the visitors center to not only get the panoramic view, but to see all the beautiful Native American art, figurines, pottery, dreamcatchers and turquoise jewelry. The view from inside the center is another interesting vantage point of the mittens.
John Ford Point
A horse named Spirit is what draws most people to John Ford Point. This is where you can experience that wild west feeling on horseback, on a ledge, with an amazing panoramic view of Monument Valley around you. The desert is such a magical place; isolating but freeing. You can also horseback ride throughout the park by booking a guided tour.
Forest Gump Point
If you’ve seen the movie Forest Gump (Spoiler Alert), you’ll know the spot where Forest suddenly decides he’s done running and wants to go home. That is Forest Gump point and it is outside Monument Valley across the Utah border on US-163. We pulled over a little before this point to beat the crowds but to get the best view with Monument Valley seemingly zoomed in behind you on the road, you’ll want to drive to the actual point on the map. Somehow driving further makes the valley look even bigger.
Where to Eat at Monument Valley
- Inside the park: The View Restaurant, inside The View Hotel and reachable from the visitor center, is the only food option inside Monument Valley. It was closed when we visited, so we can’t comment on the food, but the view is incredible. Grab a coffee on the patio or sit inside. Either way the ambiance is hard to beat.
- Just outside the park: Stagecoach Restaurant, inside Goulding’s Lodge, also has great views of Monument Valley, but from a distance.
Where to Stay at Monument Valley
- The View Hotel (inside the park): This is the only hotel inside Monument Valley, and as the name suggests, you stay here for the view. Every room has a balcony facing the Mittens and Merrick Butte. Book early.
- Goulding’s Lodge (just outside the park): Another great option with valley views, but it also sells out quickly.
- Kayenta, Arizona (about 20 minutes away): We drove up from Phoenix after work and stayed at the Hampton Inn in Kayenta for a good night’s sleep before visiting the park the next morning. A decent breakfast was included and the staff was exceptionally nice.
Nearby Attractions to Monument Valley
Utah National Parks
Arches and Canyonlands are both near Moab, Utah, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Monument Valley, so one trip can cover all three.
- Arches National Park: More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Many of the best views are short walks from the road. Check the National Park Service website before you go, since timed-entry reservations are sometimes required.
- Canyonlands National Park: Its Island in the Sky district has huge canyon overlooks and Mesa Arch, a popular sunrise photo spot. The park is much larger and quieter than Arches.
- Moab: The best home base for both parks, with plenty of hotels, restaurants and outfitters.
Page, Arizona
Drive about 2 hours to Page and see Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell. We did this on a separate 3-day trip that also included the Grand Canyon and kayaking the Colorado River. Read about our unforgettable experience here.
If you’ve been to Monument Valley we’d love to hear your experience. Drop a comment below!
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