When you think of the Wild West, the iconic landscape of Monument Valley is likely what comes to mind. Both stark and striking, this red expanse of desert is punctuated by towering spires, mesas, and buttes reaching up to 1,000 feet high. Upon seeing Monument Valley, there’s little wonder it’s one of the most photographed places on earth.
The near-mythic image of Monument Valley is thanks to its prominent use in films and TV shows. Director John Ford used Monument Valley as the backdrop to a number of his Westerns, creating an enduring impression of the Valley as the heart of the American West.
But it’s also more than a spectacular movie set. Spread over 90,000 acres, the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is sacred to the Navajo Nation and falls under their stewardship. Journeying here is to encounter both a site of spiritual significance and magnificent natural beauty.
With Incredible Adventures, you can discover the land that encapsulates the American Southwest as part of our multi-day tours. See for yourself how it got its Navajo name, Tsé Biiʼ Nidzisgaii, which translates to “the streaks that go around in the rocks”.
Bring your camera along because you’re certainly going to want to capture the enthralling scenery. From the visitor center, you can view the West and East Mittens Buttes, named for resembling two giant mittens with thumbs. The nearby Merrick Butte completes one of the most recognizable panoramas of Monument Valley. And at John Ford Point, you can admire one of the best vistas in the valley and even grab a photo with a horse — like a real cowboy!
You can take a self-drive on the 17-mile loop through Monument Valley to see some of the most famous sights, although 4-wheel drive is recommended. However, some locations are off the beaten track and are only accessible through a guide — making a Monument Valley tour a must.
Monument Valley was once a basin under the sea, where sediments and sandstone created layer upon layer on the floor. After being pushed up by tectonic forces, these layers of rock rose above the sea and became a plateau. Over the next 50 million years, wind and water eroded this softer rock to create the spectacular formations seen today, including the West and East Mittens Buttes, the Three Sisters, the Hub, the Cube, and the Thumb.
The earliest inhabitants of Monument Valley were the Anasazi, who first settled here around 1200 BCE. Now falling under the Navajo Nation, the Navajo have a profound connection with Monument Valley. Legends abound surrounding the formations of the valley, and the iconic Eagle Mesa is said to be where spirits go.
Monument Valley was truly put on the map thanks to its feature in John Ford’s 1939 film Stagecoach, which also saw John Wayne rise to prominence. Over the years it has continued to be a hotspot for filming, having appeared more recently in Forrest Gump and the TV show Westworld.
Monument Valley experiences a typical desert climate — meaning hot summers and cold winters. While temperatures average around 90℉ in the summer months, this is also when you can expect the highest number of tourists. Despite the sweat and the crowds, summer is a good time to visit for attractions such as the Haskenneini Restaurant which opens during this time.
In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and there may be fewer services available. However, winter also offers the unique opportunity of seeing the valley under the blanket of snow!
To find the middle ground between these two extremes, visit Monument Valley in the fall or the spring. During these periods, temperatures are more moderate and you don’t run the risk of running into major crowds. Spring is a particular highlight as the wildflowers start blooming, creating a kaleidoscopic image.
If you’re eager to experience the Wild West, then our Southwest Highlights Tour may be just the excursion for you. Over six days, we’ll embark on an epic journey through Arizona and Utah from Las Vegas. Explore Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and, of course, Monument Valley.
Our Monument Valley tour includes a one-of-a-kind jeep trip through the park with a Navajo guide. You’ll get to learn more about the geological and cultural history of the valley and gain deeper insight into the connection between the Navajo and Tsé Biiʼ Nidzisgaii. There’s no better way to discover this extraordinary place than through the people who live here!
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