Visiting Monument Valley? This Navajo land is famous for its rock formations: most famously the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte! Learn all you need to know about the beautiful formations, accommodation in Monument Valley, and the best photo spots in Monument Valley to make the most of a trip out to this secluded area.
Visiting Monument Valley
If you are planning a road trip in the Southwest this is a required stop to see the photographable buttes: East and West Mitten and Merrick. Also commonly known as the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. These buttes are the ones pictured in almost every photo of Monument Valley.
How long do you need at Monument Valley?
No more than a day is required here. There really is not much located around Monument Valley. The closest city is about 30-minutes away. So one day will be taken up just driving around the different Buttes in the area, which are all easily accessible by driving.
Monument Valley is still a great pitstop on a south-west campervanning road trip or for camping. Just stay the night and hit the road onto the next destination. During my stay there it appeared most actually just stopped for the photographs and then continued onto another destination.
In one day, you can drive around the bumpy roads in the lower portion of Monument Valley on the famous scenic monument valley road getting close to Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte, catch sunset at the Forrest Gump Photo Spot, and then catch sunrise behind the famous buttes at Monument Valley.
How much does it cost to visit Monument Valley?
This is not a National Park. Therefore, you will not be able to use the national park pass to enter. The cost for entrance to Monument Valley is:
- $20 by vehicle
- Or $10 per person
Monument Valley Scenic Drive
The 17-mile loop known as the Monument Valley Scenic Drive is located inside the Monument Valley Park area – so you will have to pay the entrance fee. This loop road is a gravel dirt road that passes along the icons of Monument Valley: Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
There are some restrictions on the road, in that you cannot bring RVs. Otherwise, all other vehicles are welcome – but beware – due to the road being only gravel and dirt this means an incredibly bumpy ride.
Those in smaller cars were struggling a bit with how washed out the road was – so be careful if you are simply driving through in your personal sedan.
I took my Escape Campervan down through the Monument Valley scenic drive and the drive was rough on the campervan as well. The vibrations were enough to actually open a tomato sauce can I had in the fridge in the back (talk about a mess).
Despite the drive being rough, the views are worth it. There are plenty of pullouts to take photos of the icons in the valley. Just expect the drive to take between an hour to two due to the road conditions.
There are also booths selling souvenirs, horseback rides, or dies in the back of trucks with seats installed in the back. So there are some options for activities along the scenic route – most just stopped for photos and then continued along the road.
Monument Valley Sunset
Where to be for sunset: Mile Marker 13 on HIghway 163 – The Forrest Gump Photo Spot
The sun will be setting on the opposite side of the buttes in Monument Valley. However, that doesn’t mean that photos there will not be beautiful – just won’t have the color sky in the background.
My recommendation for sunset photos at Monument Valley is visiting the famous Forrest Gump photo spot at Monument Valley. The famous photo spot is located near mile marker 13 on Highway 163. It will be about a 20-minute drive from Monument Valley.
This is one of the busiest times at the famous Forrest Gump Photo Spot – however, the colors are well worth the wait!
Monument Valley Sunrise
Where to be for sunrise at Monument Valley: Visitor center viewing area of Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
This is a must for those visiting Monument Valley. To see the gold, pink, and reds against the large red and orange buttes. There is no better desert photo than the one of the sun rising behind Monument Valley.
Sunrise at Monument Valley is the most popular times. I was surprised, as I typically enjoy sunrise photography due to the lack of people that are typically present – however, this was the exact opposite as it was the largest gathering of people I had seen during my stay at Monument Valley.
That shouldn’t be surprising as this is when the most iconic photos of Monument Valley are taken! The sun rises just on the other side of the famous buttes of Monument Valley. For a breathtaking view of the sunrise, all you have to do is park at the visitor parking lot – there is a viewing platform that will be packed with tourist taking photos of the sunrise behind the large rock formations. My favorite was walking along to angle that the sun was peeking just behind one of the Mitten Buttes.
I recommend showing up a bit early – 30 minutes before sunrise – to secure the best spot for sunrise.
If you want a more secluded spot for sunrise photos consider taking a tour of Monument Valley.
Monument Valley Hikes
There really is not much hiking to be done at Monument Valley – or hiking that can be done without a guide. So, if you are looking for Monument Valley trails the only main option is the Wildcat Trail. This 4-mile trail loops near the famous buttes at Monument Valley. The start of the loop is right next to the visitor center parking lot. From there you will complete a 4-mile loop. The trail is simply dust but can also offer the occasional wildflower.
Forrest Gump and Monument Valley
Where is the scenic photo spot from Forrest Gump in Monument Valley? Well, it’s actually a little outside of Monument Valley. Approximately 16 miles away from Monument Valley you will find the iconic photo spot from Forrest Gump.
While driving from Monument Valley to this spot you will be passing pullouts along the Highway 163. This is what you will want to be looking for while you are driving. At around mile marker 13 is the iconic photo spot from Forrest Gump. You will be able to know you are the right spot as there will most likely be numerous cars already pulled over, tourist along the side of the road, and Navajo Souvenir booths. The iconic spot is hard to miss!
Just be prepared for a lot of people there – as everyone is trying to get that iconic photo! Some tips to get that best photo:
- Wait your turn – there will be a lot of people trying to take a photo on the road. Some are courteous and will rotate with you – some are not courteous so be prepared to have random people running in your photo or hogging the road.
- Watch for cars – this is a busy highway and cars will be driving through to Monument Valley. Don’t be an annoying tourist and not get out of the way of those traveling through.
- Visit early in the morning – if you don’t want to bother with the tourist, then visit earlier in the morning. Sunset is one of the busiest times.
Monument Valley Camping
So, are you looking for camping near Monument Valley? Fortunately, there is plenty of camping available at Monument Valley. There are camping spots, or camper van and RV spots.
The tent locations have the best location, located right on the rim on the edge that looks out over the valley with the Buttes. The campervan and RV are located directly behind it.
Facilities at the Campground at Monument Valley
There is a trailer for restrooms and showers at the campground. Which are actually pretty nice for how large the campground is.
Additionally, there is WIFI, however, the WIFI service is best close to the reception or check-in for the campground.
You can book Campground sites, premium cabins, or a stay at The View hotel all at the View website.
Accommodation at Monument Valley
If you are not interested in camping there is also a large hotel located at Monument Valley. The hotel called “The View” is another option for those who want to make Monument Valley a pitstop on a Southwest road trip. There is also the option of staying at the Premium Cabins that have large window views out over the valley.
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