Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
4.5
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  • 307leven
    Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania284 contributions
    Very nice, but the road needs work
    Visited the week before Thanksgiving (Tuesday) and did the self driving tour. I only had about 4 hours since I drove up from Flagstaff in the morning. I had a pre-paid ticket ($8.00 plus $1.00 admin fee) so I entered the park and started the tour. The scenery was stunning and I repeatedly pulled over during the 17 mile course and took photos while admiring the great views. I had read other posts about the poor road conditions, so I had rented an SUV and I was glad I did. The road was in terrible condition as I constantly had to slow up for potholes, dips in the road, rocky areas and deep ruts. In fact, an SUV in front of me (Nissan Armada) actually hit the bottom of his vehicle on a deep rut as he pulled out from a scenic pullover. I do not recommend taking the self driving tour with a lower sitting sedan as you will risk causing damage to the underneath of your vehicle. If you do drive a sedan, you may want to consider taking one of the several jeep tours offered by the Navajo. The posted speed limit was 15 mph, but there were many times I had to drive slower than that. The road is also very dusty which resulted in a heavy coat of dust on my vehicle at the end of my visit. I saw at least 2-3 portable toilets at the scenic pullover sections for those needing a bathroom break. I also brought my own water and snacks which saved time from going to the visitor's center. The entire tour lasted just under 3 hours which included taking a lot of stops to admire the scenery and take photos. It wasn't crowded and I didn't have to wait to get it, but I'm sure it does get more crowded during holiday weeks and weekends so plan accordingly. If you go, have fun and enjoy the stunning views as it was a thrill to finally see this famous icon of the southwest.
    Visited November 2022
    Written December 16, 2022
  • jimles7
    Princeton, Kentucky673 contributions
    Big letdown after seeing the Mighty 5 before this park.
    I messed up seeing monument valley after coming from the Mighty 5 of Utah. It needs to be seen 1st to be enjoyed. I'm sorry it just isn't as good as those are. I did appreciate the viewpoint by Forrest Gump.
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 26, 2022
  • Brian B
    Phoenix, Arizona107 contributions
    Absolutely Amazing!!
    This tribal park is definitely a "must do and experience" if in the area; it's not just a drive by. We debated doing the tour with our vehicle vs paying for a tour & the latter is strongly encouraged, in our opinion. The tour offers the explanations, cultures and customs and attaches meaning to the Tribal Park, and not just beautiful scenery, which is all you'd get, if you drove yourself. A tour is well well worth it; we took Dineh Bekeyah Tours, with Navajo native himself, Larry Team!! **An important thing to note is that there is no cash in Navajo Tribal Park, credit card only. Be sure you have plenty of cash for your tip for the tour AND your hotel cash tip. We stayed at The View, which is in the park and expected to break a larger bill in the hotel restaurant, to leave a hotel tip - again, no cash, credit card only. (If you need an ATM, there is one located a few miles out of the park, at Gouldings, where there is a gas station and local store.)
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 2, 2023
  • Vipul K
    Chandler, Arizona21 contributions
    One of the best parks we have visited!
    The entire 17 mile scenic drive was amazing. We can literally stop anywhere, take a walk around and snap pictures. The Fry Bread at the Ford Point was the best we ever had. We are vegetarian and both the beans and the oil they fry in were vegetarian. We stayed at The View hotel and what a location it is situated at. We did astrophotography from our room balcony at night and we woke up to the most amazing Sunrise, again from our room balcony. They had free breakfast and it was really good. We did Goosenecks State Park, Mexican Hat and Forest Gump point as well.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written January 5, 2023
  • Ilene M
    Mount Juliet, Tennessee79 contributions
    Go! It's spectacular!
    We visited the tribal park in September 2022. It was a bucket list item and it was spectacular. The visitor center is very nice and clean. They did require masks when we visited. The scenery grabs you right at the visitor center and never stops! Get reservations on- line prior to your visit for seamless entry. It's not expensive. The road is not paved so be prepared for a very dusty car at the end of this wonderful tour. Don't miss Forrest Gump Hill on your way into the park, which by the way, is in Arizona but the only entrance is in Utah! Movie buffs will recognize many iconic places. Go!
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 14, 2023
  • KABReading
    Reading, United Kingdom282 contributions
    Spectacular monuments
    We were staying in Grand Canyon but had hired a car, so decided to make the trip to Monument Valley and were super glad we made the effort, what an amazing place. The journey from Grand Canyon Village to Monument Valley takes about 3 hours, but it’s a very easy route on just 4 roads with very easy junctions and long stretches of super straight roads with amazing scenery. The trip in itself is worth the effort. But what an amazing place this is. Visiting in winter was bliss, super quiet and we were able to easily get around the trail, although a couple of places were a little squidgy, we easily got round in our hire car. We were also really lucky with the weather, although it was cold the sun was out and there was clear blue skies. And the entry price was very reasonable, just $8 per person.
    Visited January 2023
    Written February 5, 2023
  • Von1287
    Albany, New York772 contributions
    Absolutely great!
    Loved this! We had a mustang convertible so driving the roads was a bit wonky at times and we were afraid of ruining our car. But it ended up being fine. We enjoyed the stops along the way and getting to see the monuments from far and close. There was a cool overlook that we stopped at as well and this was a nice stop
    Visited September 2022
    Written February 10, 2023
  • TheOrganizedTravelCoach
    28 contributions
    Extraordinary destination for natural beauty and rich cultural heritage
    Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is an extraordinary destination that provides an immersive experience of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The park is located on the Navajo Nation and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Navajo people and their connection to the land. The park is home to a variety of iconic sandstone formations, including the famous Mittens, Elephant Butte, and Three Sisters rock formations, each with its own unique shape and history. One of the best ways to experience the park is through a guided tour, and there are a variety of options available to suit every interest and budget. The Extended Backcountry Tour offered by Tribal Tours is a standout choice, providing an exclusive view of the park's most iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Visitors can also take a sunrise or sunset tour, offering a breathtaking view of the park's stunning vistas as the sun rises or sets. These tours are a photographer's dream, offering an opportunity to capture the beauty of the park at its most dramatic. In addition to the park's natural wonders, Monument Valley also offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can learn about the Navajo people, their history, traditions, and way of life through a variety of activities and experiences. The park features a Navajo Cultural Center, which provides an opportunity to learn about Navajo history, art, and culture through exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations.
    Visited December 2022
    Written February 22, 2023
  • Cat
    21 contributions
    Self guided car tour
    We did the 15 mile loop through the valley. It was beautiful and worth the trip! $8 per person in the car and took us about 3 hrs, stopping at a few view points for pictures. Make sure you have a sturdy vehicle as the road is not paved.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written March 31, 2023
  • David G
    Santa Clarita, California548 contributions
    Bucket List item achieved!
    The views are spectacular even from the highway, but we went for the 3.5 hour backcountry tour with Dineh Bekeyah tours. It included the 17 mile tour you can take in your own car, but it adds a large area that you must be in a tour to access. We were able to see many additional sites and visit a hogan and talk to a Navajo woman who was spinning wool and weaving. The Hogans are very interesting homes that they have been building for centuries and many Navajo still live in them. Our tour guide, Elvis, was excellent and gave us a lot of color and history that we would have missed if we drove our own vehicle.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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florenceMinnesota
Minneapolis, MN323 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Monument Valley is one place I have always dreamed of going. Really cannot say why but after a week of doing several national parks in Utah and Arizona one always wonders if burn out will occur. I mean once you hit Utah the landscape is barren and heading into Arizona, desert like.
We did our research and felt pretty good driving our Jeep, maybe I missed the reviews as there were many places along the loop trail where I noticed regular cars bottoming out. All they say at the visitor center is the road is a bit bumpy.

I was blown away by Monument Valley. it is like no other place I have been too.
Tried to get photos of me on Ford's Point and a zoom lens would have been a good choice.

I travel now to experience and not worry so much about the perfect picture.
wish the kids at the Forest Gump road would take that advice. there's more to life than spending hours getting that perfect instagram photo
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gabriela B
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
It was the most amazing experience of my life. If the Grand Canyon is Wonderful, Monument Valley is majestic. We also did the horse back ride, guieded for a navaja named Eric who took us to famous movie places and really near of the atonishing rock formations, what a treat it was. This Park is absolutely a must see, minimally, once in a lifetime.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Louisianatraveler11
Lake Charles, LA983 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
What a beautiful place to drive through. $8 per person to enter. We drove the 17 mile loo-A little bumpy not bad. There are several pull offs for pictures. There were several Native Americans selling beautiful jewelry . Scenic beauty everywhere. A nice gift shop & hotel overlooking the valley! Just stunning.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

deanwebb2016
Brisbane, Australia301 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The first time we visited Monument Valley (staying at The View Hotel), we took a Navajo guided tour of the monuments, which was great. This time, we drove our own car, around the designated trail (TRIBAL PARK LOOP) without having to pay a cent. Obviously, you don’t get the informative commentary of a local, but I think most tourists remember none of what we’re told anyway. The self Drive still takes in all the main highlights, and at the end of the day, it’s the scenery that most of us are there for.
The track is a little rough in spots, but a regular sedan is capable of completing the trip. Just take it slow, avoid the soft sand, and you’ll be fine. A 4WD is not required. We completed the round trip in under 2 hours, so I’d recommend starting the loop by 2pm , to avoid any stress.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Matt B
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Ruined experience as the person at the gate failed to say DO NOT drive your car into the valley (or you will get stuck and damage your car). So simple, so stupid. Maintain the road please!
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dixiepeach
Kansas City, MO8,367 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This place is a crazy beautiful place to visit. The views are lovely at sunrise, sunset and most anytime in between. Some of the roads are pretty rough but a car can make it if it has decent clearance.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pegasus
Boise, ID21 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This 73-year-old photographer came to Monument Valley enjoy her craft. Information in the cabin said the road would be open until 8pm.

Before 5pm, I was HONKED AT AND SCREAMED AT by someone who assumed that I should know that they were closing at 2:30pm. WHO ON EARTH CLOSES A PARK THAT MAKES THEM A FORTUNE AT 2:30PM, especially when their own documentation states otherwise?

They want to FORCE people to sit on tour buses. Not my style. Buh, bye.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Highexpects
London, UK63 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Amazing natural beauty, came back after 15 years, well worth it. Stunning views. Follow the trails by car (SUV only, don't attempt with a saloon car you will regret it as the tracks are rocky and very rough in places). Many opportunities for amazing pictures.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heather B
Norwich, CT552 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
How fun it was to see this famous view that I have seen so often in pop culture. Be careful driving though, because people are all over the road getting pictures. You feel so small, but so alive! Definitely drive through here, but be sure to make a reservation!
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

swissms333
New York 6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful tour w Vera. We traveled on part of the scenic drive but then went out in the outback of monument valley and she pointed out amazing rock formations such as the Suns Eye, camel & elephant Butte and petroglyphs by Anasazi people
We learned about the many films and commercials that were filmed at Monument Valley. In the Navajo land we stopped and learned a bit about their way of life and culture. She was very personable and ended the tour with a beautiful song, that was a chant that her father sang to her and her 11 siblings.
I would highly recommend this tour.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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