Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Native American Culture at One of South West America's Classic Icons
Jul 15, 2009
South West America is immortalized in images of Monument Valley, an icon of the classic 'wild west'; after driving for seemingly endless miles through desolate, desert landscape, it is startlingly to suddenly see the red and orange buttes and mesas of Monument Valley jut predominately skywards up to 1000 feet high. Monument Valley has been the location and star of many wild west movies but it is also home to an ancient Native American culture.
How to Get to Monument Valley
Monument Valley is reached by one road of any significance, that of US163, linking Kayenta (AZ) to US 191 in Utah. Monument Valley straddles the Arizona/Utah border; Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the Arizona side but Goulding, which is the location of Goulding's Lodge, the closest hotel to Monument Valley, is located on the Utah side. US 163 provides the classic views of Monument valley before entering the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center
There is an admission fee to enter the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park; the current admission for adults is $5 per person, with admission for children under 7 years of age free. However, it is always advisable to check ahead for current admission charges, seasonal hours of operation, restrictions and closures. There is a 4 mile paved road which leads to the Monument Valley visitor center with rest room facilities, a restaurant, exhibits and tourist gifts.
The Valley Drive Through the Monument Valley Tribal Park
Although there are stunning views from the Monument Valley visitor center of some of the most famous landmarks of Monument valley, many of Monument Valley's spectacular views are hidden within the Tribal Park. From the Monument Valley visitor center it is possible to drive 17 miles of unpaved, dirt road; there are two options for the Valley Drive – take your own vehicle or take a tour.
There is often pressure to take a tour with a local guide but there are advantages to taking a tour through Monument Valley. Tours provide local Navajo guides with an income, as tour money goes directly back into the local community; in addition, tour guides can enter areas of the Monument Valley Tribal Park where private vehicles are not allowed, including ancient cave and cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and arches. Tours can take the form of a vehicle or, in classic wild west style, on horseback.
Famous Landmarks of Monument Valley
Some of the most famous buttes and mesas of Monument valley include:
- The Mittens and Merrick Butte
- Elephant Butte
- Three Sisters
- John Ford's Point – the location of many of film director's John Ford's western movies between 1939 and 1960
- Camel Butte
- The Hub
- Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei
- Sand Spring
- Artist's Point
- North Window
- The Thumb.
Points to Know When Visiting Monument Valley Tribal Park
When visiting the Monument valley Tribal Park, it is important to consider the following points:
- respect the Navajo Reservation land
- ask before taking photos of Navajo people
- leave only footprints behind
- accommodation is limited, so book ahead
- in winter, tours may be restricted
- further information can be obtained by contacting the Monument valley Navajo Tribal Park on (435) 727-3287.
Related Arizona Articles by the Same Author:
The Grand Canyon - North or South Rim?
Visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
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