Best things to do at Monument Valley
This comes as no surprise, but the best thing to do when visiting Monument Valley is to get out and explore!
Drive the Monument Valley scenic loop
The entrance fee to Monument Valley is $20 per vehicle for up to 4 people and $6 for each additional person.
Once you enter the park, there is a 17-mile scenic loop through the valley.
The entire road is dirt and gravel with a few larger bumps and potholes. We saw several sedans on the road, but I would highly recommend a high clearance 4×4 vehicle.
The beginning of the road is particularly steep and bumpy and would be especially challenging if it is rainy and muddy.
The speed limit is 15 mph so plan for about 2-4 hours to complete the loop, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
The road is also a one-way loop for 13 of the miles, so once you reach that point you must continue the entire loop without turning around.
*Related post: Moab is another popular stop on a Southern Utah road trip. Check out our Weekend in Moab guide for recommendations!
Take a guided tour of Monument Valley
Another option is to take a guided tour. The tours are led by local Navajo guides and it is truly an enriching experience to hear their stories and insights.
Your guide will point out famous landmarks such as the Mittens Buttes, Three Sisters Spires, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole, and the Yeibichai rocks.
It was also fun to see some famous landmarks from different movies such as the monolith that Tom Cruise was rock climbing on in the opening scene of Mission Impossible 2, and the butte that Metallica performed on top of for their “I Disappear” music video.
You’ll also get a chance to visit the famous John Ford’s Point.
This is perhaps the most iconic location in the entire park and has appeared in several of John Ford’s movies as well as other western films.
This point makes for a great photo op and often times you’ll find a man with a horse that you can pose on top of for $5.
There is also a trading post and Linda’s famous fry bread stand at this location.
Another benefit to taking a tour is that the guides have access to parts of the park that are off limits to the general public.
Your tour guide will take you to a traditional hogan where you’ll be able to see demonstrations and learn more about the Navajo culture.
The hogan is built using local juniper wood and can last for 2-3 generations, it truly is remarkable to see the construction.
You’ll also visit several sandstone arches and have the chance to view petroglyphs and pictographs dating back between 900 to 1200 AD.
Keep in mind that these formations and features can only be visited while on a guided tour.
One of the highlights was listening to our guide play the flute in a natural amphitheater while the sound echoed off the surrounding cliffs.
The tour trucks have shaded open-air seating so that you can take in the 360-degree views while driving along. The seats are also relatively comfortable as you bounce along the bumpy road and deep sandy trails.
We took the 2.5-hour guided tour with Dineh Bekeyah and had such a great experience. The sunset tour would also be phenomenal for pictures.
There are several tours and tour providers to choose from. I would recommend checking Viator, Expedia, and Trip Advisor to compare options.
If you have the time and a sense of adventure, consider booking the Hunts Mesa Tour to reach one of the most epic viewpoints in all of Monument Valley!
*Related post: If you’re passing through Flagstaff on your way to Monument Valley, be sure to check out our guide 10 Fun Things to do in Flagstaff with Kids!
