"Magical Monument Valley" Monument Valley State Park by windsorgirl

Monument Valley State Park Travel Guide: 441 reviews and 1,000 photos

Stop #5 on our Southwestern Tour

Well, I LOVED Monument Valley! I had seen photos of it and my expectations were very high, but I was not disappointed. It is truly amazing to see these giant red buttes rising 1000 feet from the Arizona plains. You can see in my opening photo a white bus in the foreground to help give a sense of scale.

I was also impressed with the colours of the landscape. Every shade of red and orange is represented in the rocks and soil, dotted with green and yellow vegetation, all under a brilliant blue sky. They say that the colours at sunset are best, but I can't imagine it any better than this!

Where is it?

Monument Valley lies within the Navajo Indian Reservation straddling the border of Arizona and Utah on US 163. The entrance is actually on the Utah side.

It will cost $5 per person to enter the reservation. You can take a tour in an open vehicle with the Navajo (beware because it looked like a dusty ride) for a fee or you can drive yourself for free along the 17 mile loop through the park. You will receive a map of the Valley Drive when you pay your toll.

Last visit to Monument Valley State Park: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Nov 19, 2004
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Reviews (10)

one of the Goosenecks - Monument Valley State Park

Goosenecks State Park, Utah Off The Beaten Path (1)

Only about 30 miles north of Monument Valley you can visit this State Park with its fascinating meandering river. Here,... more travel advice

view from the Visitor's Center - Monument Valley State Park

Stop at the Visitor's Center Things to Do (8)

One of the best views of the park, I think, was from the Visitor's Center. Here, there is an elevated terrace from which... more travel advice

The view through the North Window - Monument Valley State Park

The North Window Things to Do (8)

One of the last viewpoints on your drive through Monument Valley will be The North Window. Just hang a right at The... more travel advice

Camel Butte - Monument Valley State Park

Name that Butte! Things to Do (8)

As you drive through Monument Valley, you will notice that many of the Buttes have been named and are identified by a... more travel advice

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Comments (7)

annk Mar 15, 2005 at 7:29 AM Report Abuse

I MUST visit this park someday! The colors contrasts and monuments are gorgeous! Excellent page!
kop-queen Mar 6, 2005 at 11:53 AM Report Abuse

The colours in your photo's are absolutely spectacular. If I don't get to reproduce any myself can I borrow yours!!! KQ
LoriPori Nov 30, 2004 at 2:44 PM Report Abuse

Wow! I had heard that Monument Valley was beautiful. The brilliant red colour is awesome. It definitely has to go on our must-do list. Hugs. Lori.
CoAir13 Nov 29, 2004 at 5:16 AM Report Abuse

No missed photo ops with a Native guide...and you can get out and hike, too!! Do that next time!! BEAUTIFUL page!!! BEAUTIFUL!!
Bwana_Brown Nov 28, 2004 at 10:27 AM Report Abuse

You managed some beautiful shots of the buttes despite all the factors working against you! I would love to visit one of these western US National Parks. Thanks for keeping me going in the meantime!
850prc Nov 26, 2004 at 9:13 AM Report Abuse

Outstanding and colorful page. Dare I say "monumental"?
Stephen-KarenConn Nov 22, 2004 at 5:49 AM Report Abuse

Outstanding photography and great tips. I was at Monument Valley only once, and that briefly, many years. I've gotta get back there one day. Stephen