2025 Monument Valley Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Monument Valley is an incredible place. Countless TV shows, movies and commercials have been shot there. From classics like Back to The Future III, Forest Gump, and The Lone Ranger. The entire area includes over 91,000 acres of land. All of these shots were taken at sunset, with incredible light conditions. If you ever pass through Utah, I highly recommend stopping in Monument Valley. You will not be disappointed! #awesomepic #utah #movielocations #scenicspotguide

#landmarks Monument Valley is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line, near the Four Corners area. This iconic landscape has been featured in numerous films and is known for its stunning red hues and dramatic scenery. Tips: - The best times to visit are during sunrise and sunset for the most breathtaking views. - Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during the summer months. - Consider staying overnight to fully experience the beauty of the area. Enjoy your time!

📅 Itinerary Day1： Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips

#transportation If you’re cruising between Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, or Mesa Verde, there’s one detour you can’t miss: Monument Valley—a sacred landscape of towering sandstone buttes that feels like a dream carved in red rock. 🛣️ A National Park Road Trip Essential 📍 Perfectly Positioned Located on the Arizona–Utah border, Monument Valley sits right between: • Grand Canyon (3 hrs) • Arches & Canyonlands (2.5–3.5 hrs) • Mesa Verde (3.5 hrs) • Page & Antelope Canyon (2.5 hrs) 🚌 Scenic Drive Heaven US-163 is one of the most beautiful highways in the US—Forrest Gump Point, anyone? It’s more than a connection; it’s a highlight. 🚐 RV & Road Trip Friendly Spacious campgrounds, roadside viewpoints, and cozy Navajo-run lodges make it a seamless overnight or scenic rest stop. 📸 Must-Experience Moments 🪨 Valley Drive – A 17-mile dirt road through the heart of the buttes (requires high-clearance vehicle or guided tour). 🌅 Sunrise or Sunset Views – Watch the monuments glow gold and crimson. 🎬 Movie Moment – Snap a photo at Forrest Gump Hill, where the road stretches endlessly through the desert. 🧭 Travel Tips for Park-Hoppers Guided tours by Navajo locals offer cultural insight and access to restricted areas. Book stays early—limited lodging, but views from The View Hotel are unforgettable. Bring extra water and fuel; this is open desert country. Allow time to slow down—Monument Valley isn’t just a stop, it’s a place to reflect between adventures.

Stepping into Monument Valley feels like entering a dreamland beyond reality. Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, this natural wonder is like a masterpiece of art carved by the earth, quietly telling the story of time. As far as the eye can see, the red sandstone glistens under the gentle caress of the sun, each rock seemingly polished by nature's sculptor. They rise from the ground in various shapes, some resembling ancient castles with thick "walls" and towering "towers," while others look like majestic giants silently guarding this mysterious land. These sandstones have been shaped by millions of years of wind and rain erosion, creating a breathtaking sight that leaves one in awe of nature's craftsmanship. Walking along the winding paths, the scenery is ever-changing. The ground beneath is slightly rough, and each step feels solid and weighty. In the distance, the light and shadow in the valley are unpredictable, with sunlight streaming through the gaps in the clouds, casting golden beams that add a touch of mystery to the entire valley. When the breeze blows, it brings not only a coolness but also the faint rustling of the sandstone surface, as if they are softly singing ancient songs. Standing at a high vantage point, the entire Monument Valley unfolds before your eyes, a sight so grand it stirs the soul. The undulating sandstone valleys contrast with the sapphire-blue sky, creating a stunning picture. Here, time seems to stand still, leaving only the beauty before your eyes and the tranquility within. This journey to Monument Valley is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing. It allowed me to appreciate the endless charm of nature and filled me with reverence for this magical land. As I left, I looked back frequently, filled with reluctance, hoping to have the chance to return to this dreamland in the future and continue my wonderful connection with it.

#usatrip Visiting Monument Valley in Utah was a bucket-list experience! 🌄 The landscape is absolutely breathtaking with its iconic red sandstone buttes and mesas that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. The entrance fee to the park was $20 per vehicle, which is a great deal considering the stunning scenery you get to witness. 🚗 I started my day with a guided tour, which was well worth the $85 per person. The local Navajo guides shared fascinating stories and legends about the valley’s unique rock formations and their cultural significance. 🌵🗺️ The views from the tour were incredible, especially when we reached the iconic Mittens and the Totem Pole formations. 📸 After the tour, I spent some time hiking the Wildcat Trail. It’s a 3.2-mile loop that offers fantastic close-up views of the Mittens and a more intimate experience with the landscape. 🥾 For a truly unforgettable experience, catch the sunset at the View Hotel’s restaurant. The colors over the valley as the sun dips below the horizon are simply magical. 🌅 Monument Valley is a must-see for anyone who loves natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. #trip #MonumentValley #UtahAdventure #RedRockBeauty #NavajoLand #ScenicViews

There is an $8 per person entrance fee, but it is well worth it. It is more impressive than any other national park, including the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon.

Monument Valley is often referred to as the epitome of the American wilderness. The endless vistas allow you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Earth. It is a truly amazing place that leaves you in awe and makes you want to stay forever. For this trip, we drove about 12 hours from LA by rental car, but realistically, access from Phoenix might be the best option. It's quite a distance, and it requires both physical stamina and perseverance, but it's definitely a place I recommend visiting at least once!

#wecreate Getting There - From Grand Canyon-it’s 2 hours drive. From Kayenta-30 minutes drive Attractions - Monument Valley Hotels - View Hotel (inside Monument Valley) but it was fully booked so we stayed in Kayenta which is 30 minutes drive there. Food & Restaurants - Monument Valley Trading Post Shopping: Monument Valley Souveniers Shop (Trading Post) Price: 8$ per person ##wecreate ##tripblazers #mytripvlog ##tripblazers #awesomepic ##adventure ##nationalpark ##monumentvalley ##utah ##usa

run forrest run! it was an overheard quote from the movie. One of the famous scene is here in Monument Valley, UTAH. When Forrest finally decided to stop running away from reality by like literally running over the country. He decided to stop and went home. Forrest Gump is my favorite movie ever. Full of messages, how to face your life and realize that life is like a box of chocolate, you'll never know what you're gonna get. #nationalpark#awesomepic

Monument Valley

I remember that the movie character A-Gump once rushed to the Monument Valley on the 163th road in the vast expanse of the road, and was suddenly shocked by the huge gas field. Monument Valley can be seen on the road, but buy a 2 day ticket for more than 20 yuan to enter the valley to rest, camping, roaming, hiking is also a good choice. You can walk around the boulder for about 6 kilometers, or you can drive the dust on the dirt road to see the canyon under the magical interior, and the stars that can be seen when you open the tent. If I don't get through, it seems to me that I can't understand it.

On the way from Peggy to Monument Valley, it is the classic scene of the Forrest Running in the movie "Forrest Gump". On Highway 163, not far from Monument Valley. From Peggy to Monument Valley, the first 13mile is the best for shooting people. Generally speaking, the morning is relatively smooth or sidelight, and in the afternoon it will be backlit. The entire road is thick and heavy, and the Monument Valley behind it is clearly visible. The most flavorful place in the western United States is here.