East Mitten, West Mitten and Merrick Butte
The signature panorama is available before descending onto the dirt road. If conditions are poor, this overlook still makes a worthwhile visit.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Current weather
Monument Valley Visitor Center
Weather loads when you open this guide.
Modelled weather for this location; point elevation is approximate. Conditions on trails, summits and elsewhere in the park can differ considerably.
A look at the park
Select a thumbnail for the full view.
How to visit: the famous 17-mile Valley Drive is unpaved, rough and sandy. Navajo Parks recommends a capable vehicle; an SUV or truck is preferred. Motorcycles and RVs are prohibited on the loop.
From my experience: on my trips we drive Valley Drive ourselves. I recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle, because the road is sandy and rough in places. Road conditions on the day decide whether we go.
From my experience: on my trips we drive Valley Drive ourselves. I recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle, because the road is sandy and rough in places. Road conditions on the day decide whether we go.
This is a Tribal Park, not NPS: hours, fees, Valley Drive access and rules may change with little notice. Expect entry lines during the May–September peak season.
Valley Drive17 mi / 27 km of natural road with rough terrain and deep sandVehiclesmotorcycles and RVs are prohibited; vehicle damage is your responsibilityCulturestay on designated routes and ask permission before photographing people
60–90 minutesVisitor Center overlook and the full Mittens panorama.
3–4 hoursComplete Valley Drive with stops, if road and vehicle conditions allow.
Half day+A Navajo-guided tour into areas closed to self-guided visitors.
Main points on the self-guided Valley Drive
Valley Drive — assess conditions
The opening grade quickly reveals ruts and sand. If your vehicle has low clearance or rain has softened the road, choose a locally guided tour.
Elephant Butte and Three Sisters
Short stops show how each butte changes shape with perspective. Park only in designated pullouts.
John Ford’s Point
A sweeping valley view and one of the American West’s most familiar compositions. Local vendor stands operate nearby.
Camel Butte and Rain God Mesa
The road enters deeper among the formations. Do not follow side tracks; some areas are closed or guide-only.
Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei
View the slender spires from the designated point. Closer access requires an authorized Navajo guide.
Artist’s Point
A broad view back toward the Mittens and Merrick Butte from the opposite side of the valley.
North Window and The Thumb
The last major formations before climbing back to the Visitor Center. Keep a time buffer: last entry is earlier than park closing.
Ear of the Wind and side areas
Navajo Parks identifies Ear of the Wind as an example of a landmark accessible only on a guided tour.
Hiking
Wildcat Trail 1.5 mi per Navajo Parks · time varies
Distance1.5 mi per official page
Timeabout 1–2 hr*
Requirementsign in / sign out
Terraindesert
The official webpage currently lists 1.5 mi, while maps describing the complete loop may show a longer distance. Confirm route, distance and return time when signing in at the Visitor Center.
*Vista Travel estimate; the official page lists the distance but no average hiking time.