Scenic Drive
Monument Valley is one of the most photographed places in the world. The park has a 17-mile scenic drive that offers a precious view to the monuments in the park. Each monument’s name is connected to the early settlers and Navajo people of the area. The monuments of beautiful sandstone reach into the sky towering from 400 to 1,000 feet.
Hiking
Along with the scenic drive, Monument Valley has a self guided trail for hikers within the park. The Wildcat Trail is 3.2 miles and circles around the West Mitten Butte. The trail can take 1.5 to 2 hours around the 5,400-foot butte. The trail gives hikers a chance see the butte from several different angles and also gives them a chance to see the lower brush and wildlife of the area.
Camping
Monument Valley has a couple spots for camp goers. There are two primitive campground locations in the park that give visitors the opportunity to extend their stay. If you want to do more than just a quick drive-by, you can extend your stay on one of the campgrounds. This gives photographers the chance for late-night shoots of the starry heavens.
Guided Tours
Most tours and hikes are guided. From the Monument Valley Safari to the the Navajo Spirit vehicle tour to the Black’s Hiking Tour, the park has more than 20+ different options for guided tours. These tours offer guests not just a chance to see the beautiful sights but also gives guests a chance to learn about the history of the region.
Photography
As one of the most photographed places in the world, Monument Valley is the most iconic image for the American West. Director John Ford has used and photographed the stunning mesa, vistas, and buttes of the park making it one of the most popular seen images of the West since his films of the ’30s. Along with the red sandstone, the striking red Arizona sunsets create a perfect option for photography professionals or hobbyists. The remote location also offers a phenomenal opportunity for capturing the beauty of the skies.
