Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Monument Valley
Know before you go
Visitor Center Hub
The primary parking area is located at the tribal visitor center near the Mittens overlook. During peak fall and spring months, arrive before mid-morning to secure a space near the interpretive displays.
Cellular Limitations
Coverage is intermittent and often drops entirely once you descend onto the valley floor. Download offline maps and confirm your tour meeting point while in Kayenta or Mexican Hat.
Gateway Supply Points
Refuel in Kayenta or Mexican Hat before entering the tribal park boundaries. There are no gas stations within the scenic loop area, and desert distances can be deceiving.
Park Gate Hours
Opening and closing times for the Valley Drive change seasonally and may not align with sunrise or sunset. Verify current gate closures locally to avoid being locked inside the loop road.
Road Surface Variability
The Valley Drive is unpaved with significant rocky stretches and loose sand. Conditions change rapidly after rain; high-clearance vehicles are recommended for independent driving.
Check current conditions:Navajo Nation Parks
2RVs, campervans & cars near CEZ
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to CEZ
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at CEZ
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at CEZ
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at CEZ
- ✓ Compare suppliers at CEZ
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at CEZ
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at CEZA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Monument Valley
- 01
Mittens and Tribal Traditions
Suggested: 8 AM from Kayenta
The Mittens Overlook
Begin at the main visitor area to witness the scale of East and West Mitten Buttes from a stable, paved vantage point.
Navajo Guided Backcountry Tour
Join an authorized Navajo guide to reach restricted arches and petroglyphs not accessible on the public driving loop.
Allow 2–3 hours for the loop; conditions vary with sand and washouts.
Note that the Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time, unlike the rest of Arizona.
Pick up your vehicle at CEZ → - 02
Geology and Desert Paths
Suggested: 9 AM from The View Hotel
Wildcat Trail
Walk the only self-guided trail in the park, a 4-mile loop providing a floor-level perspective of the sandstone spires.
Valley Drive Loop
Navigate the 17-mile unpaved road to see John Ford’s Point and the Totem Pole formations.
Low-clearance vehicles should exercise caution; allow 3 hours for the scenic loop.
Check for blowing dust or heat restrictions before starting the Wildcat Trail.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
High Desert Horizons
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Mexican Hat
Forrest Gump Point
View the iconic long-distance highway perspective of the valley from the Utah side of the border.
Goulding's Trading Post Museum
Explore the history of film and commerce in the region through these historic buildings and exhibits.
Allow 1 hour for the cross-border transit; conditions vary with wind.
Respect private homes and livestock when stopping along Highway 163.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Navajo Nation Entry and Guided Tour Coordination
Access to the Valley Drive is managed by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation and requires a separate entry fee from national park passes. While the main overlook is typically accessible during park hours, specialized guided tours into restricted areas like Mystery Valley or for sunrise/sunset photography should be booked well in advance through authorized Navajo operators. Check official tribal park bulletins as road conditions or cultural observances can alter access suddenly.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
CEZMonument Valley
Cortez Municipal Airport · 2 h 53 min drive
Find flights to CEZ
Plan your road trip
From Cortez Municipal Airport
2 h 53 min
about 124 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Monument Valley on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Monument Valley on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Monument Valley
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
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RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Monument Valley
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Monument Valley
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Monument Valley
Explore guided activities around Monument Valley. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Monument Valley
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
