Nestled in the heart of the southwestern United States, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Utah offers a landscape so breath-taking and alien that it feels as though you have stepped onto another planet. Famous for its towering sandstone formations and vast desert, this iconic destination has long been a symbol of the Wild West in America.
Have you ever dreamt of visiting the Mars? Imagine experiencing its otherworldly landscapes without leaving the Earth, right in the heart of Utah in the United States.
Located in the western United States, in the landlocked state of Utah, lays Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a terrain so ancient, breath-taking and alien that it feels like stepping onto another planet. It is no wonder this iconic site has been the backdrop for countless films, photographs, and adventures.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a distinctive landscape which came into being through the erosion of Rocky Mountains’ sandstone deposits and geological uplift. The terrain was further shaped by relentless forces of wind and water over centuries.
The magnificent sandstone formations of the valley are neither mountains nor canyons. These striking structures are something entirely different, monuments that stand as testament to the power of nature.
Stunning sandstone structures
The valley features multiple stunning formations named for their distinct shapes and the stories they evoke, bearing titles such as the Mittens, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole and North Window, each a tribute to the unique forces that have shaped them over time.
A must-see stop during your visit to the tribal park is John Ford’s Point, a location made famous as the backdrop for many of the iconic films directed by Hollywood legend John Ford. Ford’s cinematic vision helped shape the global image of the American West, and this stunning point offers a magnificent view of the vast desert, the sky, and the highway that cuts through it. From here, you will experience what is considered one of the best views of the valley.
Another notable feature in the park is the Three Sisters formation. As the name suggests, this striking trio of narrow, closely positioned rocks rises from the edge of a large plateau. Nearby, you will find the Hub, a massive, isolated sandstone formation that stands out for its unique shape. Resembling a giant pivot point, the Hub appears as if it is the centre around which the surrounding geological features seem to revolve.
Things to do in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
The natural wonder, spread over a vast terrain of 92,000 acres, combined with the surrounding mesas, buttes, and desert environment, is said to be one of the most photographed places on earth and has become a popular tourist destination. To get to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in San Juan County, Utah, you can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and rent a car to drive the rest of the way.
If you end up taking the US Highway-191 as it merges into Highway-163 through Arizona you will be treated to iconic views of the valley.
While the stunning landscape attracts tourists all-round the year, spring and autumn are said to be the best seasons to visit the valley
The stunning landscapes attract tourists all-year round (Photo: San Juan County)
The visitors centre located at the park offers tourists museums, souvenirs, restaurants, lodge and much more. Travellers can take guided tours of the terrain by vehicles or even by horseback.
The car tours, whether self-driven or guided, span up to 26 km and offer a fantastic way to take in the grandeur of the park. Known as ‘The Valley Drive,’ this scenic route winds through the desert, offering sweeping views of vast, open spaces and towering rock formations, making it an ideal way to experience the park’s natural beauty up close. The park features several marked and unmarked trails offering stunning views of the unique formations.
While the stunning landscape attracts tourists all-round the year, spring and autumn are said to be the best seasons to visit the valley. Twice a year, in March and September, an awe-inspiring event occurs which adds to the surreal beauty of the Monument Valley, known as the ‘Monument Valley Mitten Shadow’. The stunning phenomenon occurs during sunset when the West Mitten Butte casts its flawless shadow onto the East Mitten Butte, creating a stunning spectacle which draws photographers and wanderers from across the globe to bear witness.
