Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park wilderness guide
Tribal Park · AZ, UT

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park features iconic sandstone buttes rising dramatically from the expansive desert floor, offering unparalleled scenes of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Tribal Park91,6961+ Trails

Designation

Tribal Park

Total Wilderness Area

91,696

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park features iconic sandstone buttes rising dramatically from the expansive desert floor, offering unparalleled scenes of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is situated on the Arizona-Utah border and spans approximately 91,696 acres. It is renowned for its towering red sandstone formations, some of which reach heights of up to 1,000 feet. The park's iconic buttes have been featured in numerous films and photographs, capturing the enduring allure of the American Southwest. This park is uniquely managed by the Navajo Nation, and visitors can explore both its natural wonders and rich cultural heritage through guided tours led by Navajo guides. The park's history is steeped in Native American culture, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The landscape is an arid desert ecosystem, home to unique flora such as yucca, juniper, and mesquite, along with wildlife including coyotes and eagles. Key recreational opportunities include guided jeep tours, horseback riding, and hiking, with incredible sites like the Mittens Buttes, John Ford's Point, and the Valley Drive Scenic Loop inviting exploration. The park's stark yet captivating landscapes offer an indelible experience for all who visit.

Field Guide · Tribal Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Mittens and Merrick Buttes - Iconic sandstone formations.✦ John Ford’s Point - A panoramic overlook famous from Western films.✦ The Valley Drive - A scenic 17-mile dirt road loop accessible only by guided tours or permitted vehicles.✦ Ear of the Wind Arch - A striking natural arch accessible on guided tours.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entry fees apply; access through guided tours is recommended for many areas.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Goulding’s Campground

Located near the park, this campground offers modern amenities and RV hookups.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Oljato-Monument Valley, Arizona
⌖ 9.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oljato-Monument Valley, Arizona

Oljato-Monument Valley offers dramatic red rock hiking, authentic Navajo jeep tours, horseback riding, and camping beneath endless desert skies. This iconic Arizona desert town blends adventure with deep cultural connection.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah
⌖ 11.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah

Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah, offers unforgettable desert adventure with iconic red rock vistas, thrilling Jeep tours, and rich Navajo culture. Perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing in a stunning Southwestern landscape.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Kayenta, Arizona
⌖ 20.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kayenta, Arizona

Kayenta is your gateway to the breathtaking red rock landscapes of Monument Valley. Ideal for hiking, photography, and cultural experiences, this desert town is rich in Navajo tradition and adventure.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Bluff, Utah
⌖ 36.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bluff, Utah

Bluff, Utah offers rugged desert adventures from hiking stunning red rock canyons to rafting the legendary San Juan River. Quiet, remote, and rich with ancient history, it’s a gateway to unforgettable backcountry thrills.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Tonalea, Arizona
⌖ 43.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tonalea, Arizona

Tonalea, Arizona, is a rugged desert town offering hiking, mountain biking, and rich Navajo cultural experiences. Set near iconic landmarks like Moki Dugway, it’s an ideal base for outdoor adventurers seeking solitude and sweeping desert vistas.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Blanding, Utah
⌖ 55.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blanding, Utah

Blanding serves as a quiet gateway to the Colorado Plateau, perfect for those seeking thrilling hikes, archaeological exploration, and rugged beauty. The town's proximity to natural monuments makes it an ideal basecamp for outdoor adventurers.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Two-Hour Horseback Ride along the Utah–Arizona Border from Oljato
ADVEXPEDITION
Oljato, Utah
HorseADV Bookable

Two-Hour Horseback Ride along the Utah–Arizona Border from Oljato

A two-hour guided horseback tour operated by Sacred Monument Tours that travels the borderline of Utah and Arizona and visits four destinations; this guide explains what to expect, the operator's requirements, and what to pack.

HorsePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Compact, History-Focused Jeep Run: 2.5 Hours in Oljato
ADVEXPEDITION
Oljato, Utah
History TourADV Bookable

A Compact, History-Focused Jeep Run: 2.5 Hours in Oljato

The official 2.5 Hour Jeep Tour in Oljato, Utah, operated by Monument Valley Simpson's Trailhandler Tours, LLC — a concise guide to what the outing is and how to prepare.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Navajo Elder’s Private Passage Through Monument Valley
ADVEXPEDITION
Oljato-Monument Valley, Arizona
PrivateADV Bookable

A Navajo Elder’s Private Passage Through Monument Valley

A 3.5-hour, 36-mile private tour led by Navajo guide Don Mose that opens restricted corners of Monument Valley and pairs iconic sandstone monuments with cultural storytelling and demonstrations.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Overnight on Hunts Mesa: Sunrise, Cedar-Fire Meals and 1,600 Feet of Monument Valley
ADVEXPEDITION
Oljato-Monument Valley, Arizona
Photography TourADV Bookable

Overnight on Hunts Mesa: Sunrise, Cedar-Fire Meals and 1,600 Feet of Monument Valley

An exclusive 18‑hour overnight that carries photographers and adventurers up 1,600 feet to Hunts Mesa for sunset and sunrise vantage points, Anasazi ruins, back‑road arches and a Navajo‑cooked camp meal — this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.

Photography TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip