Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Things to do at Monument Valley
Overview | Climate/Map | Description | Camping-Lodging | Nearby
Picnicking
Picnicking is available at the Visitor Center, and a number of picnic tables in Mitten Campground.
Watch
a video about Monument Valley.
Auto Touring
The view from the visitor center is quite spectacular, but most of the park can only be seen from a 17-mile dirt road which starts there and goes southeast among the cliffs and mesas. The road is very rough and difficult for non-4WD vehicles. This may help business for the many Navajo guides and 4WD jeep rentals, which wait near the visitor center. The following features can be seen on this tour:
- The Mittens and Merrick Butte
- Elephant Butte
- Three Sisters
- John Ford's Point
- Camel Butte
- The Hub
- Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei
- Sand Springs
- Artist's Point
- North Window
- The Thumb
DesertUSA articles
Another view of the Valley
Filmmaking and Myth
Off the beaten trail A Monument Valley Adventure
Biking
There is no biking inside the monument.
Hiking/Backpacking
Hiking and backpacking require permits.
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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
The movie Stagecoach, in 1939 introduced two stars to the American public, John Wayne, and Monument Valley. Visiting Monument Valley gives you a spiritual and uplifting experience that few places on earth can duplicate. Take a look at this spectacular scenery in this DesertUSA video.
Glen Canyon Dam - Lake Powell Held behind the Bureau of Reclamation's Glen Canyon Dam, waters of the Colorado River and tributaries are backed up almost 186 miles, forming Lake Powell. The dam was completed in 1963. Take a look at this tremendous feat of engineering - the Glen Canyon Dam.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly NM offers the opportunity to learn about Southwestern Indian history from the earliest Anasazi to the Navajo Indians who live and farm here today. Its primary attractions are ruins of Indian villages built between 350 and 1300 AD at the base of sheer red cliffs and in canyon wall caves.
Laughlin - Lake Mohave - Colorado River
In the summer, Katherine's Landing at the southern end of Lake Mohave is a hub of activity. It has fuel, a general store, a restaurant and a snack bar. The Colorado River south of the dam offers many recreational opportunities. Take a look at this river destination!
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