Iconic Western landscapes inspire visitors to set off on scenic Arizona road trips.
Located in Northern Arizona, Monument Valley’s collection of crimson mesas and towering sandstone buttes capture colors that appear only in nature. The astonishing scenic beauty of the desert landscape also reflects the reverence Arizona’s tribal communities have for the land. Please be respectful of Navajo Nation regulations when visiting Monument Valley to help preserve this ancient site.
Take a Tour
Monument Valley is maintained by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation. Visitors are welcome to drive the 17-mile dirt loop, Valley Drive, on self-guided tours of this pristine area. Multiple parking areas along the way bring many of the park’s most spectacular rock formations into view. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the natural surroundings on the only public hike in the valley. The Wildcat Trail is an easy 4-mile loop around Mitten Butte, one of the most iconic landmarks of the American West. Or join Jeep tours with local guides for up-close views of ancient cliff dwellings and natural arches in more isolated locations. While up north, add other Navajo Nation natural wonders to the trip, including Antelope Canyon and Canyon de Chelly.
Shop for Traditional Artwork
Meet the silversmiths, potters and weavers who preserve Navajo traditions in their artwork. Inside the park, the Trading Post at The View Hotel offers one of the largest collections of Navajo rugs in the Four Corners area of Arizona. Visitors also find a selection of traditional and contemporary Navajo art such as squash-blossom necklaces, concho belts, hand-woven baskets and sand paintings. Artisans also set up roadside markets along Valley Drive to sell their authentic Native American arts and crafts.
Explore the Colorado Plateau
The high-desert area encompassing the Arizona-Utah border features some of the most scenic drives in the United States. While this area is remote and offers limited services, small towns such as Kayenta and Dennehotso have restaurants and convenience stores to stock up on road trip supplies. Inside the park, The View Hotel offers an overnight option with rooms and cabins that frame magnificent panoramas of the valley. Options for RVs and camping in Monument Valley allow visitors to fully surround themselves with stunning rock outcroppings that come to life with color every sunrise and sunset.
