Can You Tour Monument Valley on Your Own? | Action Tour Guide (2024)

Because the land is located inside the Navajo Nation, taking a full Monument Valley tour requires you to hire a local tour guide. However, you can take the scenic drive through the park on your own as long as you don’t wander too far away from the road. There’s still plenty you can see from the 17-mile scenic road that winds through Monument Valley, so it’s well worth a trip even if you don’t hire a guide to gain access to the off-limits areas.

Can You Tour Monument Valley on Your Own? | Action Tour Guide (1)

Monument Valley is known for its unique and striking geological formations. Since these towering buttes and spires can easily be viewed from the road, you can fully enjoy the tribal park without paying to get a closer look, although the guided tours are also a terrific way to spend a day. When you first enter Monument Valley, you’ll see the Mittens, two iconic buttes that stand next to one another. You might recognize them from any number of classic Hollywood movies, including Stagecoach, The Searchers, and Once Upon a Time in the West. More recently, Monument Valley has been prominently featured in Forrest Gump, The Lone Ranger, and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. The Mittens were also famously used as the backdrop for the iconic Marlboro Man advertisem*nts of the 1950s.

If you’re looking to experience Monument Valley without having to pay for a guided tour, we recommend our own Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Self-Guided Driving Tour. The tour will take you all the way through the 17-mile scenic drive, with 35 stops and points of interest along the way. You’ll also learn a little bit more about the history of the Navajo people and the park itself, including its Hollywood legacy.

Can You Tour Monument Valley on Your Own? | Action Tour Guide (2024)

FAQs

Can You Tour Monument Valley on Your Own? | Action Tour Guide? ›

Yes, you can tour Monument Valley on your own.

Can you do a self guided tour of Monument Valley? ›

Explore the “Wild West” of Hollywood and Navajo history as you drive through Monument Valley's dramatic landscape. This self-guided audio tour along a 17-mile Navajo route allows you to enjoy the incredible panoramas while learning about Navajo culture, tribal history, and Hollywood stardom.

Do you need a tour guide for Monument Valley? ›

Hike the Wildcat Trail

This is the only self-guided hike that you can do in Monument Valley. All other hikes must be done with a guide. This hike is a 3.2 mile loop that circles around the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. Click here to learn more.

Can you see Monument Valley without a tour? ›

Because the land is located inside the Navajo Nation, taking a full Monument Valley tour requires you to hire a local tour guide. However, you can take the scenic drive through the park on your own as long as you don't wander too far away from the road.

How much time do you need to see Monument Valley? ›

The drive through Monument Valley covers a 17-mile (27 km) loop road. Most people spend about 3 hours driving through Monument Valley, but some people spend as little as 2 hours or even longer than 4 hours.

What is the most scenic route in Monument Valley? ›

From the Arizona border, Scenic Byway 163 travels northeast through Monument Valley past Mexican Hat and then ends in Bluff, Utah. The redrock desert and spires of scenic Monument Valley have been the setting for countless movies and advertisem*nts.

Can I drive my own car through Monument Valley? ›

Although you can drive the road through Monument Valley yourself, for a deeper experience, hire a guide.

Which tour is best at Monument Valley? ›

  • Monument Valley Backcountry Tour. ...
  • Full Valley Tour 2.5 Hrs. ...
  • Monument Valley Hogan Overnight Experience. ...
  • Monumental tours. ...
  • Monument Valley Tour from Flagstaff. ...
  • 1.5 Hour Jeep Tour in Monument Valley. ...
  • 2.5 HR tour (TSNGT) ...
  • Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour.

What not to miss in Monument Valley? ›

These are the very best things to do in the incredible valley.
  • Experience Monument Valley Tribal Park on Horseback. ...
  • Take a Jeep Tour. ...
  • Navajo Shadehouse Museum. ...
  • Visit West, East, and Merrick Butte. ...
  • Drive Monument Valley Drive with Photo Stops. ...
  • Elephant Butte. ...
  • John Ford's Point. ...
  • Wildcat Trail.
Jan 31, 2024

What is the best month to visit Monument Valley? ›

Fall and spring are the best times to visit Monument Valley. This is when temperatures are most pleasant. If you are looking for warm days and comfortable nights, we recommend September as the best month to visit Monument Valley. Monument Valley is cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

How much does it cost to go through Monument Valley? ›

Monument Valley Fees, Permits & Hours

Fees: $8 per person per day. Children 7 and under are free. Visitor Center hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round. Scenic Drive summer hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last vehicles are permitted onto the drive at 6 p.m. and must depart it by 8 p.m.

What is the best town to stay in for Monument Valley? ›

Kayenta, the best place to stay near Monument Valley

Kayenta is another option for you to book accommodation in Monument Valley. This town is about a 25-minute drive from the park and has all the amenities you'll need.

How can I see Monument Valley for free? ›

If you want to visit Monument Valley for free, enter the park when it is closed and stay at one of its campsites or hotels. This way, you don't have to pay the Monument Valley entry fee whilst being able to see incredible views the next morning.

Is a guided tour of Monument Valley worth it? ›

You could easily spend an afternoon driving the entire loop without needing to hire a tour guide, so the answer really depends on how much of the park you'd like to explore – as well as how much you want to spend. Both ways of seeing Monument Valley are well worth your time.

How long does it take to drive from Monument Valley to Page? ›

Monument Valley is a 2-2.5 hour drive, one way, from Page, Arizona.

Can you do Monument Valley in one day? ›

Monument Valley is an iconic Navajo Tribal Park located on the Utah-Arizona border. It is a stop that many people miss on their Utah road trip adventures, but I highly recommend spending one full day there (you don't need any longer) to experience its beauty.

How long does it take to play Monument Valley? ›

When focusing on the main objectives, Monument Valley is about 1½ Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 2½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.

Is Monument Valley Drive worth it? ›

Exploring Monument Valley on your own can definitely be worth it and might actually be preferable, depending on what kind of traveler you are. If you want to have more control over your tour and explore at your own pace, a self-guided tour of Monument Valley is your best bet.

Are you allowed to drive through Navajo Nation? ›

They may request a small fee. No unauthorized vehicles are allowed in the Navajo Tribal Park areas. Unless accompanied by a permit. Off-road Vehicles are Prohibited within the Navajo Tribal Park areas: Dune buggies, Jeeps, 4-wheel drive vehicles and modified Motorcycles are strictly Prohibited.

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