Located on the border of Utah and Arizona, this stark landscape is what most of us imagine the West to look like—grand mesas, buttes, canyons and needlelike formations rising into the sky. Not surprisingly, these picturesque vistas have played a part in many classic westerns: Monument Valley was the backdrop for many of director John Ford's films and continues to be a popular movie set. The park, located on their reservation, is operated by the Navajo. There's a campground in the park and hotels just outside of it. Accommodations also can be found in the nearby towns of Mexican Hat and Kayenta, Arizona.
Many of the valley's most dramatic views can be seen on a 17-mi/27-km self-guided scenic drive. Be prepared for a bumpy, dusty trip, though a regular car should make it through OK. If you'd rather not chance it, plenty of guided truck tours leave from the visitors center. Though your ride on the truck will still be bumpy and dusty, some of these tours will take you to sights that are off-limits to other vehicles, including Navajo hogans and cliff dwellings.
Guided hikes and horseback tours of the main valley also can be arranged at the visitors center. Another option is a horseback excursion through Mystery Valley, a serene area that's somewhat removed from Monument Valley proper. The tour we took began near El Capitan, a massive volcanic monolith, and visited Anasazi cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, hogans and rock arches. Mystery Valley tours can be arranged through several trading posts located west of the park.
Monument Valley is a center for activities on the Navajo Reservation. Call ahead to see if your visit will coincide with some of the annual activities, as they're worth seeing. 285 mi/460 km southeast of Salt Lake City.
