With around 30,000 acres of space and sandstone stacks over 3,000 feet tall, it’s not surprising that many people wonder how do you get to Monument Valley.
So, you want to travel to Monument Valley but aren’t sure what is the best way to visit Monument Valley? Whether you want to take a plane, the train or drive, this guide is here to help you plan the best way to see Monument Valley – for you.
Covered below are topics including the location of the park, flights to Monument Valley, the popular scenic drive in Monument Valley, how to drive to Monument Valley from various US cities and more. From how to drive from Las Vegas to Monument Valley to the distance from Page AZ to Monument Valley, it’s all covered right here.
Read on so you can decide how to see Monument Valley.
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Where’s Monument Valley in Utah | Arizona?
So you’ve decided to visit Monument Valley. How to get there is the first step in planning your trip, and knowing the location is key. The Monument Valley directions you’ll need to follow could potentially take you into Arizona or Utah, though the Monument Valley Visitor Center is in Arizona.
The park straddles the border of these two states, and lies within Navajo Reservation territory. This is the reason why Monument Valley isn’t actually a national park. Instead, the area is officially the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
If you’re thinking about directions to Monument Valley in Arizona, here’s a few pointers. Monument Valley can be found on US Highway 163. The park is 22 miles from Kayenta in Arizona, 25 miles from Mexican Hat in Utah and 51 miles from Bluff, also in Utah. Monument Valley is also 121 miles from Page, AZ.
The Lay of the Land
When you arrive, soon after turning off US-163, you’ll pass through the entrance to the Tribal Park and pay the entrance fee. Soon after, you’ll get to the main visitor area. Here, there’s a large parking lot, The View Hotel, Cabins and Campground. There’s a Visitor Center, shop and restaurant.
This is also the start of the 17-mile scenic drive. This is a dirt road through the main valley and is the only part of Monument Valley that you can visit on your own.
The other main accommodation provider in the area, Gouldings, is outside the Tribal Park, across the other side of US-163.
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How To Get To Monument Valley
Taking a tour to Monument Valley
Taking an organized tour can be a great way to experience Monument Valley. You’ll still need to get to the area, but when you’re there, there are several options for getting around the valley. Tours are a great way to:
(a) not have to do the Loop Drive yourself if you don’t want to deal with steep dirt roads or if you have an RV
(b) Visit other (backcountry) parts of the valley with a Navajo guide and learn more about Navajo culture
(c) See other nearby areas in addition to Monument Valley
Here are some of the best Monument Valley tours you can book.
1.5-hour tour of the Valley Loop Drive
This shorter tour of the Valley Drive through Monument Valley includes the spot where many John Wayne westerns were filmed – John Ford’s Point. You can also see the West and East Mittens and other iconic formations, including Yei Bi Cheii and the Totem Pole.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS 1.5 HOUR TOUR OF VALLEY LOOP DRIVE
2.5 hour guided tour of Monument Valley
A local guide will take you through 28 miles of this national park during this tour. Lasting for two-and-a-half hours, you’ll see the red rocks and sandstone formations the park is famous for. These include the Chief’s Head, the Sleeping Dragon, the Eye of the Sun and the Ear of the Wind.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS 2.5 HOUR TOUR OF MONUMENT VALLEY
Sunrise or sunset tour of Monument Valley
Witness the awesome sight of Lower Monument Valley at sunrise or sunset with this tour. Each tour is tailor made by your local guide to show off their favorite sights. Included is transport in an all-terrain vehicle, must-see sites and the sharing of local legends from your guide.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS SUNRISE OR SUNSET HOUR TOUR OF MONUMENT VALLEY
3-hour cultural tour of Monument Valley
Immerse yourself in local culture while visiting the Monument Valley area by booking this tour. As well as seeing the key rock formations and red landscapes, you’ll enter a traditional hogan to witness a cultural demonstration. Backcountry sites and Anasazi petroglyphs also feature as part of this tour, as well as various filming locations within the valley.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS CULTURAL TOUR OF MONUMENT VALLEY
Backcountry Monument Valley tour with Navajo guide
If you like to get off the beaten path, try this backcountry tour. It’s led by a Navajo guide, and you’ll travel by safari vehicle. What makes this one stand out is the fact that you can enter restricted parts of the park on this tour, as part of a small group for a more personal experience.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS BACKCOUNTRY TOUR OF MONUMENT VALLEY
Full day tour of Monument Valley and Mystery Valley
Combine Monument Valley and Mystery Valley plus Navajo Nation culture on this seven-hour tour. As part of a small group, your local guide will show you the way while regaling you with tales about the traditions, history and culture of the Navajo people.
An open-air vehicle is used to transport you between sites, which include the petroglyphs, the Anasazi ruins, the Three Sisters, the Sleeping Dragon, the Sun’s Eye, John Ford Point, the Big Hogan, Moccasin Arch, the Totem Pole, North Window, and the West and East Mitten Buttes.
A trip to Mystery Valley is also included. Here you can see a Navajo Hogan, and also witness a ceremonial musical performance and a traditional rug weaving demonstration.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS 7 HOUR TOUR OF MONUMENT AND MYSTERY VALLEYS
3-hour tour of Lower Monument Valley
If you want to see the Elephant Butte, John Ford’s Point, the Mitten Buttes, Three Sisters Spires and Yeibichai, think about booking this tour. A Navajo guide will lead the way while sharing stories. You can also upgrade this tour to include a traditional hogan and a Navajo musical performance if you like.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS 3 HOUR TOUR OF LOWER MONUMENT VALLEY
Dreamcatcher evening tour of Monument Valley
An open air vehicle will take you on a tour lasting for two-and-a-half hours at the start of this tour. You’ll then move onto a spot close to Rain God Mesa where you can savor a traditional Navajo feast for dinner. This tour includes access to restricted parts of the valley, plus traditional Navajo music, dancing and stories around the campfire.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS 4 HOUR EVENING TOUR OF MONUMENT VALLEY
How to fly to Monument Valley, AZ
When planning your visit to the park, it’s good to remember that the closest airport to Monument Valley might not be the most convenient for your trip. Factors to consider include the availability of flights from your departure point, whether you want to fly with a specific airline, and how much of a distance to Monument Valley you’re willing to cover.
Here’s a brief rundown of the nearest airports to Monument Valley.
Located around five miles from downtown Flagstaff in Arizona, Pulliam Airport is about 180 miles from Monument Valley, and also close to Route 66. The trip to the park by car takes around three hours from here, and there are six car rental companies on site. You can fly direct from Phoenix and Dallas Fort Worth to Flagstaff, via American Airlines.
The airport in Page, Arizona is around 130 miles from the park. You can fly here direct from Phoenix, and then take a car journey of approximately two hours and 20 minutes to get to Monument Valley. Contour Airlines operates the flights, and there’s an Avis car rental desk at the airport. Page is ideal for anyone who wants to do the Grand Circle, which includes Arches and Zion National Parks, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and Bryce Canyon.
You can fly to Cortez direct from Phoenix and Denver. It takes around two-and-a-half hours to reach the park from this airport, and the distance is about 110 miles. You can rent a car from Budget, Enterprise or Hertz in downtown Cortez, which is three miles from the airport.
If you’re coming to Monument Valley from Salt Lake City or Denver, then Canyonlands Field Airport could be a good choice as there are direct flights operated by SkyWest. The airport is just over 20 miles from Moab, and 170 miles from the park. By car, the trip from here takes around three hours and 10 minutes, and there’s a couple of car rental options on site. This airport is also close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
If you’re thinking about driving in Monument Valley, then Gallup airport might appeal, as it’s located on historic Route 66. Advanced Airlines operates daily flights to and from Phoenix, and you can rent a car here from the offsite Enterprise outlet. It’s about 190 miles, or a three hour and 15 minute drive, between the airport and Monument Valley.
Durango–La Plata County Airport
Durango–La Plata County Airport is in the state of Colorado, around 12 miles from downtown Durango. Though it’s about 185 miles or three-and-a-half hours from Colorado, you can fly here direct from Dallas, Denver or Phoenix via United or American Airlines. There are four car rental companies on site, and this is a good option for those who also want to see Mesa Verde National Park.
Albuquerque International Sunport
Albuquerque International Sunport is around 330 miles, or five-and-a-quarter hours by car, from Monument Valley. The plus, though, is that you can fly here from far more US destinations. 29 cities are served via nine airlines, including major destinations such as Chicago, LA, Las Vegas, New York JFK, Washington DC and more. Sunport Car Rental Center also offers a broad range of options.
For more information about flying to Monument Valley, read my guide to the best airports for Monument Valley Park.
Check prices on flights to Monument Valley here.
Taking the Train to Monument Valley
If you prefer taking the train to flying, then there is an Amtrak station in Flagstaff. The Arizona city is around three hours by car from Monument Valley, though, so you’ll need a rental car or some other form of private transport to get there.
Flagstaff’s historic Amtrak station dates from the mid 1920s, and the building also houses the city’s Visitor Center. The station is located on East Route 66, and serves the Southwest Chief route. This route takes in Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque and Los Angeles as well as Flagstaff, and also stops at 27 other US destinations.
Taking a Bus to Monument Valley
If you’d like to reach Monument Valley by bus, your best bet is to take a look at the services offered by Bundu Bus. This company now offers another way to reach the park, and routes operate from Salt Lake City via Moab and Las Vegas via Lake Powell.
To make life easier, when the Bundu Bus calls at Monument Valley, there is sufficient time allowed so you can take a tour. If you want to get from Salt Lake City, Moab, Lake Powell or Las Vegas to Monument Valley by bus, then it’s worth checking out these Bundu Bus services.
This is also your best option if you want to visit Monument Valley without driving.
If you want to take a bus all the way from your home, you can take a Greyhound bus to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and connect with the Bundi Bus there.
Driving to Monument Valley, Arizona
Unless you take the Bundi bus, you’ll need to drive at least part of the way to Monument Valley. Whether that’s from your home on a road trip, from the airport, or from the train station.
Below are some basic driving directions for how to get to Monument Valley from Las Vegas, in addition to other US cities including Los Angeles, Page, Cortez, Phoenix, Flagstaff and more.
Las Vegas to Monument Valley
The drive from Las Vegas to Monument Valley takes around six-and-a-half hours, so it’s quite a long way. When traveling from Las Vegas to Monument Valley by car, you’ll cover a distance of about 400 miles via I-15 N. If you’re planning a road trip with stops along the way, then this could be a more viable option.
Los Angeles to Monument Valley
Driving to Monument Valley from Los Angeles is definitely one for those who are keen on the idea of a road trip. The journey typically takes around 10 hours, via I-40 E, and the distance covered is close to 650 miles.
Page to Monument Valley
The distance from Page to Monument Valley is about 125 miles. You should expect a trip time of about two-and-a-half hours from Monument Valley to Page AZ, or vice versa.
Phoenix to Monument Valley
The Phoenix to Monument Valley drive takes around five hours and 15 minutes, and you can travel via I-17 N and US-160 E. A distance of around 320 miles is covered when taking this route.
Cortez to Monument Valley
When driving from Cortez CO to Monument Valley, the journey takes about two hours and 25 minutes. You can travel via UT-162 W and US-163 S.
Moab to Monument Valley
The distance from Moab to Monument Valley is about 150 miles. This trip will take you via US-191 S and US-163 S, and a journey time of about two hours and 50 minutes is average.
Bryce to Monument Valley
The distance between Monument Valley and Bryce in Utah is about 275 miles. The driving time between the two destinations is around four hours and 45 minutes, via US-89 S.
Flagstaff to Monument Valley
Driving from Flagstaff AZ to Monument Valley will take around three hours, via N 89 and US-160 E. The distance is just under 180 miles.
Horseshoe Bend to Monument Valley
You can travel via AZ-98 E to reach Monument Valley from Horseshoe Bend. The trip time is about two-and-a-quarter hours, and covers a distance of around 130 miles.
Albuquerque to Monument Valley
If live in the area or will be flying into Albuquerque International Sunport, then your driving time should be around five hours and 15 minutes. The distance is a little over 320 miles, and you can drive via I-40 W.
Denver to Monument Valley
The distance from Denver to Monument Valley is about 500 miles, so it’s a long way. The journey time should be around eight-and-a-half hours. To reach the park from Denver, you can travel via I-70 W and US-191 S.
Durango to Monument Valley
If you want to reach Monument Valley from Durango, then you can travel via US-160 W. You’ll cover a distance of about 170 miles, and the trip typically takes around three-and-a-quarter hours.
Sedona to Monument Valley
The distance from Sedona to Monument Valley is approximately 205 miles. US-160 E is the route to take, and you can expect a traveling time of about three hours and 45 minutes.
Check out my guide to saving money on rental cars before you book.
FAQs About Getting to Monument Valley
Where is the Monument Valley Visitor Center?
The address of the Monument Valley Visitor Center is US 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536.It’s part of The View hotel and restaurant complex.
It’s open from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, throughout the year. The center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The scenic drive is open from 6am to 8pm during summer, with the last entry at 6pm. Do note that permits are required for camping, backcountry hiking, filming and other special uses.
Where do you fly into to get to Monument Valley?
Before you commence your Monument Valley drive through, you’ll need to think about where to fly into. The closest airports offering scheduled flights are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Page Municipal Airport, Cortez Municipal Airport, Canyonlands Field Airport, Gallup Municipal Airport, Durango–La Plata County Airport and Albuquerque International Sunport.
Four Corners Regional Airport, Monument Valley Airport and Kayenta Airport are also close, but only offer private flights.
What city is closest to Monument Valley?
The closest communities to Monument Valley are Kayenta and Mexican Hat, both of which are in Utah. Kayenta is a planned community, and is known as the gateway to the Grand Circle. It’s around 22 miles from the park, while Mexican Hat is about 25 miles away.
If you want to find more accommodation, shopping and dining options, another 20 minutes or so by car will take you to Bluff in Utah. This artistic community offers historic attractions too.
Can you go to Monument Valley without a tour?
You can indeed take your own tour of Monument Valley. The Valley Drive through the area is 17 miles long, and forms a loop. You can see the unique rock formations of the valley by following this route, so it’s ideal for those who want to take a short road trip. Alternatively, you can choose to join an organized Monument Valley tour instead.
To see any of the back country beyond the 17-mile loop drive, you’ll need to take a tour with a Navajo guide.
Can I drive my car through Monument Valley?
The looping Valley Drive is a popular way to see Monument Valley. This 17-mile route takes you past much of the red sandstone landscape, so you can view the unique rock formations for yourself. You can also see Monument Valley on horseback, or by hiking.
Is it worth driving through Monument Valley?
Yes, absolutely! Take the Monument Valley road – aka the 17-mile, looping Valley Drive – and you can see the West and East Mitten Buttes. Informally known as just ‘the mittens’, these red sandstone stacks are one of the most iconic sights in the whole of the US. While driving through Monument Valley you can also see other striking red sandstone formations that characterize the park.
Travel Insurance for Monument Valley
You should definitely have travel insurance when visiting Monument Valley. Good travel insurance will cover you for trip cancellation, theft or damage of your property when traveling, medical help if you have an accident in or while getting to Monument Valley, or medical repatriation if you need to get medi-vaced out.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Monument Valley!
You might also like to read:
- Monument Valley Guide
- Complete Guide To Hiking The Wildcat Trail Monument Valley
- Closest Airport To Monument Valley, Utah and Arizona
- Best Books about Monument Valley
Did you decide how to visit Monument Valley? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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How To Get To Monument Valley
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and all of the main national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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