There is plenty of information on the web about planning a trip to Monument Valley, but most of it focuses on what you should do.
This guide is different. I will share with you what you should AVOID doing when planning a trip to Monument Valley. This isn’t meant to scare you; it’s meant to help you be fully prepared to have an amazing trip to this incredible place.
I’ve seen many people make mistakes (and I’ll admit I made a few myself!) that have impacted their trip. So now I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from their (and my) experiences so that you can avoid these common pitfalls.
Let’s take a look at the biggest mistakes to avoid when you plan a trip to Monument Valley.
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“7 Mistakes To Avoid When Planning A Trip To Monument Valley”
#1 Not taking a backcountry tour
Now, you might be thinking, “I’ve got a car and a map; I can handle this on my own.” But in fact, the only part of Monument Valley that you can drive on your own is the loop drive. The valley lies entirely within the Navajo Nation and the rest is off limits.
Unless you take a backcountry tour with a Navajo guide.
Embarking on a backcountry tour is like unlocking a hidden world within Monument Valley. These tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into Navajo culture and history, guided by those who know it best—the Navajo people themselves. Imagine listening to stories passed down through generations, understanding the significance of the towering rock formations, and uncovering the secrets of the land.
But it’s not just about the stories. As I mentioned, most parts of Monument Valley are only accessible with a guide, and it’s a shame to miss these hidden gems. They provide a sense of exclusivity and tranquility, away from the more frequented areas, allowing you to truly connect with the spirit of the place.
To ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s crucial to book your tour in advance. Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, and planning ahead means you’ll secure your spot to discover the heart and soul of Monument Valley with an expert guide.
BOOK A BACKCOUNTRY TOUR OF MONUMENT VALLEY NOW
So, when you’re jotting down your must-dos for the trip, put a backcountry tour at the top of your list. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a pathway to the past, a lesson in living culture, and a chance to witness the untamed beauty of the valley that you simply can’t get anywhere else. Don’t let this be the mistake that you look back on and wish you’d avoided.
#2 Missing the sunrise and sunset
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see the valley’s iconic rock formations as the lighting can be spectacular.
The rising sun cast hues of orange, red, and purple, creating a spectacular backdrop for the silhuoetted rock formations. The View hotel, campground or cabins are great places to see the sunrise (and if you stay there, you can just crawl out of bed to enjoy the show).
Similarly, sunset in Monument Valley is not to be missed. As the sun descends, it illuminates the buttes and spires in a warm, golden glow. Sunset is a great time for tours, as they take you deep in amongst the landscape, allowing you to fully appreciate the changing colors of the landscape.
BOOK A SUNSET TOUR OF MONUMENT VALLEY HERE
By ensuring you’re present for both the sunrise and sunset, you’ll experience the full majesty of Monument Valley and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t make the mistake of missing these spectacular moments, as they are truly the highlights of any visit to this natural wonder.
#3 Not doing the loop drive
The Monument Valley scenic drive is a 17-mile journey that takes you through some of the most iconic landscapes the area has to offer. Skipping this drive would mean missing out on the opportunity to see the towering sandstone formations up close, such as the East and West Mittens, Merrick Butte, and John Ford’s Point.
This self-guided loop allows you to travel at your own pace, with plenty of spots to pull over, take photos, and simply soak in the incredible views.
The drive is the only part of Monument Valley that you see without a Navajo guide. It’s suitable for most vehicles in good weather, though there is a steep section at the start/ end and RVs and trailers are not permitted. If you have one, you’ll need to take a tour.
#4 Skipping the Wildcat Trail
The Wildcat Trail is a 3.9-mile loop that encircles one of the valley’s most famous formations, providing hikers with up-close views and the chance to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape without the confines of a vehicle.
This trail is the only self-guided hike within the park, and it offers an intimate encounter with the iconic West Mitten Butte, which changes shape as you go around it.
The trail is moderately challenging, but the payoff is well worth the effort. As you walk the sandy path, you’ll be treated to unique angles and perspectives that you can’t get from the park’s overlooks or the scenic drive.
The hike takes about two to three hours to complete, and is closed in the middle of the day in the hot summer months, so plan to do it early morning or late afternoon. Register at the Visitor Center before heading out and take plenty of water.
Don’t make the mistake of overlooking this hike, as it’s the perfect way to experience the magic of Monument Valley on foot.
READ MORE: Wildcat Trail Guide
#5 Leaving too little time
To truly embrace all that Monument Valley has to offer, you need to allocate enough time for the full experience. With activities such as the loop drive, backcountry tours, the Wildcat Trail hike, and the essential sunrise and sunset viewings, you’ll need at least a full day—and ideally an overnight stay—to capture the essence of the valley.
The loop drive alone can take several hours, especially if you stop to take in the views and capture photographs. Guided backcountry tours can last around three hours, offering insights and access to areas not available to the general public. The Wildcat Trail hike takes two to three hours. Plus, you’ll want to be present for both the sunrise and sunset, which are monumental experiences in themselves.
In addition, Monument Valley’s weather can be unpredictable. It can be foggy at times, leading to reduced visibility and potentially causing delays in your itinerary. This natural occurrence should be factored into your schedule, as the fog can lift to reveal the stunning landscape in a dramatic fashion once it clears.
By allowing for a full day and overnight stay, you not only ensure that you have ample time to see the major sights without rushing but also provide a buffer for any unforeseen circumstances like fog.
#6 Not channeling your inner John Wayne
This region, with its sweeping, rugged landscapes, has served as the backdrop for many classic Western films, some of which starred the iconic actor John Wayne. Embracing the spirit of the Old West is a fun way to enhance your experience in this historic setting.
A classic photo opportunity awaits at John Ford’s Point, where you can strike a pose reminiscent of the Western movie stars of the past. This spot is named after the director due to its initial appearance in Stagecoach, directed by him and featuring John Wayne.
Additionally, you can take a guided horseback tour through Monument Valley, which not only allows you to see the landscape from a unique vantage point but also helps you connect with the history of the area. Riding through the same scenes where classic Westerns were filmed can give you a sense of stepping back in time and experiencing the valley as the movie legends once did.
BOOK A GUIDED HORSEBACK TOUR THROUGH MONUMENT VALLEY
By not taking the opportunity to channel your inner John Wayne, you might miss out on the full cultural and historical ambiance that Monument Valley offers. So, don your cowboy hat, saddle up, and ride through the valley to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the American West.
#7 Overlooking Travel Insurance
Naturally, securing travel insurance is a wise decision for any trip, but it becomes particularly crucial when your itinerary includes activities such as hiking and desert driving. The unpredictable can always occur.
Beyond injury or health concerns, travel insurance provides protection against incidents like theft or loss of belongings, unforeseen trip interruptions, and even emergency evacuations. For a comprehensive understanding of these benefits, delve into my Guide to Buying Travel Insurance (featured on my alternate blog) prior to purchasing your policy.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Additional Planning Resources for Monument Valley
- Monument Valley Guide
- Complete Guide To Hiking The Wildcat Trail
- Closest Airport To Monument Valley
- Best Books about Monument Valley
- How to Get to Monument Valley
Enjoy your Monument Valley trip!
Do you have any other tips for visiting Monument Valley? I’d love to hear about them. 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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“7 Mistakes To Avoid When Planning A Trip 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 most of the 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 USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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