Experience the Wild West Vibes in Monument Valley
Monument Valley, well-known from Western movies, is situated on the border of Arizona and Utah, spanning both states. This iconic location is instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen a few Western films, as many have been shot here, along with other popular movies like Forrest Gump, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and M:I-2. It’s no wonderโthe landscapes here are truly picturesque.
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, where you can also get advice on exploring the area. The park entrance fee was $20 per car, including a maximum of 4 people. Tickets can be purchased in advance, but we bought ours on-site. The Monument Valley tour is a scenic drive loop that takes you through the most impressive spots among the rock formations, totaling about 27 km. Allocate plenty of time for your visit, as there is much to see and the scenery is so captivating that you won’t want to rush.
It’s worth noting that the area is Navajo Nation territory, so you must stick to marked trails. If you want to venture further or go hiking, you’ll need a separate permit or book a guided tour. Exploring beyond designated paths independently is not allowed.
Along the tour route, you’ll encounter several scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the red-hued cliffs and the surrounding desert. The atmosphere of classic Western movies is palpable here.
It took us about four hours to complete the 27 km loop, after which we stayed at the Visitor Center to enjoy the sunset, which bathed the landscape in an even deeper shade of red. It was easy to imagine Clint Eastwood riding into the sunset, stirring up a gentle dust cloud ๐๐
Our car definitely needed a wash after this trip, as it was tinted completely red from the sand dust despite driving quite calmly.
