Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - The Western Gem:
Lying peacefully and practically undisturbed by modern civilization, Monument Valley will take you back to the olden Western times the moment you catch a glimpse of its amazing 1000-feet rock formations. Going there is like transporting not just to another place, but to another time as well. So if you want a relaxing vacation that will surely make you forget about the daily bustle, it is definitely the place to travel to.
How and When to Go to Monument Valley:
Monument Valley is yet another of the many attractions that lures visitors from around the world to Arizona. It lies at the Utah and Arizona Border. To get there, you should take Highway 163 and go east. To fully appreciate the beauty of the desert-like valley, it is best to go early in the morning or at twilight. The valley is closed during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The busiest season to travel is during summer, and you can even book special summer packages if you plan your trip early. The weather is usually good and the crowds are smaller when visiting in the spring, fall and winter.
Things To Do:
Sightseeing is the number one activity to do in Monument Valley, and photographers will also have the time of their lives. But if you want to make the most out of the amazing view of rock formations, go horseback riding or take your four-wheel-drive on a scenic ride through a dirt road 17 miles long that will take you around the valley. You can also admire the view from above. The Monument Valley Balloon Company promises an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride, which is undoubtedly the best way to make the experience memorable. There are also other attractions near the valley, such as the breathtaking Lake Powell and the Rainbow Bridge, a natural rock bridge listed as a natural wonder. Boating, fishing, and water skiing are allowed in the lake. You can also camp right by the lake’s shore. You can also visit the San Juan River, and go all the way to Mexican Hat, a small community right by the river wherein you will also find lodging.
Accommodations at Monument Valley:
Live like the cowboys and stay overnight at the Mitten View Campground. It is right next to the visitor center, and is complete with necessary facilities, but I guarantee that their unique themed facilities will be part of the experience. If camping is not your thing, you can choose from the wide array of hotels in the vicinity. Gouldings Lodge, however, is highly recommended. It is right within Monument Valley and will definitely pull you further into your themed vacation.
Guided Tours:
It is an excellent idea to take guided tours around Monument Valley. In some areas of the valley, only guided tours are allowed. There are plenty of tour providers to choose from, such as Bennett Guided Tours, Roland’s Navajoland Tours, and Roy Black’s Jeep, Horse, and Hiking Tours. Tours are not expensive, but operators charge on a per-person basis.
General Information:
If you need to know more, you may find the following information helpful.
Opening hours: March to April from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; May to September from 6:00-8:00 PM
Visitor center phone numbers: (435) 727-5874 or (435) 727-5870
Entrance fees: $5 per person; Monument Valley allows free admission for children aged 9 and below. Mitten View Campground entrance fee range from $10-$20.
Reservations: Prioritize reservations for the Mitten View Campground, as they abide by first-come-first-serve rules.
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