Monument Valley Drive
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While the panorama from the View Hotel and its parking lot, campgrounds, and cabins is phenomenal, the best way to truly get to appreciate the rock formations of Monument Valley is through the Monument Valley Drive. A 14-mile grade dirt road will take you to see many of the major monuments in the valley, which will take two to four hours to traverse at slow speeds. A vehicle with four-wheel drive and high clearance is recommended, and there are warning signs to this effect at the beginning of the drive. The road is bumpy and rocky in many places, but the experience is worth it!
The first rock formations seen on the drive are the West Mitten, East Mitten, along with Merrick Butte. Past those rocks, you can see the sloping trunk of Elephant Butte!
Three thin spires of rock called the Three Sisters are said to resemble a nun and her pupils. This formation is visible from a few different viewpoints, including at John Ford Point. Here a section of the plateau juts out, giving a dramatic viewpoint for surveying many of the rock formations in the valley, including the West Mitten and Merrick Butte. John Ford was a film director who used Monument Valley as a location for some of his Western movies and often collaborated with John Wayne. These movies made Monument Valley well-known as the typical backdrop of the American West.
John Ford Point was the most crowded stop on our drive. There is a small store with coffee and snacks, as well as Navajo jewelry for sale. There was also a horse and rider available for pictures, but if you do take a picture of them, you are highly encouraged to leave a tip.
Past this point, visitors drive around Rain God Mesa, with Thunderbird Mesa and Spearhead Mesa on the other side of the road. The colors of these towering formations are stunning; the yellows and oranges contrast beautifully against a deep blue sky.
Far in the distance, the Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei are visible in the distance as tall, thin spires.
Another popular spot (though not as crowded as John Ford Point), is the Artist’s Overlook, so named because it’s a fantastic view of the valley, a perfect spot for painting the sights. We loved how the light green of the scrub plants on the valley floor contrasted with the red hues from the rocks.
On the way to Artist’s Overlook we stopped at a formation with a nearby large rock precariously balanced on a narrow stone base. It’s roughly the size of a minivan and unfortunately has been vandalized by inconsiderate visitors.
The Thumb is at the edge of Camel Butte, which is where visitors can park and then walk to the North Window Overlook. The North Window Overlook gave another nice view of the valley and rock formations, but it was definitely a little more hidden and secluded from the main drive and path.
We highly recommend taking the Monument Valley Drive if you are at Monument Valley for any significant period of time. While the road is rocky and bumpy, it provides a close-up view of many of the gorgeous rock formations that you just can’t see from the View parking lot. Just be sure to go early, especially during the busy season, as the slow-moving traffic can pile up.
Google Maps Link: Monument Valley Drive Start
