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Utah's Best Destinations

Destination Monument Valley

Monument Valley Map
Photo Tour

Over the years, Monument Valley has been the setting for more Western movies than any other site in the United States. Unique sandstone formations, the Navajo Indian Nation and the Four Corners Monument define this vast, open desert region.

View Monument Valley area video tours

Come experience the Old West of John Wayne, and tour the country once known only to outlaws, struggling pioneers and Native American people.

Some of the land in this region is part of the Navajo Nation; here you have a great opportunity to learn about Native American culture, historic and modern. Some of Utah's great hikes are found here, leading to scenic vistas and ruins left by ancient cultures.


Top 10 Things To Do in Destination Monument Valley

1 Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - Experience the wonder of discovery among the buttes, mesas, canyons, and free standing rock formations.
2 Rainbow Bridge at Lake Powell - Visit the worlds largest natural stone bridge, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
3 Rock Art & Anasazi Ruins: Edge of the Cedars - Explore the remains of this Ancestral Pueblo Indian Village with its unique architectural structures. Other nearby sites.
4 Natural Bridges National Monument - Walk under three of the world's largest natural stone bridges and see Anasazi Indian ruins.
5 Goosenecks State Park and Muley Point - Look 1,000 feet below and see one of the largest entrenched river meanders.
6 Grand Gulch - Hike to see an extraordinary display of ancient Anasazi ruins and scenic overlooks of the San Juan River.
7 River running on the San Juan River - Escape to meandering water and lively currents with the ever enchanting thrill of "Sand Waves."
8 Ancient village at Hovenweep National Monument - Discover five well preserved ruin villages, noted for its solitude, undeveloped, and natural character.
9 Four Corners Monument - Stand in four different states at one time at one of the country's most unique landmarks.
10 Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway - Drive through "moonscape-like" landforms and magnificent red gorges and experience the "Trail of the Ancients."

Other things to do in Destination Monument Valley

Historic Community of Bluff
Founded by pioneers in 1880, the community retains a turn of the century charm with sandstone Victorian era homes. 800-574-4386, 435-587-3235

Mule Canyon Ruin
Ancient Puebloan residence block and kiva reconstructed by Hopi builders. Interpretive signing. Handicapped accessible with pit toilets. 800-574-4386, 435-587-3235

There are many other ancient ruins and rock art sites here. Hiking trails lead to the most impressive sites.

Gouldings Lodge
Established in 1923 as a trading post, nestled at the foot of towerering red rock cliffs, and adjacent to Monument Valley. Goulding's Lodge includes stage coach dining, earth spirit show, guided tours, Native American arts and crafts, a museum and trading post, a gift shop, and a clean modern campgound. Visitors to this area will discover the mystery and wonder of this Navajoland as well as the scenic natural wonders of Canyon de Chelly, Natural Bridges, Arches, Canyonlands and Navajo National Monument.

Learn about other nearby Anasazi sites.


Related Articles

Read articles on travels and experiences in the Monument Valley Destination.


Events

Blue Mountain to Canyonlands Triathalon (March)
A very popular early season test of endurcance. 435-587-2029

Utah Navajo Fair & Rodeo (September)
Rodeo, carnival and Native American dancing (pow wow). 800-574-4386

Four Corners Indian Art Festival (May)
Juried show of well-known artists throughout the Four Corners states. May 3-4, 2008 at Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum in Blanding

Tessa's Hope Bike For Autism (April)
April 18-19, 2008, 2008. Includes Fat and Skinny tire routes as well as big highway motorcycles.

View all Events


Lodging

Monument Valley - Destination City
Mexican Hat - 21 miles from Monument Valley
Bluff - 41 miles from Monument Valley
Blanding- 70 miles from Monument Valley
Monticello- 95 miles from Monument Valley


Guides & Outfitters

Far Out Expeditions (Rock Art Ruins, & Indian Cultures)
Experience the natural wonder of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park with a day long, air-conditioned 4wd van trip. We'll travel off the tourist loop where only guides can take you--to awesome scenes of nature's handiwork and rock art remains of the valley's ancient inhabitants.

Monument Valley Balloon Company (Aerial Tours)
Exclusive charter flights, as well as non-exclusive flights are available from May 1st through October 31st. Packages include lodging and transportation, as well as a post flight breakfast!

Wild Rivers Expeditions (River Running)
Since 1957, Wild Rivers has offered archaeological, geological and natural history expeditions on Utah's San Juan River. Heartland of the prehistoric Anasazi civilization, the San Juan offers outstanding opportunities to explore ancient ruins and rock art left by this culture while enjoying the excitement of a river journey.

View a list of all the guides in Monument Valley


Restaurant Suggestions

Homestead Steakhouse* - Features BBQ Ribs and Honey Pecan Chicken. Open every day - in Blanding. 435-678-3456

Old Tymer Restaurant* - Local historic decor. Open every day - in Blanding. 435-678-2122

Cottonwood Steakhouse - Dine on steaks and western BBQ outside in an old west setting. Open every day 6:00 pm to closing - on south U.S. 191 in Bluff. 435-672-2282

Twin Rocks Café* - Large Portions of food including Navajo & vegetarian specialties and homemade soup, served at the base of the Navajo Twins sandstone formation. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner - on the Historic Loop in Bluff. 435-672-2341

Old Bridge Bar & Grill* - Serving Ethnic Navajo Specialties located on Route 163 at the historic suspension bridge across the San Juan River. Open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - in Bluff. 435-683-2220

Stagecoach Restaurant at Goulding's Lodge* - Famous for their Navajo Tacos. Each table has a fabulous view Monument Valley. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner - at Goulding's in Monument Valley. 800-874-0902, 435- 727-3231

Major national restaurant and fast food chains available throughout the area.
*Can accommodate coach tours.

Utah's Dining Guide


Moab, Utah Weather Information
F° averages Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High/Low 42/18 51/24 61/30 71/38 80/46 91/53 96/62 93/60 86/50 72/38 56/26 44/19

Check current weather conditions.


Adjacent Destinations

Destination Moab: From Blanding, proceed north on U.S. 191 to Moab, Utah. Distance: 76 miles - 1 ¼ hour drive time.

Destination Capitol Reef National Park: From Blanding, proceed south on U.S. 191 to state Route 95. (Bicentennial Highway) Continue north on state Route 95 to state Route 24 and west on state Route 24 to Torrey, Utah. Distance: 176 miles - 3 hours drive time. Alternate routing using state Route 276: 220 miles - 4 hours drive time. Allow for toll ferry loading and crossing time approximately 1 hour.

Destination Lake Powell Resort (Wahweap Marina, Page AZ): Via Monument Valley. From Blanding, proceed south on U.S. 191 to Bluff and the junction of U.S. 163. Continue south on U.S. 163 through Monument Valley to the junction of U.S. 160. Proceed west on U.S. 160 to Arizona 98 and north to Page, Arizona. From Page, proceed north on U.S. 89 to the Wahweap Marina at Lake Powell. Distance: To Monument Valley 75 miles - 1 ½ hour drive time. Distance from Monument Valley to Lake Powell, Wahweap Marina 134 miles - 2 ½ hours drive time. Total drive time from Blanding to Lake Powell, Wahweap Marina - 4 hours.


For immediate information about Monument Valley, please call 800-574-4386 or visit Utah's Canyon Country Travel Council.

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