Besides the stellar views, you’ll find a restaurant and trading post where you can try Navajo dishes and purchase a few souvenirs.Ĭheck Rates and Availability Goulding’s Lodge The only hotel in Monument Valley, this spot offers hotel rooms with valley views, cosy cabins, a tent, and RV campground. Best Hotels in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park What’s on the menu? A whole lot, actually – Amigo Cafe offers generous Mexican and Navajo dishes. While I wouldn’t recommend driving out of your way to visit the Amigo Cafe in the nearby town of Kayenta (it’s about half an hour’s drive from the visitor centre), if you’re passing by this is a great place to stop for lunch. Here you can indulge in tasty frybread (a Navajo flatbread) at one of the most scenic places in the park. This little food stand is a buzzing spot near John Ford Point. Expect large portions of classics like burgers and chips and traditional dishes like Navajo tacos. Situated just outside the park, Goulding’s Lodge is a good alternative if you want to explore beyond the park. ![]() It’s certainly not mind-blowing cuisine but the highlight here is the view (it’s well worth it) and the convenience of not having to leave the park. Must-Try Bars & Restaurants in Monument Valley The View RestaurantĪs the name suggests, you’ll have excellent views of Monument Valley while enjoying dishes like Navajo tacos and frybread at The View. ![]() ![]() Highlights here include the Lady in the Bathtub Butte (this one’s funny) and Castle Butte (this one’s more of a squint and see situation). Entrance to the park is free, and you can camp, picnic, or simply explore the area on foot. The Valley of the Gods is like a miniature version of Monument Valley, and it’s the perfect detour if you’d like to avoid crowds.įor that reason alone, visiting this area is one of the best things to do near Monument Valley, less than an hour’s drive away.Īs you follow the 17-mile Valley of the Gods Scenic Drive, you’ll see plenty of fascinating buttes and mesas. There are plenty of tour options available, including guided backcountry Jeep tours and shorter scenic tours. You’ll also get to learn more about Navajo culture and the spiritual significance of Monument Valley. Monument Valley is a sacred area that falls under the Navajo Nation Parks, meaning you can’t visit many attractions without a Navajo guide.Ī tour with a Navajo guide will get you up close to lesser-known attractions like Ear of the Wind, Big Hogan Arch, Totem Pole, and Moccasin Arch. You can also take an iconic image on a horse overlooking the valley like a cowboy in a Hollywood Western (tips are welcome). There are usually a few vendors selling souvenirs. To reach this viewpoint, follow Valley Drive until you meet a fork in the road near Camel Butte. This significantly contributed to its growing popularity – as well as another famous film I’m going to tell you about later. Many of his films featured the stunning Monument Valley, which was unknown until the 1930s. It got its name from a film director known for films like Stagecoach and The Grapes of Wrath. John Ford is a panoramic viewpoint that offers one of the most iconic frames of Monument Valley and is a popular photo spot. Whether you’re looking for accommodation, souvenirs, or some traditional Navajo cuisine, a visit to this hotel should be on your itinerary. There are also cabins, the Monument Valley campground, and a trading post where you can purchase Native American art items like stunning pots, rugs, and jewellery. ![]() Designed to blend into the natural landscape, the hotel has a pinkish facade overlooking the valley.Įach room has a spacious balcony for excellent views. The View Hotel is the only hotel in Monument Valley. If you’d like to get closer to any attractions, you’ll have to book a tour with a Navajo guide. Note that this is the only part of the park you can access with a private vehicle, and you’re not allowed to deviate from the road. These include the Three Sisters, the Mitten Buttes, Elephant Butte, and North Window - an excellent spot for photos. You’ll get to pass by some of the best things to see in Monument Valley. It’s well worth the dodgy terrain, though. I’d suggest driving a high-clearance vehicle, as the unpaved dirt road can be tricky to navigate. It’s the perfect way to see some of the top Monument Valley attractions if you’re short on time. This 17-mile Monument Valley Scenic Drive starts and ends at the visitor’s centre and takes about two hours to complete. Alright, so this is arguably THE best thing to do in Monument Valley.
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