Kayenta, Arizona, serves as the southern gateway to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, one of the most photographed landscapes in the American Southwest.
Rising from the desert floor, Monument Valley’s sandstone buttes have shaped the region’s visual identity for generations, appearing in countless films, travel magazines, and artwork.
Located along U.S. Highway 163, Kayenta offers both convenience and proximity.
Before reaching Monument Valley’s skyline, it is the last major town, making it a practical base for exploring the area’s desert landmarks and cultural sites.
Visitors come for the scenery but often find a deeper connection to the Navajo Nation, whose land and traditions define this part of the Southwest.
Exploring Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
A visit to Monument Valley begins at the Monument Valley Visitor Center, about 25 miles north of Kayenta. From the overlook, sweeping views of Merrick Butte and the twin formations known as The Mittens stretch toward the horizon.
The 17-mile Valley Drive winds through the heart of Monument Valley, offering close-up views of its most recognizable landmarks and easy access to several major viewpoints.
Top stops along the 17-mile Valley Drive include:
- John Ford’s Point, made famous by classic Westerns
- Artist’s Point, ideal for panoramic photos
- Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei, slender spires rising from red sand
- The Three Sisters, a formation resembling nuns in prayer
The road is unpaved but usually manageable for passenger cars in dry weather. For a more in-depth visit, many travelers book Navajo-guided tours, which offer:
- Access to restricted areas and backcountry trails
- Insight into Diné traditions, stories, and sacred sites
- Visits to lesser-known arches, hogans, and filming locations
Quick comparison:
| Experience Type | Highlights | Access Level | Best For |
| Self-guided Valley Drive | 17-mile scenic loop, main viewpoints | Open to all vehicles (weather permitting) | First-time visitors, photographers |
| Guided Navajo Tour | Cultural stories, sacred sites, restricted areas | With a certified Navajo guide only | Travelers seeking cultural context |
| Sunrise/Sunset Visit | Soft light, fewer crowds | Any time of year | Photographers and early risers |
Iconic Photo Stops and Scenic Drives
The approach to Monument Valley from Kayenta is a highlight in itself. Driving north on U.S. Highway 163, the open desert unfolds into one of the most photographed stretches of highway in America, Forrest Gump Point.
This is where the movie character ends his cross-country run, and travelers often stop for that classic photo. Watch for oncoming traffic if you take one!
Beyond this stretch, continue north to Mexican Hat, named for its sombrero-shaped rock formation, and then onward to Valley of the Gods, a quieter 17-mile loop with formations similar to Monument Valley but far fewer crowds.
Highlights of nearby scenic drives:
- Forrest Gump Point, movie history, and expansive views
- Mexican Hat, an easy roadside stop with a short detour trail
- Valley of the Gods, dirt loop drive with secluded vistas
These routes reveal the immense scale of the Southwest desert, where every turn presents new shapes sculpted by wind and time.
History and Rock Art Near Monument Valley
For travelers interested in archaeology and ancient culture, the region offers a wealth of rock art and early settlements.
The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel near Bluff, Utah, about two hours north of Kayenta, showcases carvings made by Indigenous artists over centuries. Figures of humans, animals, and geometric shapes stretch across a sandstone wall more than 100 yards long.
Closer to Kayenta, Navajo National Monument preserves some of the region’s best examples of Ancestral Puebloan architecture. Short, easy trails lead to Betatakin and Keet Seel overlooks, massive cliff dwellings tucked into alcoves.
Why visit these sites:
- See rock art spanning thousands of years.
- Learn how desert cultures adapted to arid environments.
- Experience places that are still significant to descendant communities today.
Local cultural centers and small museums in Navajo Nation towns highlight continuing traditions in weaving, silversmithing, and oral storytelling, helping visitors understand the continuity between ancient and modern life.
Where to Stay and Eat in Kayenta
Though small, Kayenta offers enough lodging and dining options for travelers exploring Monument Valley.
Lodging options include:
- Chain hotels offer convenient lodging options for travelers passing through Kayenta.
- Local motels and guest lodges are convenient for budget travelers.
- RV parks and small campgrounds are popular with road trippers.
Dining choices in Kayenta range from casual cafés and family-owned diners to restaurants that feature Navajo tacos, fry bread, and traditional stews. Visitors will also find familiar American fare and breakfast spots popular with locals and travelers.
Staying overnight in Kayenta allows easy access to Monument Valley at sunrise and sunset, when the colors shift dramatically across the desert. Advance reservations are strongly recommended in spring and fall when visitor numbers peak.
Suggested Itinerary: 2 Days Around Monument Valley
Day 1: The Valley and Its Views
- Drive from Kayenta to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, about 25 miles.
- Stop at the visitor center overlook for morning photos.
- Drive the Valley Loop and pause at The Mittens, John Ford’s Point, and Artist’s Point.
- Lunch at The View Restaurant.
- Spend the afternoon exploring additional pullouts or joining a short Navajo-guided tour.
- Watch the sunset from the Visitor Center overlook or John Ford’s Point for sweeping evening views.
Day 2: Ancient Art and Open Roads
- Begin the day with a stop at Forrest Gump Point for early-morning photography.
- Continue north to Bluff, Utah, and explore the Sand Island Petroglyphs.
- Drive the Valley of the Gods loop for quiet desert scenery.
- Optional: Head west from Kayenta to Navajo National Monument to view ancient cliff dwellings.
This two-day plan combines iconic scenery with lesser-known cultural stops. It can easily connect with a longer Four Corners road trip.
Travel Tips for Visiting Monument Valley
Monument Valley lies entirely within the Navajo Nation and operates under its own visitors’ rules and hours. Before visiting, check the official Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park website for entry fees, hours, and road conditions.
Note that National Park passes are not accepted here since the park is operated by the Navajo Nation, not the U.S. Park Service.
Visitor Essentials
- Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks, as services are limited inside the park.
- Respect restricted areas marked by signs, since many are sacred to the Diné.
- Allow extra time for unpaved roads and possible weather closures.
- Expect limited cell service in and around the park.
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (April–June): mild weather, wildflowers, and clear skies
- Fall (September–October): warm days, cool nights, smaller crowds
- Summer (July–August): hot temperatures, afternoon monsoon storms
- Winter (November–February): quiet season, cooler air, soft light for photography
For photography, early morning and late afternoon provide the best balance of light and shadow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monument Valley and Kayenta
Can you drive through Monument Valley on your own?
Yes, visitors may drive the 17-mile Valley Loop in their own vehicles, weather permitting. To access restricted or cultural areas, a guided Navajo tour is required. High-clearance vehicles are not required for this road.
What is the best time to visit Monument Valley?
Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and fewer visitors. Early morning and sunset hours provide ideal lighting for photos.
Is Monument Valley in Arizona or Utah?
Monument Valley spans both states, but the main entrance and visitor center are on the Arizona side near Kayenta.
What are the entrance fees for Monument Valley?
Entry fees are charged per vehicle. Specialized areas and backcountry sites require certified Navajo guides.
Can I stay inside Monument Valley?
The View Hotel, next to the visitor center, offers rooms overlooking the valley. Kayenta provides additional lodging just 30 minutes away.
Experience the Spirit of Monument Valley
From the sandstone giants of Monument Valley to the ancient carvings at Sand Island, the Kayenta area reveals the layered history of the Southwest.
Each mesa and canyon carries traces of the people who lived here long before modern roads, and those stories still shape the land today.
Traveling through Kayenta and Monument Valley is more than a scenic drive. It is an opportunity to experience the living culture and natural beauty of the Navajo Nation.
Visitors who take the time to learn from Diné guides, linger at sunrise, and explore beyond the main viewpoints often leave with a lasting respect for the connection between land and community that continues here.
