People all over the world have seen Monument Valley in photographs, videos and movies. It was one of the most prevalent locations for shooting westerns in the 1970’s, due to the fact that it’s landscape being so dramatically diverse represents the American southwest better than almost any other. Miles of completely flat terrain suddenly being interrupted by sandstone buttes towering hundreds of feet into the sky make for a backdrop unlike any other, and as a result the place has become iconic over the years. It was even featured in a science fiction movie called “Close Encounters Of The Third Kind,” being the destination preferred by alien life to make contact with humans. This choice was probably due to the fact that the place itself it otherworldly looking yet it is located right here in the United States on the Arizona Utah border.
Monument Valley is believed to be a national park by many visitors, when in reality it is not controlled or funded by the federal government. It is a protected space within Navajo land, and as a result is actually maintained by Navajo Nation. For visitors, this fact should have no real bearing on their decision to visit the park, as it is simply not “controlled” by our federal government. There are no additional restrictions or requirements that are necessary to visit the area, just the promise to not disturb the landscape or to destroy any of the historical aspects.
Tours of Monument Valley are best done as part of larger tours that visit several national parks and protected spaces. This is due to the fact that Monument Valley is a 6.5 hour drive from Las Vegas, which is generally considered the best starting point for tours of these types of areas in the American southwest. Las Vegas is considered a good starting point due to it’s proximity to the desired areas and being drivable within a day, as well as the fact that Las Vegas itself is a tourist destination. As such, visitors have more choices of flights, restaurants and hotels than if they were to choose other potential starter cities like Salt Lake City. Most people planning such tours will actually start in Las Vegas and visit Zion National Park first due to it’s close proximity of only 2.5 hours drive, then move from there to Monument Valley or Bryce, depending on what you want to see and do. Bindlestiff Tours combines it’s visits of Monument Valley into larger tour packages involving Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon depending on the amount of time that the patron has at their disposal. Tours will last anywhere from overnight to a full week, depending on how many spaces the visitor wants to see.
Monument Valley is best combined with other parks and spaces that offer more hiking and camping options, as the area is relatively remote and does not offer the range of activities that other areas have. Our suggestion is to book our three day tour which includes Monument Valley, Zion and Bryce Canyon.