Visiting Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a symbol of America and the wild west. Who has not watched in childhood the westerns in which this inaccessible land played one of the main roles? It lies within two states, Utah and Arizona.

How to get to Monument Valley

It is one of the furthest away attractions on the standard tour of tourists visiting the west coast of the USA.  Although it is far away from other attractions. It can not be omitted in the planning road trip through USA. There is only one way to enter the valley from west. It is U.S. Scenic Byway 163. The valley is located in a remote area and the hotel base in the area is very modest. The last major town is Kayenta, and it is there that she proposes to look for accommodation. In season, you must reserve it early due to the limited number of places.

Entering the Monument Valley we enter the Navajo Reservation. These indigenous Americans have lived here for hundreds of years and it is still a holy land for them. The entrance to the Park is paid 20 $. America The Beautiful Annual Pass is not valid here. We can visit the valley on horseback with an Indian guide or own car. The area of the park is over 370 square kilometers, however, the tourist route is only 27 km long and it is overcome on average in 2 hours.

View from Visitor Center

The trail leads along unpaved roads and includes sharp uphill climbs. Because of that, there are many signs warning against driving in cars without a 4X4 drive. The problem is apparently done when the rain falls and the road turns into a muddy swamp. Right at the entrance there is a visitor center, where we can trace the Navajo stories as well as buy handmade souvenirs from them.