This place is 95 miles north of Canyon De Chelly where we had spent the previous day and is part of Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation. It is open daily from 8am-5pm, admission is $20 per vehicle for up to 4 people. You will need to spend at least 2 hours to enjoy all the formations and take pictures.
The most popular ways to experience Monument Valley is on the road. The 17-mile Valley Drive is a dirt road with spectacular rock formations at every corner. This scenic route passes by eleven designated stopping points for visitors. To help with your navigation, each stopping point is even marked with a numbered sign and the name of the formation.
The Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte – The East and West Mitten Buttes get their names from the way both formations resemble two gigantic mittens rising from the desert floor. You also get a great view of Merrick Butte, which is just to the south of the two Mitten Buttes. The trio stands in beautiful symmetry that you don’t see very often in nature
Elephant Butte – You have to use a bit of your imagination to bring out the elephant in this formation…
Three Sisters – Like the name suggests, the Three Sisters formations are three narrow fingers close together off the edge of a large plateau.
John Ford’s Point – During the mid-1900s, Hollywood film director John Ford used this location for many of his movie scenes. It was this location that helped establish the image of “the American west” in the minds of the rest of the world. The point serves as a stage overlooking the vast expanse of desert, highway, and sky and is widely considered the best view you can get of Monument Valley. There is a parking lot where you can leave your car while you go take in the view.
A few Navajo Indians have horses in this area. They allow you to sit on the horse and get your photo clicked at the place I am standing for $10.
Camel Butte – Another stone formation right along the side of the road that resembles a Camel.
Totem Pole and Yei be Chei – When you get a look at Totem Pole, you’ll know why it has been given that name. The tall spire shoots up from the ground next to a collection of chunkier formations called Yei be Chei.
Totem Pole and Sand Spring – Sand Spring is an area where the red-orange hue of the sandy desert floor can be seen in all directions. From this stopping point, Totem Pole can be seen from a different angle.
Artist’s Point – Artist’s Point is another overlook in Monument Valley that makes for great photography and breathtaking views. From here, you’ll be able to see a great distance over the open desert and to some of the formations you’ve passed, all in one view.
North Window – North Window is another scenic spot on the Monument Valley drive that looks like a window, or a door, with the view of monuments through a large gap.
The Thumb – This stone monument is a little different from the others. The rounded shape of this formation is what gives it its name. The Thumbs is the last officially-marked structure on the Monument Valley driving tour.
