b"LOCATED ON THE UTAH ARIZONA BORDER Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau. It is not officially a National Park since it sits within the Navajo Nation Reservation. Most of the area that is visited by tourists is called the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. There is an entry fee for the park. Always check ahead for current conditions and fees.U ntil the 1930s, Monument Valley wasThe View Premium Cabins souvenirs, and gifts. Be sure to make seldom visited. It wasnt until Johnreservations well in advance. 435-727-5555, Ford featured it in his well-knownMonumentValleyView.comfilmsStagecoachandRio Grandethat it beganto gain popularity and notoriety. Now Goulding's Lodge offers rooms with a view just Monument Valley has been featured in manyoutside of Monument Valley Tribal Park. They also popular movies includingForest Gump, have a campground. A museum, restaurant, and National Lampoon's Vacation, Mission: gift shop are on site. 866-313-9769, Gouldings.comImpossible II, 2001: A Space Odyssey, EasyRider, The Eiger Sanction, andWestworld.It Fire Tree Bed and Breakfast allows you to stay in a is arguably one of the most photographed m o c . i r c a s a n o m i s Navajo hogan and they also offer tent camping on places on earth and is the quintessential their property. FireTreeInn.compicture of the American West. The valleycovers about 92,000 acres. Fire Tree Bed & BreakfastVisitors are welcome to Monument Valley year-round but most come during spring and autumnHIKE THE WILDCAT TRAILto best enjoy the high-desert environment. TheThis is the only self-guided hike you can do in searing summer heat begins in late May and canMonument Valley. This is a 3.2-mile loop that last through mid-September. circles around Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. TRIBAL PARK LOOP Start at the visitor center parking area. The trail is This 17-mile loop, also referred to as the Valleymoderately difficult and hiking time is usually two Drive is a scenic drive past some of the mostto three hours. This trail is in full sun for its entire popular sites in Monument Valley. It is a dirt andlength, so dont forget sun protection and plenty of water to drink. During the hotter months, you gravel road that starts at the visitor center. Only ashould plan to hike this trail earlymorning or late in limited number of vehicles are allowed on the loopthe day.at one time. You can self-drive this loop but if it rains this road can become impassable, even if youWHERE TO STAYhave 4-wheel drive and at this time they are onlyThe View Hotel is located in the Monumentallowing SUVs or higher vehicles. Its bumpy andValley Tribal Park and offers several typesdusty with a very low-speed limit but it gives youof accommodations. The priciest optionsa chance to enjoy the views. This is the only partare the hotel rooms. The higher the floor,of Monument Valley you can visit without takingthe better the view, the more you pay. The a tour. Scenic drive hours during the peak seasonPremium Cabins overlook the Mittensare 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and during the off-season areand some have better views than others.8 a.m.-2 p.m. Each cabin features a private porch and is decorated in Old West decor. There is a You can also take a tour with a Navajo guide thatcampground and RV parking availableallows you to travel into the backcountry. Placesbetween the cabins and the hotel. All David Toussaint / Getty Imagessuch as Ear of the Wind and other landmarkssites are dry camping with no hookups.can only be accessed via guided tours. PricesShower facilities are available. The Tradingaverage between $80 to $100 per person and lastPost is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.approximately three hours. Sunrise or sunset toursfor a large selection of arts & crafts,cost substantially more.24 April 2022"