St. George to Monument Valley
The iconic sandstone buttes of Monument Valley have defined the American West in film and photography for over a century. This Navajo Tribal Park offers guided tours, cultural experiences, and landscapes that have appeared in countless movies from John Ford westerns to Forrest Gump.
US-89 S to US-160 E to US-163 N
310 miles
Distance
4 hr 45 min
Drive Time
southeast
Direction
Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)
Best Time
5,564 feet elevation
Driving from St. George to Monument Valley
Route: US-89 S to US-160 E to US-163 N
Head south on I-15 to UT-9 through Zion, then US-89 South through Kanab and along the Vermillion Cliffs to Page. Take US-160 East through Kayenta, then US-163 North to Monument Valley. The final stretch on US-163 features the iconic Forrest Gump straight road scene.
About Monument Valley
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Utah-Arizona border within the Navajo Nation and is one of the most photographed landscapes on Earth. The towering sandstone buttes — including the famous West and East Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte, and the Totem Pole — rise 400 to 1,000 feet from the desert floor, creating a landscape that has come to symbolize the American West. From St. George, the 310-mile drive takes about 4 hours 45 minutes and passes through some of the most scenic territory in the Southwest.
The 17-mile Valley Drive is the main attraction, a self-guided dirt road loop that passes all the major formations. Navajo-guided tours go beyond the public road to restricted areas including Upper Monument Valley, Mystery Valley with ancient ruins, Hunt's Mesa for sunrise photography, and the iconic Teardrop Arch. These guided experiences provide cultural context about the Navajo people's connection to this sacred landscape and access viewpoints not available on the self-guided drive.
Monument Valley has served as the backdrop for more than 100 films, television shows, and commercials. John Ford filmed seven movies here including Stagecoach (1939) and The Searchers (1956). More recently, Forrest Gump, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and numerous car commercials have featured the valley's dramatic scenery. The View Hotel offers the only lodging inside the park with rooms facing the iconic butte panorama — one of the most spectacular hotel views in the world.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Kanab — 75 miles / 1 hr 10 min (full services)
- Page — 170 miles / 2 hr 40 min (full services)
- Kayenta — 280 miles / 4 hr 15 min (gas, food — last stop before park)
Weather & Climate
Monument Valley is high desert at 5,564 feet elevation. Summers are very hot (90-105°F) with afternoon monsoon thunderstorms July-September. Winters are cold (25-50°F) with occasional snow. Spring and fall are ideal at 55-85°F. Wind is common year-round. The desert cools dramatically at night.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)
Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures (60-80°F) and the best photography light. Summer is extremely hot (95-110°F) with afternoon thunderstorms that create dramatic skies but make dirt roads muddy. Winter is cold (25-50°F) with occasional snow that creates stunning contrast against red rock.
Things to Do in Monument Valley
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Utah/Arizona.
Top Attractions
Valley Drive (17-Mile Loop)
$8 per person park entrySelf-guided dirt road loop passing West Mitten, East Mitten, Merrick Butte, Three Sisters, John Ford Point, Totem Pole, and more iconic formations. Allow 2-4 hours.
High clearance vehicle recommended but sedans can handle it slowly
John Ford Point
Included with entryThe most famous viewpoint in Monument Valley, named after the legendary film director. Panoramic view of buttes with a Navajo horseman often posing for photos.
Navajo Guided Tours
$75-$200+Access restricted areas including Mystery Valley, Upper Monument Valley, Hunt's Mesa, and Teardrop Arch. Cultural interpretation and photography stops. Various tour lengths from 1.5 hours to full day.
Forrest Gump Point
FreeThe iconic spot on US-163 where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run. Located 13 miles north of the park entrance. Free roadside stop with the buttes framed perfectly behind the straight highway.
Be extremely careful with traffic when taking photos on the road
Wildcat Trail
Included with entryThe only hiking trail in the park open without a guide. 3.2-mile loop around West Mitten Butte with close-up views of the massive formation. Flat with minimal elevation change.
Dining & Lodging
The View Hotel
$$$The only hotel inside Monument Valley Tribal Park with rooms facing the iconic butte panorama. Sunrise from your room is unforgettable. Book months in advance.
The View Restaurant
$$Navajo and American cuisine with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the buttes. Try the Navajo taco and fry bread. Breakfast and dinner service.
Goulding's Lodge
$$-$$$Historic lodge across the highway from the park with museum, trading post, and guided tour desk. John Wayne stayed here during filming. Good alternative to The View Hotel.
Navajo Fry Bread Stands
$Authentic Navajo fry bread and tacos at roadside stands near the visitor center. Fresh, authentic, and affordable. A must-try cultural food experience.
Cultural Experiences
Monument Valley Visitor Center
Included with entryExhibits on Navajo culture and geology. Panoramic terrace with the classic butte view. Gift shop with authentic Navajo jewelry, pottery, and art. Tour booking desk.
Navajo Cultural Demonstrations
VariesTraditional weaving, jewelry making, and storytelling demonstrations. Learn about Navajo history, traditions, and the spiritual significance of the valley.
Horseback Tours
$50-$150Experience Monument Valley on horseback with Navajo guides through the sand and sage among the towering buttes. Various lengths from 1 hour to half day.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Monument Valley Drive
The park is within the Navajo Nation which observes Mountain Daylight Time (unlike the rest of Arizona)
Bring cash — some Navajo vendors and food stands do not accept cards
Fill up gas in Kayenta or Mexican Hat — no gas stations at the park
The Valley Drive is unpaved — go slow, watch for washboards, and avoid after rain
Do not hike off designated trails or climb formations — this is sacred Navajo land
Book The View Hotel 3-6 months in advance, especially for sunrise-facing rooms
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Monument Valley
How far is Monument Valley from St. George?
Monument Valley is approximately 310 miles (4 hours 45 minutes) from St. George, Utah. The most scenic route goes through Zion National Park and along the Vermillion Cliffs via Page, Arizona. It makes for a spectacular full-day or overnight trip.
Do I need a Navajo guide for Monument Valley?
A guide is not required for the 17-mile Valley Drive self-guided loop and the Wildcat Trail. However, guided tours access restricted areas not open to the public including Mystery Valley, Hunt's Mesa, and Teardrop Arch. Guides also provide valuable cultural and historical context. Several tour operators are based at the visitor center.
Can you drive through Monument Valley in a regular car?
Yes, sedans can handle the Valley Drive loop in dry conditions by going slowly and carefully. The road is unpaved with washboards and sandy sections. High-clearance vehicles are more comfortable. Do not attempt the road after rain or in wet conditions. Some guided tours use 4WD vehicles for rougher terrain.
Is Monument Valley in Utah or Arizona?
Monument Valley straddles the Utah-Arizona border within the Navajo Nation. The visitor center and most iconic formations are technically in Arizona, but the park entrance and the famous Forrest Gump road are in Utah. The Navajo Nation governs the area independently of both states.
Where is the Forrest Gump road?
The famous Forrest Gump road scene was filmed on US-163 approximately 13 miles north of the Monument Valley park entrance near the small community of Mexican Hat. The straight road with the buttes in the background is a popular photo stop. Be extremely cautious of traffic when taking photos.
Nearby Destinations from Monument Valley
Lake Powell / Page
Nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, deep red canyons, and crystal-clear water make Lake Powell one of the most stunning reservoirs in the world. The nearby town of Page offers Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Antelope Canyon & Page
The world-famous slot canyons of Antelope Canyon and the iconic Horseshoe Bend are just over four hours from St. George. Combined with Lake Powell, Page, Arizona offers some of the most photographed landscapes on Earth.
Horseshoe Bend
One of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in the American West. The Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree horseshoe-shaped bend 1,000 feet below a sheer cliff overlook near Page, Arizona. A short hike and a lifetime memory.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Monument Valley
St. George to Monument Valley — 310 miles, 4 hr 45 min Drive
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Utah-Arizona border within the Navajo Nation and is one of the most photographed landscapes on Earth. The towering sandstone buttes — including the famous West and East Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte, and the Totem Pole — rise 400 to 1,000 feet from the desert floor, creating a landscape that has come to symbolize the American West. From St. George, the 310-mile drive takes about 4 hours 45 minutes and passes through some of the most scenic territory in the Southwest.
The route from St. George, Utah to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Utah/Arizona covers 310 miles and takes approximately 4 hr 45 min via US-89 S to US-160 E to US-163 N. Head south on I-15 to UT-9 through Zion, then US-89 South through Kanab and along the Vermillion Cliffs to Page. Take US-160 East through Kayenta, then US-163 North to Monument Valley. The final stretch on US-163 features the iconic Forrest Gump straight road scene.
Things to Do in Monument Valley
Top Attractions: Valley Drive (17-Mile Loop), John Ford Point, Navajo Guided Tours. Dining & Lodging: The View Hotel, The View Restaurant, Goulding's Lodge. Cultural Experiences: Monument Valley Visitor Center, Navajo Cultural Demonstrations, Horseback Tours.
Best Time to Visit Monument Valley
Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures (60-80°F) and the best photography light. Summer is extremely hot (95-110°F) with afternoon thunderstorms that create dramatic skies but make dirt roads muddy. Winter is cold (25-50°F) with occasional snow that creates stunning contrast against red rock.
Travel Tips
The park is within the Navajo Nation which observes Mountain Daylight Time (unlike the rest of Arizona). Bring cash — some Navajo vendors and food stands do not accept cards. Fill up gas in Kayenta or Mexican Hat — no gas stations at the park. The Valley Drive is unpaved — go slow, watch for washboards, and avoid after rain.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Lake Powell / Page, Antelope Canyon & Page, Horseshoe Bend.