Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of Monument Valley

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is the heart of the Navajo Nation, known for its stunning landscapes that have been featured in numerous films. Spanning across Utah and Arizona, the park is famous for its red sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires that rise majestically from the desert floor. Visitors are immersed in the cultural and natural beauty of this sacred Navajo land. The area holds historical and spiritual significance to the Navajo people. Guided tours led by Navajo guides allow visitors to explore restricted parts of the valley, gaining insights into Navajo culture, history, and the awe-inspiring geography.

Forrest Gump Point, a famous scenic spot along U.S. Highway 163, gained worldwide fame from the iconic scene in the movie "Forrest Gump" where Tom Hanks’ character stops running after crossing the country. The view here offers a stunning, straight-on perspective of Monument Valley’s buttes and mesas in the distance, framed by the open desert road stretching toward them. This panoramic location is perfect for photography and attracts many visitors looking to recreate the memorable scene or simply marvel at the endless, dramatic landscape. It's a must-visit stop for movie fans and nature lovers alike.

Wildcat Trail is a 3.9-mile loop hike that offers visitors a close-up experience of the iconic West Mitten Butte. This trail, which is the only self-guided hiking path in Monument Valley, allows hikers to walk through the heart of the desert landscape, surrounded by towering sandstone formations.

West and East Mitten Buttes are two of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Monument Valley. These towering sandstone formations, which rise nearly 1,000 feet above the desert floor, resemble two massive hands reaching toward the sky. The buttes are named for their distinct mitten-like shapes. Visitors can view the Mittens from several vantage points within the park, and they are often featured in sunrise and sunset photography for their stunning silhouettes against the desert sky. These natural monuments hold deep cultural significance to the Navajo people and are symbolic of the landscape’s timeless beauty.

John Ford’s Point is named after the legendary film director John Ford, who filmed many Western classics in Monument Valley, including several starring John Wayne. The point offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley’s red rock formations and expansive desert floor. A popular spot for tourists, it is often featured in photographs that capture the grandeur of the valley. Visitors may also see Navajo horse riders offering photo opportunities. The view from this point is one of the most dramatic and cinematic in the park, evoking the spirit of the Old West.

Artist’s Point offers one of the most picturesque views in Monument Valley, providing a sweeping panorama of the valley’s iconic buttes, mesas, and spires. The vast expanse of the desert landscape, combined with the unique play of light and shadow across the rock formations, has inspired countless artists and photographers. It is especially stunning during sunrise or sunset when the red rocks glow with an ethereal beauty. Visitors often come here to capture the essence of Monument Valley on camera or simply to appreciate the natural artistry of the Navajo landscape.

The North Window Overlook is a serene spot in Monument Valley that offers a framed view of some of the valley’s most prominent buttes and mesas. The name “window” refers to the way the formations are perfectly framed by nearby cliffs, creating a natural window-like view of the landscape. This spot is perfect for photography and allows visitors to take in the vastness of the desert floor, with its rich red hues and striking rock formations. The North Window is a peaceful place to reflect on the beauty of the land and is less crowded than other viewpoints.

Camel Butte is a unique rock formation in Monument Valley, named for its resemblance to a resting camel. Standing near the East Mitten Butte, this formation is easily recognizable and offers a striking example of the valley’s distinctive geological features. Visitors can enjoy close-up views of the butte, often while on a guided jeep tour or horseback ride.