Note that the entire Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time from April through October, putting it one hour ahead of the time in other Arizona locations, or the same time as Utah.
Archaeological evidence indicates that the ancient Anasazi people inhabited the valley until AD 1300. Today over 100 sites and ruins have been found dating from these ancient people, including rock art. The Anasazi abandoned the area in the 1300's, leaving it empty of humans until the arrival of the Navajo.
The valley has wide a assortment of vegetation including, Juniper trees, yucca, Russian thistle (Tumbleweed) and Navajo Tea to name just a few. Much of the vegetation is still used by the Navajos for medicinal purposes, and as dyes for their world famous hand-woven rugs.
Temperatures range from the upper 80's to low 90's in the summer. The winters are mild ranging from the upper 40's to mid 50's. Summer nights are cool and comfortable. Winter lows are generally in the mid to upper 20's. The summers are dry except during the monsoon season — beware of flash flooding during this time. Winters sees some snow, which brings out the spectacular colors of the valley.
Highway 163 is the only way to reach the park.
The Valley lies mostly in northern Arizona, but the highway turn-off that leads into it is just across the border in Utah. The nearest town is Kayenta, about twenty miles to the south.
Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal park ('''not''' a USA National Park) and charges a fee of $5 per person (children 9 and under free) for access to the loop road through the valley. National park passes will not be accepted.
Individuals wishing to hike in the valley or to visit sites not on the loop road must hire a Navajo guide for an additional fee.
While many incredible formations can be seen from the main roads, the best views can be had from the 17-mile loop road that runs through the valley. The road is open 6AM-8:30PM in the summer (May - Sep) and 8AM-4:30PM in the winter (Oct - Apr).
The loop is not paved and can be quite rough and dusty, but most vehicles should be able to manage. You are not permitted to deviate from the loop drive without a native guide present. The loop drive can be done in as little as 30-40 minutes, but most visitors will take several hours to enjoy the scenery. There is no shortage of native guides eager to take you (for a fee, of course!) to the restricted areas.
A number of companies provide guided tours of the Monument Valley that include transportation from the surrounding areas. Some companies will provide bus travel from nearby towns while others begin in Monument Valley Tribal Park. Some will provide just a brief tour with small stops, while others may take you on a hike and arrange all your meals. Most of these are done in windowless buses or trucks — be prepared to get covered in dust. You may wish to take a cue from the Japanese and bring a mask.
The visitor's center has a large gift shop with a wide variety of souvenirs. They also showcase an impressive amount of hand-crafted Native American Arts and Crafts.
Goulding's Lodge has a restaurant, the park's visitor center sells snacks, and there may be stands around the park offering Navajo fry-bread and other items. The View Restaurant is located at the visitor center, and is open for 3 meals, serving American and traditional Navajo cuisine.
Drinking water and other beverages are available at the visitor center and at the campground store. There are no other water supplies in the valley, so be sure to carry enough with you.
Note that alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Navajo lands.
At the moment there's only one option near the valley itself, with one more opening soon. It is not possible to camp within the park. If these are full or out of your price range, there are many hotels in Kayenta, or in Utah try Mexican Hat, Bluff or Blanding.
Regulations within the valley include the following:
Dangers in the valley are minimal, but visitors should not reach under rocks, ledges or bushes due to dangers from rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders.
Unless you plan to keep the native guides busy, this is a one-day stop. However, from Kayenta you are close to Ship Rock, Four Corners and the Grand Canyon North Rim (Jacob Lake).