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A wide landscape photograph of the iconic sandstone buttes and mesas of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, featuring the West Mitten Butte and East Mitten Butte under a blue sky.
Photo by Ganapathy Kumar via Unsplash

5-day itinerary

Lake Powell & Monument Valley Highlights Tour

5-day tour of Lake Powell and Monument Valley

Length
5 days · 6 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
$200 per person
Based in
Lake Powell & Monument Valley

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Blanding and Hovenweep

    Arrive in Blanding, the gateway to the region. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Hovenweep National Monument, an ancient Ancestral Puebloan site, before settling in for the night.

    • 14:00

      Hovenweep National Monument

      Explore the ancient towers and dwellings, including the iconic Square Tower, set against the desert landscape.

      About 2 hours

    • 18:00

      Dinner in Blanding

      Enjoy a local dinner at one of the restaurants in downtown Blanding.

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Blanding; Lunch at Blanding; Dinner at Blanding
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Blanding, UT, for easy access to the monument and next day's activities.
    Getting around:
    Drive from nearby airports (e.g., Moab or Cortez) to Blanding. Local travel is minimal.

  2. Day 2: Goosenecks and Mexican Hat

    Drive to the Goosenecks State Park for stunning views, then continue to Mexican Hat to see the iconic rock formation.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Goosenecks State Park

      Drive from Blanding to Goosenecks State Park. The drive is short but scenic.

      About 60 min

    • 10:00

      Goosenecks State Park

      Hike the short trail to the overlook for a breathtaking view of the San Juan River meandering through the canyon.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Mexican Hat

      Lunch at a local cafe in Mexican Hat, UT.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Mexican Hat Rock

      View the iconic Mexican Hat Rock, a large, distinctive rock formation that is a local landmark.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Blanding; Lunch at Mexican Hat; Dinner at Mexican Hat
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Mexican Hat, UT, for a unique experience close to the rock formation, or return to Blandeen for more amenities.
    Getting around:
    Drive from Blandeen to Mexican Hat (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).

  3. Day 3: Monument Valley Exploration

    Spend the day exploring the iconic Monument Valley, including the historic Goulding's Lodge and the surrounding landscape.

    • 09:00

      Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

      Enter the Navajo Tribal Park and drive the 17-mile loop, stopping at key viewpoints like the West and East Mitten Buttes.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch at Goulding's

      Lunch at the historic Goulding's Lodge, a historic landmark with a rich history in the area.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Goulding's Trading Post Museum

      Explore the historic trading post and museum, learning about the history of the area and the Navajo people.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Mexican Hat; Lunch at Goulding's; Dinner at Monument Valley or nearby
    Where to stay:
    Stay at a hotel near Monument Valley, such as the View Hotel or a nearby lodge.
    Getting around:
    Drive from Mexican Hat to Monument Valley (30 minutes).

  4. Day 4: Lake Powell and Halls Crossing

    Explore the shores of Lake Powell and the historic town of Halls Crossing.

    • 09:00

      Lake Powell at Halls Crossing

      Explore the historic Halls Crossing area and the shores of Lake Powell. Enjoy the views and the history of the area.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Halls Crossing

      Lunch at a local cafe in Halls Crossing, UT.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Lake Powell Shore Walk

      Walk along the shore of Lake Powell, enjoying the views and the peaceful atmosphere.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Monument Valley; Lunch at Halls Crossing; Dinner at Halls Crossing or nearby
    Where to stay:
    Stay in a hotel near Halls Crossing or return to Monument Valley for a change of scenery.
    Getting around:
    Drive from Monument Valley to Halls Crossing (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).

  5. Day 5: Valley of the Gods and Natural Bridges

    Explore the stunning Valley of the Gods and the natural bridges in the area.

    • 08:00

      Valley of the Gods

      Explore the stunning Valley of the Gods, a scenic drive through a landscape of towering rock formations.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Monument Valley

      Lunch at a local cafe in Monument Valley, UT.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Natural Bridges National Monument

      Explore the natural bridges, including the largest natural bridge in the United States, Sipapu.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Monument Valley; Lunch at Monument Valley; Dinner at Monument Valley or nearby
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Monument Valley or a nearby town, depending on your travel plans for the next day.
    Getting around:
    Drive from Monument Valley to the next destination, if applicable, or return to your starting point.

Practical information

The optimal time to visit the Lake Powell and Monument Valley region is during the spring (April to May) or fall (September to October). These seasons offer mild temperatures, typically ranging from 60°F to 80°F, making outdoor activities comfortable. Summer months, particularly July and August, can be extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F, which poses health risks and limits daytime exploration. Winter visits are possible but require preparation for cold weather, especially at higher elevations near Monument Valley, where temperatures can drop below freezing at night. Getting to the region is best done by flying into nearby airports such as Las Vegas, Nevada, or St. George, Utah, and renting a car. A vehicle is essential for navigating the area, as public transportation is limited. The drive from Las Vegas to the Lake Powell/Glen Canyon area takes approximately three to four hours. Once in the region, a standard car is sufficient for reaching major sites like the Lake Powell Marina and the entrance to Monument Valley, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for exploring rougher, unpaved roads leading to specific viewpoints or remote campgrounds. Accommodation options are concentrated in specific hubs. In the Lake Powell area, the Lake Powell Resort offers on-site lodging, including rooms and cabins, providing direct access to the lake and amenities like the Driftwood Lounge. For those seeking a different experience, camping is available at designated sites along the shore. In Monument Valley, located further north, the primary accommodation is the View Hotel, which offers rooms with direct views of the iconic sandstone buttes. Staying in these central locations minimizes driving time and allows for easier access to early morning or sunset views. Budget considerations should account for the premium nature of these remote destinations. Costs include accommodation, which can be expensive during peak seasons, and activity fees. Boat rentals, such as the powerboats or pontoon boats available at Lake Powell, are additional expenses. Entry fees for Monument Valley are also separate; visitors must pay a fee to enter the Navajo Nation park, which is distinct from the lake area. It is advisable to budget for meals, as dining options are limited to specific restaurants like the one at the lake resort or the View Hotel, and may require reservations. When packing, bring lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days, along with warm layers for cool evenings, especially in the desert where temperatures drop significantly at night. Essential items include sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and plenty of water. Since cell service can be unreliable in remote areas, downloading offline maps and carrying a physical map is recommended. Additionally, bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes, and ensure you have any necessary permits or identification for entering tribal lands.

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