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A landscape photograph showing three prominent red sandstone buttes (the Mittens and Merrick Butte) in a desert valley with a dirt road and two vehicles in the foreground.
Photo by Gantavya Bhatt via Unsplash

2-day itinerary

Monument Valley Weekend Getaway

Two-day journey through Monument Valley's iconic landscape

Length
2 days
Pace
Easy
Estimated cost
$100 per person
Based in
Monument Valley

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival and Sunset at the Valley

    Arrive at the park, check in, and experience the iconic sunset views over the sandstone buttes.

    • 16:00

      Arrival and Check-in

      Arrive at the visitor center, check in, and pick up any necessary permits or trail maps.

      About 60 min

    • 17:30

      Sunset View at the Buttes

      Drive to the main overlook points to watch the sunset illuminate the red rock formations. This is the prime time for photography.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Goulding's Lodge Dining Hall; Dinner at Goulding's Lodge Dining Hall
    Where to stay:
    Stay at Goulding's Lodge or a nearby cabin for easy access to the park entrance.
    Getting around:
    Car is essential for the final approach to the lodge if arriving from outside the immediate area.

  2. Day 2: Sunrise, Self-Drive Tour, and Cultural Exploration

    Early morning sunrise viewing, followed by a self-drive tour of the tribal park, and a visit to the local trading post.

    • 06:00

      Sunrise at the Valley of the Gods

      Early start to catch the best light on the iconic buttes. A short walk from the parking area offers the best vantage point.

      About 60 min

    • 09:00

      Self-Drive Tour of the Monument

      Drive the 17-mile loop road through the tribal park. Stop at designated viewpoints to see the towering sandstone monoliths up close. Note: The road is unpaved in sections; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended but a standard car can often manage with caution.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch at the Trading Post

      Return to the main hub for lunch. Try local Navajo tacos or traditional dishes at the trading post cafe.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Explore Goulding's Trading Post

      Visit the historic trading post, see the Forrest Gump statue, and explore the museum. This is a great spot for souvenirs and learning about Navajo culture.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Breakfast at Goulding's Lodge Dining Hall; Lunch at Trading Post Cafe
    Where to stay:
    Same accommodation as previous night, or check out and head to next destination.
    Getting around:
    Self-drive is the best way to explore the tribal park loop. Ensure you have the required entrance pass.

Practical information

For a two-day weekend getaway, timing is critical. The best months to visit are spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), when temperatures are mild and crowds are manageable. Summer brings extreme heat, while winter can bring snow and ice, potentially closing the drive-in loop. Arriving in the late afternoon of your first day allows you to catch the sunset, a highlight of the experience, before the park gates close to vehicle traffic in the evening. Getting to Monument Valley requires planning. The nearest major airport is in Page, Arizona, or St. George, Utah, both requiring a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive. From Moab, it is approximately a four-hour drive. Once in the area, a high-clearance vehicle is not strictly necessary for the main loop, but a standard car is sufficient only if you stick to the paved main road. The 17-mile self-drive loop is open to standard vehicles, but the 11-mile side trip to the Memorial Arch requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Accommodation options are limited to the immediate vicinity. The primary option is the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which offers the iconic Viewhouse for lodging and dining. Staying inside the park is highly recommended to maximize time, as entering and exiting the gate can take time, and the area is remote. Alternative lodging includes nearby motels in Page, Arizona, or Bluff, Utah, though these require additional driving time each day. Budgeting should account for entrance fees, which are included in the Navajo Parks and Fees pass, as well as costs for lodging, food, and fuel. The self-drive tour is included with the park entrance fee, but guided tours, such as the sunset or sunrise tours, are extra. It is advisable to bring cash for small purchases, as credit card acceptance may be limited in remote areas. When packing, prioritize sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are essential. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly, so layering is key; bring warm layers for cool mornings and evenings, even in summer. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking on uneven terrain. Additionally, carry extra water, snacks, and a fully charged phone, as cell service is unreliable throughout the park.

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