monument valley safari photos

Monument Valley: Best Photo Spots of the Southwest Wonder

The location: Monument Valley Tribal Park

Monument Valley contains some of the most photographed and most iconic rock formations in the world. The area has been featured in more than 100 movies and TV shows . Today, it is a tribal park managed by the Navajo Nation. The entrance and visitor center are in Arizona but the park itself stretches over the Arizona-Utah border. Unlike Antelope Canyon , another famous tribal park, you can enter Monument Valley without a tour guide.

The story: Grand Circle finale

We spent more than a month touring the Grand Circle. This area of southern Utah and northern Arizona includes several national parks, such as Bryce Canyon , Zion , and the Grand Canyon North Rim, and natural wonders like Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. Monument Valley was our last major stop and a perfect finale. Our national parks pass didn’t get us into the tribal park for free, but we’re so glad we paid the $20 to drive through the park.

This was more of a drive-park-look type of park, so we didn’t do any real hiking. There are trails you can take out around the buttes and you can apply for a backcountry pass. Most will have a completely satisfying trip just driving to the different view points.

We drove the one-way valley drive loop twice, stopping at different points each time. We would’ve spent even more time in the park but we misunderstood a sign and thought we had to be off the road by 8 p.m. The provided map was not stellar and didn’t line up with the markers along the road. Even though they weren’t the best for photos on this particular day, we loved the views from Artist’s Point—a good reminder that it’s not always about getting the shot but enjoying the moment.

The best photo spot: visitor center

Whether you consider yourself a photographer or not, you can’t visit Monument Valley without taking pictures of The Mittens. The two buttes are so unique and iconic with their spindly “thumbs.” Without a doubt, the best place to get that classic shot is at the visitor center. The raised elevation of the building’s large patio puts you on a great level with The Mittens and Merrick Butte—and everyone knows it. You’ll find the patio crowded with shutterbugs and tourists around sunset, which was close to 9 p.m. in May. The rock formations are striking any time of day, but the red glow of the summer sunset was magical.

The panoramic spot: John Ford Point

Another favorite photo spot was at the very beginning of the scenic drive. From here, you can shoot The Mittens and Merrick Butte from the ground and find all kinds of great angles that complement the light at that time of day. John Ford Point provides stunning panoramic views of The Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Three Sisters. This spot was also pretty crowded on a summer weekend, but our pictures prove that brown is beautiful.

The gear: Canon

These photos of Monument Valley were taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, with either a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L telephoto lens or Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L wide lens, both with a polarizing filter or neutral density filter.

You can see the complete albums of Monument Valley and other Grand Circle destinations on the Wildsight Flickr page . Check out our photos for sale in the Wildsight Photography Etsy shop .

All images are copyright of Josh Schaulis and may not be reproduced or used in any way without written permission.

Wildsight Photography

Josh Schaulis is a landscape photographer and graphic designer based in Colorado Springs. His travels through the Western United States have led him to granite peaks, woodland streams, desert sands, and mist-filled canyons. Along with his wife, Megan, and daughter, Julia, Josh spends most of his time traveling and exploring.

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Just a stunning and unique place. I can why the natives considered it as a powerful spiritual location. Great shots Josh!

Josh, I really love your photos of these parks. As an artist specializing in oil, I would like use your photos as reference for some of my painting. Would that be ok with you. I am disabled and can no longer get out into these magnificent landscapes to paint or take my own reference photos. Your consideration of my request would be much appreciated.

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The View Hotel

Review Highlights

“ Nice gift shop, too, with the best collection of pottery and sand paintings we saw anywhere on our trip. ” in 8 reviews

“ The operation of the hotel is a little odd in that it's run by the Navajo Indians. ” in 2 reviews

“ Make sure you have a full tank of gas for the drive, especially if you plan to drive the scenic view. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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Indian Rte 42

Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536

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We stayed in a rim view cabin. Amazing experience. The view!! Absolutely unbelievable. The night sky, unbelievable. Unfortunately we weren't able to watch a sunrise because the weather was cloudy. Staff were incredible, from the gift shop to the checking in. We lived this experience. A must if you are going to Monument Valley. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

For the price you'd expect more but this is what you got to pay for a hotel at an iconic location or National Park, high demand, sole location and no competitors. Service was MEH, worse than I got at any US park lodge, just the minimal and cursory service. I got the feeling they didn't care if you were pissed off and never came back, terrible attitude. You come for the views, all but two rooms per floor should have a view, but too many clueless people leave their balcony lights on ruining the sky view. Also they hotel leaves the patio lights on, for safety reason taking away from night time views. If you want iconic start or sunrise or sunset hire a private guided tours, they are worth it even if you have your own SUV. View restaurant has limited menu, get to take out Indian food offered from in room delivery, better but still just consider at fair food level. Breakfast is also budget motel level not what you'd expect paying so much for a room. This is such a special place sad the owners don't have some business or ecology sense or they could really make it iconic and charge 25% more and make it a five star experience, but takes culture and business sense. 3 stars due to terrible service and crazy price and simply 2 star accommodations at premium hotel pricing. I'd come back again because it's far better to say here than 30' outside for a lot cheaper in similar level accommodation.

See all photos from Charles C. for The View Hotel

Great view, clean room, and the basic amenities were good enough. We had a lower level hotel room in the main building. I would give a 4 star rating for the location and view. You pay a lot for the view and convenience for watching the sunrise and sunset and access to the park. If you have the ability, it's worth it for that. The people there were also nice. The hotel itself was good enough. Nothing fancy but clean and comfortable. BUT, 2 negatives... wifi only in lobby which is a big issue in my opinion, and really bad food, and I'm not expecting much. I feel like the wifi thing could be addressed for at least those in the main hotel building, and have a good pay off for the customer experience considering the cost to stay. Breakfast is included... mini muffins that didn't taste like much, mini pancakes that didn't taste like much, and both had a weird chew texture. Boiled eggs, some yogurt cup or fruit cup, and basic toast/bagels with packaged cream cheese and jam options. Over all very low quality stuff, all packaged. Juice and coffee were fine. If they just upped the quality of the food a tiny bit, I think it would pay off exponentially. The deli area where they sell food didn't look any better and their dinner prices were a bit much (even considering their remote location). They have a microwave in the rooms so just save yourself money and just bring something you can microwave up.

In early 2000 I was helping my friend Phel Steinmetz setup his new computer.  He offered me any print of his in return.  I asked for a signed panorama of Monument Valley.  It's been hanging in my room ever since.  One day Maggie decided we should visit Monument Valley and see where the photo was taken. Maggie picked the View Hotel cabin to stay during our visit. We drove onto Navajo land and made our way to cabin 6.  There was a queen size bed and a 2 person bunk bed in a separate area.  Kitchen had a microwave, sink, and full size fridge and freezer.  I appreciated there was enough room for all my ice packs plus at least 4 half gallons of ice cream.  There are no utensils or plates so bring your own if you want them. The cabins are very nicely constructed with wood throughout.  Windows were low-E 3 with vinyl frames and very good at keeping the cold out.  It was 43F outside at 8pm but nice inside with the heater off. Awesome view of Monument Valley from the living room and the front porch. Each day started in darkness.  The landscape slowly lit up.  The sun reflected off the clouds while still below the horizon. Colors changed from a brownish red to golden yellow.  Yellow glow became brighter and brighter.  Was amazing watching streams of light pouring out from the buttes in front of our living room.  I watched till the sun rose above the buttes and the light became too bright to look at. I loved our stay at the View Cabin.  It was magical seeing the view Phel Steinmetz captured decades ago.  Loved the privacy.  Excellent gift shop with lots of authentic crafts and artwork.  Maggie picked out a lovely Navajo ring.  It started to snow as we left. I will now have memories of my friend Phel Steinmetz's time in Monument Valley and following in his footsteps. "You live only as long as the last person who remembers you." westworld http://beneventolosangeles.com/#!/exhibitions/past/2022/phel-steinmetz-2/press_release https://www.artforum.com/uploads/guide.003/id00649/press_release.pdf

See all photos from Soo H. for The View Hotel

The hotel has a perfect location. Breakfast and sunrise view over monument valley is included. Dinner is available, limited menu but it works for all! I recommend to stay here!

See all photos from Andrea S. for The View Hotel

This is not a national park just a heads up. The positive! This is the place to stay to enjoy the valley. Make sure you check in before sunset to enjoy the valley and the sunrise is amazing coming up over the valley in the morning. The negative ! I have stayed here a couple times now and it seems to be getting more nickel and dime you! The breakfast went from being a nice warm and fresh to a motel 6 grab and go stale bread, and pop tarts. Then to top it off you're paying about $300 a night (Saturday) and you don't get access to the park! They want you to drive back down the hill and get in line to pay $8 a person to enter. Which is fine but come on you can't purchase at the front desk! I would recommend you stay for one night and move on to another location It only take one day to experience the valley.

After staying at the fabulous Goulding's Lodge in the past, I found The View to be quite a disappointment. It begins with the snarky and inattentive young ladies working the evening shift at the front desk. Followed by the charges they do not mention when you're making your non refundable reservation. The $19.99 "Other Charge" as it is called, included WiFi (for which there is no password required so anyone driving by has the same privileges as a guest) and a complimentary bottle of water. But it isn't really complimentary, is it? And you have to retrieve it yourself from the restaurant which is in a separate building. I would say the views get this place a pass, but everyone has the views regardless of where you stay. The View should not be at the top of anyone's list.

I really like it here. The room we got was simple. Not fancy but clean and cozy. We got a unobstructed balcony view which was spectacular. Everyone is friendly and helpful. I have a service dog and did have to show here card for room and the restaurant. The food was good

My service dog was amazed the view. Sat on balcony and took it all in

First let me start by saying you are paying for the "View"! The hotel is nice, clean and modern. Comfortable beds and nice large bathroom. Every room overlooks Monument Valley. The gift shop is large with a mix of typical souvenirs and handmade native gifts. I didn't try the restaurant, but the complimentary breakfast was ok. Cereal, toast, bagels, oatmeal, pancakes and hard boiled eggs. The best part was the balcony with a breathtaking View!!

View from room 114

Super sweet rez dog.

This is a good hotel for the location. It's at the mile marker start/entrance for Monument Valley. There are restrooms available for use at the hotel. Our room (313) had weird smell. The rest of our party did not had that problem in other rooms though. Rooms are a bit dated. Don't expect a heavenly beds. What you do get is the fantastic view outside your balcony. Make sure you watch sunset and or sunrise from your balcony. Continental breakfast available for hotel guests but don't expect much. It's basically cereal, milk, bagels, trail mix, juice and watered down coffee. If you have dietary needs, bring your own food and put it in the fridge. They do have toasters and microwaves available for use.

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Monument Valley Guided Tours

Despite its name, Monument Valley is not what you may expect. The landscape is vast, flat, and uninhabited with red mesas and buttes jutting up on many sides from the dramatic landscape. Sandstone layers stretch hundreds of feet toward the sky, giving a glimpse of the type of nature that surrounded the valley long before it was touched by human hands.

As you tour Monument Valley, you’ll take in some of the most notable and historic landmarks in the nation, including Elephant Butte, Big Chief Monument, and Sleeping Dragon Rock. Don’t miss a chance to capture some breathtaking photos of Three Sisters spires at John Ford’s Point. Take in the Sun’s Eye arch, the valley’s second largest arch and walk inside Monument Valley’s largest amphitheater: the Big Hogan.

The entire area lies within the Navajo Reservation, which backs up to the Utah border. The monuments that you’ll see are centrally located near Goulding, where you’ll find parks, lodges, and other visitor services. Monument Valley is the epitome of the Southwest. When you see Western movies with long roads that stretch out for miles surrounded by rocky, flat desert and the sculpture-like rock formations in the distance, chances are you may have seen a glimpse of Northern Arizona’s Monument Valley.

To experience this seldom-explored part of Northern Arizona first hand, reach out to Monument Valley Safari today. Our Navajo tour guides will take you through the valley, noting the most important and majestic features of this enchanting region. Our guides and their families have lived in the region for generations, giving them the unique ability to expose you to a side of Monument Valley most will never see. Call us to discuss the various tour options, and how we can help you and your family have a once in a lifetime Arizona vacation.