Monument Valley: A Scenic Drive Through the Iconic Southwest
Forest Gump Point
There are few places in the world as instantly recognizable as Monument Valley. With its towering sandstone buttes, vast desert landscape, and deep red hues, it’s the kind of place that feels straight out of a movie—because, well, it is!
We explored Monument Valley in April, after heading south from Canyonlands National Park (check out our Canyonlands blog for more on that adventure). This was part of a bigger Utah-Arizona road trip, and Monument Valley was one of the highlights!
Goosenecks State Park, Utah
Camping at Goosenecks State Park
Before reaching Monument Valley, we camped at Goosenecks State Park, which was an experience in itself. This lesser-known Utah state park offers some of the most dramatic river bends you’ll ever see, where the San Juan River snakes through deep canyons.
Why camp at Goosenecks?
🏕 Primitive camping right on the canyon’s edge.
🌅 Epic sunrise and sunset views over the river.
💰 Affordable fees and no reservations required (first come, first served).
Waking up overlooking the deep canyons was an incredible way to start the day before continuing our drive south.
Goosenecks State Park, Utah
Mexican Hat, Utah
Sunrise at Forrest Gump Point & Exploring Mexican Hat
Before heading into Monument Valley, we made a quick detour to Forrest Gump Point—one of the most famous photo spots in the Southwest. This stretch of Highway 163 is where Forrest Gump famously ended his cross-country run, and it’s a must-stop for a photo op.
📍 Forrest Gump Point Tips:
The best time to visit is sunrise when the road is empty and the buttes glow in the early morning light.
There’s no official parking lot, so be cautious when pulling off the road.
Watch for oncoming traffic when taking photos!
From there, we checked out Mexican Hat, a unique rock formation just off the highway, before finally making our way into Monument Valley.
Forest Gump Point
Monument Valley
Driving the Monument Valley Scenic Loop
Once we arrived at the Monument Valley Visitor Center, we paid our fees and got ready to drive the scenic 17-mile Valley Drive. Since we were towing our trailer, we unhooked it in the parking lot before heading onto the dirt road.
🎟 Fees & Access:
Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Nation, and a tribal permit is required for access.
Entry fees are $8 per person (subject to change).
The 17-mile scenic loop is open to private vehicles, but high clearance or 4x4 is strongly recommended, especially after rain.
Monument Valley
🚗 Driving the Scenic Loop:
This self-guided drive takes you up close to some of the most famous formations, including:
The Mittens & Merrick Butte – The most iconic rock formations in the valley.
John Ford’s Point – A classic movie filming location and a great spot to see Navajo horse riders.
Elephant Butte, Camel Butte & Totem Pole – Unique formations with incredible photo opportunities.
We loved having the freedom to stop whenever we wanted for photos and to just take in the scenery. Aspen was thrilled every time we spotted horses from the guided tours, which added to the wild west feel of the experience.
Monument Valley Scenic Drive
What We Missed: Valley of the Gods
One spot we didn’t get to on this trip (but is high on our list for next time!) is Valley of the Gods. Located just 30 minutes from Monument Valley, it’s often described as a smaller, free version of Monument Valley, with towering buttes and scenic dirt roads.
🚗 Why Visit Valley of the Gods?
No fees & fewer crowds than Monument Valley.
A 17-mile dirt road loop that’s perfect for off-road exploring.
Incredible camping under the stars (BLM land = free dispersed camping).
If you have time, we’d highly recommend adding it to your Monument Valley itinerary!
Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Next Stop: Kanab & The Wave Lottery
After leaving Monument Valley, we made our way to Kanab, Utah, where we set up camp at an RV park in town. Our mission? To try our luck at the Wave Lottery.
The Wave is one of the most exclusive and highly sought-after hikes in the U.S., located in the Coyote Buttes North area of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Because of its fragile environment, only 64 people (or 16 groups) per day are allowed to hike here, and permits are required.
There are two ways to apply:
1. Online Advanced Lottery (Best for Planning Ahead)
This lottery is run four months in advance on Recreation.gov.
You apply for a specific date and can pick up to three backup dates.
If selected, you’ll receive an email notification and must confirm your permit.
Cost: $9 per application (non-refundable).
🔗 Apply here: Recreation.gov – The Wave Lottery
2. Daily Walk-In Lottery (App-Based in Kanab)
If you’re already in the area and want to try your luck, you can enter the daily walk-in lottery via the Recreation.gov mobile app.
How it works:
You must be physically within the geofenced area around Kanab, Utah.
You can apply for a permit two days before your desired hiking date between 6 AM – 6 PM MST.
Winners are notified that evening at 7:15 PM MST.
If selected, you must attend an in-person safety briefing the next morning before receiving your permit.
Cost: $9 per application (non-refundable), plus $7 per person if selected.
📱 Pro tip: Download the Recreation.gov app before arriving in Kanab, as you’ll need it to enter the lottery.
Unfortunately, we weren’t successful in the lottery this time, but we’ll definitely be trying again in the future!
Winning the Angel’s Landing Lottery Instead!
Even though we didn’t get to hike The Wave, we did succeed in getting permits for Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park! (Check out our Zion blog for that full adventure).
Monument Valley & Beyond
Monument Valley was one of the most unforgettable stops on our Southwest road trip. The epic landscapes, scenic drives, and remote desert beauty made it an absolute must-see.
🔥 Would we recommend it? Absolutely!
💡 Tips for visiting:
Go in spring or fall to avoid extreme heat.
A 4x4 vehicle helps, but tours are also a great option.
Plan for sunrise & sunset—the light is magical!
Check out nearby Valley of the Gods for an extra adventure.
Have you visited Monument Valley? Let us know about your experience in the comments! 👇
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