Sights and History of Monument Valley

Monument Valley, Utah is one of America’s most amazing natural wonders and a valley filled with history. One of the world’s most photographed places, Monument Valley is famous for its unique sandstone rock formations. Whether you love nature, have an interest in history, or a passion for geology, Monument Valley is a wonderful place to visit.

Natural Power

Monument Valley is home to a wide variety of unique formations carved out of the landscape by the forces of water and wind. Today, this valley is one of the driest spots on earth, but at one time it was a lowland basin.

Material from the Rocky Mountains slowly eroded away and was deposited in the water-filled basin. Layer after layer filled the valley until it rose above sea level and became a plateau. Over the next few millennia, the forces of water and wind eroded the plateau, creating today’s valley with its distinctive, towering sandstone formations in blazing colors.

Sacred History

The earliest known residents of the area that is now Monument Valley were the Anasazi. Evidence of their settlements date from very ancient times up until 1300 AD, when for reasons unknown the Anasazi abandoned the area.

No one knows exactly when the Navajo arrived, but they lived in the valley for hundreds of years as farmers among the buttes, mesas, and spires of this breathtaking region. In time, their lands were invaded by a succession of peoples—first other Native American tribes looking for land, then Spaniards, and finally Europeans.

Hollywood Fame

The Valley gained international fame during the Golden Years of Hollywood. Beginning with John Wayne Westerns, filmmakers would use this region for years as the quintessential backdrop for movies about the American West.

Some of the most iconic movies filmed in this location include seven by the American directing great, John Ford. Some of these titles include Thelma and Louise, A Space Odyssey, and Back to the Future III.

The Modern Valley

Today, Monument Valley is just one small part of the Grand Circle, a Navajo nation reservation set apart by the tribal council in 1958. The entire Grand Circle is 91,000 acres, and visitors are welcome to take Monument Valley tours and explore 17 miles of that territory.

The Navajo have owned this territory since the treaty of 1868 established a Navajo reservation in the area. Today, the Navajo manage the park and are quick to share their wisdom and culture with visitors interested in the geological and cultural history of the region.

How to Get Around

There is only one main road leading to Monument Valley, US Highway 163. Approaching the Valley from this road you will be treated to a view of the Red Cliffs, one of the most famous and iconic spots in the American Southwest.

Once in the park, you can drive the 17 mile loop and take in the natural wonder for yourself or get a guided tour by Jeep or on horseback. The road can be bumpy and may not be suitable for some private cars. No private hiking is allowed, but guided hikes are fun and informative.

What to See

There are a few things you should not miss on any Monument Valley tour. If you drive the loop, be sure to stop at the West Mitten Butte and John Ford’s Point. Take a tour to hike around Teardrop Arch and see the Totem Pole, as well.

You should also get a tour to Mystery Valley if you have the time. It takes a few hours, but you will be rewarded with amazing views, a chance to see the ancient Anasazi village sites, and a glimpse of the ancient peoples’ petroglyphs.

A trip to Monument Valley is one you will never forget. It is a land filled with history, blessed with unique natural wonders, and managed by people with a special connection to this ancient place.