Galleries » Monument Valley

Ever since movie director John Ford first started shooting western movies in the 1930s, the Monument Valley landscape has felt familiar to millions who have never set foot here. Because the park is on Navajo tribal land, Tsebii'nidzisgai, "the valley within the rocks" there are only three ways to tour the area: driving the 17-mile Valley Drive; taking an off-road jeep tour with a Navajo guide; or on guided hikes and trail rides. Native guides, born and bred to this barren landscape, will not only lead the ride, they'll help you appreciate the intricate beauties of this landscape, which is sacred to their tribe. If you possibly can, time your visit to include sunset—as the sheer walls of these monoliths capture the light of the setting sun, they truly seem to catch fire.