Great view of Monument Valley
Great view of Monument Valley
Tips
May 17, 2024
Hiking
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November 3, 2024
Hiking
The terrain of Monument Valley is ancient, resilient, and breathtakingly beautiful. This distinctive landscape was formed by the erosion of the sandstone deposits of the Rocky Mountains and geologic uplift, and has been further shaped over many centuries by the relentless forces of wind and water.
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February 2, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Great view of Monument Valley
5.0
(1)
52
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
32
hikers
Step directly into the iconic landscape of Monument Valley on the Wildcat Trail, the only self-guided hiking loop available in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This easy 1.8-mile (3.0 km) route takes you onto the valley floor, offering intimate, close-up views of the majestic Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. You'll traverse sandy and rocky terrain, circling the West Mitten Butte, with a total elevation gain of 275 feet (84 metres) over approximately 51 minutes. The trail immerses you in desert shrublands, cacti, and sage, providing a true sense of the Wild West.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trailhead is conveniently located near the Visitor Center or The View Hotel. Since this is the only hiking loop in the park that doesn't require a guide, it's a popular choice for independent explorers. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the entire trail is exposed to the elements. For the most dramatic views, consider hiking during sunrise or sunset when the rock formations glow with brilliant red and orange hues.
What makes this Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park hiking loop truly special is its unique accessibility; most other areas of the park necessitate a guided tour. This trail allows you to experience the vastness and beauty of Monument Valley at your own pace, feeling a sense of solitude even in a popular destination. It's a chance to walk through the very landscapes that have served as backdrops for countless Western films, offering a tangible connection to the American Southwest's cinematic history.
5.0
(4)
9
hikers
The View on West Mitten Butte – View on East Mitten Butte loop offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery of Monument Valley. This moderate 6.3-mile (10.1 km) hike, with 516 feet (157 metres) of elevation gain, takes you right to the base of West Mitten Butte, providing a perspective far more intimate than the scenic drive. You'll traverse sandy paths through desert flora, with the towering sandstone formations of East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte dominating the horizon, making for a truly iconic desert experience that typically takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
This is the only trail in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that you can explore independently, without a guide, making it a popular choice for those seeking solitude. Parking is available at the park entrance. Given the desert environment, always bring plenty of water, especially during summer, as shade is minimal. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be leashed.
Known to the Navajo people as Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, or "Valley of the Rocks," Monument Valley holds deep cultural significance. The buttes, rising dramatically from the desert floor, are instantly recognizable from countless Western films and offer incredible photographic opportunities. This loop allows you to experience the majesty of these formations up close, providing a unique connection to this sacred and timeless landscape.
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Elevation 1,670 m
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