This post is about the best stops on a Grand Canyon to Monument Valley road trip!
Looking for the best things to do between the Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley? Below you will find our best recommendations along with honorable mentions that are worth checking out if you have the time.
The American Southwest offers some of the most incredible otherworldly landscape that is truly breathtaking to see in person. From amazing rock formations, to incredible canyons and valleys, glittered with red sand and beautiful layered rock, these marvels are sure to impress anyone.
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Know Before You Go
It’s Remote — So Plan Ahead
There are long stretches with no services, especially between Cameron and Kayenta.
Fuel up before leaving the Grand Canyon area (Cameron or Tuba City have gas).
Cell service is spotty, especially once you enter Navajo Nation land — download maps or have a GPS.
Timing & Drive Time
It’s about 3.5 to 4 hours of driving from the Grand Canyon South Rim to Monument Valley (around 180 miles).
If you’re making scenic stops (which you should!), give yourself a full day to enjoy the drive.
Try to arrive at Monument Valley before sunset — the lighting is magical and it’s a popular time for photos.
Time Zones Can Be Confusing
Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round (no daylight saving).
But Monument Valley is in the Navajo Nation, which does observe daylight saving time (so it’s usually one hour ahead).
Double-check local time if you’re booking tours or accommodations!
Respect Navajo Nation Land
Monument Valley and much of the drive pass through Navajo Nation territory.
Be mindful of cultural sites, private land, and local customs.
Stick to marked areas, especially at scenic stops or viewpoints.
Buying from local vendors (especially at roadside stands) supports the community.
Pack Essentials
Bring snacks, water, sun protection, and layers (desert temps swing a lot between day and night).
Don’t rely on finding restaurants or grocery stores along the way — Kayenta and Tuba City are your best bets for food and supplies.
Book Accommodations Early
The View Hotel and Goulding’s Lodge are the closest places to stay in Monument Valley and fill up fast.
There are also a few options in Kayenta, about 25 minutes south of the valley entrance.
Bring a Camera — and Patience
The drive itself is incredibly scenic, especially near Forrest Gump Point and as you approach the Mittens in Monument Valley.
Pull over safely for photos and be mindful of tourists doing the same.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photos, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to take a road trip from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley is during the spring (March–May) or fall (September–October). Here’s why:
Spring (March to May)
Ideal weather: Mild daytime temps (60s–70s°F) make hiking and exploring super comfortable.
Fewer crowds: The Grand Canyon gets busy during spring break, but overall it’s less crowded than summer.
Wildflowers: You might catch desert blooms in April and May.
Fall (September to October)
Perfect temps: Warm days and cool nights (similar to spring), but with golden sunsets and crisp air.
Smaller crowds: Especially great after Labor Day when family travel dies down.
Best lighting: Photographers love fall light for capturing those deep red rock tones at Monument Valley.
Summer (June to August)
Hot temps: It can easily hit the 90s°F or more in Monument Valley and parts of Navajo Nation.
Peak tourist season: Grand Canyon trails and roads are crowded, and lodging books up early.
Monsoon season: July and August can bring afternoon thunderstorms, flash floods, and dramatic skies — gorgeous, but plan accordingly.
Winter (November to February)
Peaceful and quiet: Way fewer visitors, especially in Monument Valley.
Cold and possibly snowy: The Grand Canyon South Rim gets snow; Monument Valley can be cold but less likely to see snow.
Shorter days: Great for early sunsets but limits exploring time.
Bonus Tip for Photographers:
For epic sunrise and sunset shots, especially at Monument Valley’s Mittens or Forrest Gump Point, fall and spring have the best lighting angles.
Best Stops from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley
Grand Canyon National Park
Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
Walk the Rim Trail
Paved and mostly flat, the Rim Trail offers stunning views from multiple overlooks.
Start at Mather Point and go as far as Hermit’s Rest if you want the full experience (~13 miles).
For a shorter walk: Mather Point ➝ Yavapai Point ➝ Grand Canyon Village (super scenic!).
Hike into the Canyon
Bright Angel Trail: Most popular trail; you can hike down as far as you’re comfortable (e.g., to 1.5 Mile Resthouse).
South Kaibab Trail: Steeper and more exposed but amazing views. Even a short hike to Ooh Aah Point is worth it.
Take a Helicopter or Airplane Tour
Get a jaw-dropping aerial view of the canyon. Flights leave from Tusayan (just outside the park).
Great for photographers or anyone wanting a unique perspective.
Ride the Park Shuttle
Free shuttles take you to scenic viewpoints along Hermit Road (seasonal access only via shuttle).
Stops include Maricopa Point, Hopi Point (sunset favorite), and Pima Point.
Catch Sunrise or Sunset
Sunrise: Best at Mather Point, Yaki Point, or Desert View.
Sunset: Head to Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, or Pima Point for panoramic views.
Visit the Desert View Watchtower
Located at the eastern edge of the park, this 70-ft stone tower offers sweeping canyon views and a cool mix of architecture and Native design.
Stargazing
As a certified Dark Sky Park, the Grand Canyon is amazing for stargazing. Check out the Star Party if you’re visiting in June.
The Wave
What is The Wave?
The Wave is a famous rock formation located in Coyote Buttes North, part of the Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Picture flowing, layered rock that twists and turns in waves of red, orange, and gold. It’s one of the most photographed natural wonders in the Southwest — and also one of the hardest to visit.
How to Get There:
The trailhead is called Wire Pass, located off House Rock Valley Road (a dirt road best accessed with a high-clearance vehicle).
Closest towns: Kanab, Utah or Page, Arizona
Getting a Permit for The Wave
Only 64 people per day are allowed to visit The Wave to protect its fragile landscape. Here’s how you can try to get in:
Daily Lottery: If you’re in the area, you can try the daily mobile lottery (based on your phone’s GPS, within a certain radius of Kanab, UT). Also run through Recreation.gov.
Pro tip: If you don’t win a permit, check out White Pocket instead (more on that below).
The Hike to The Wave
Distance: ~6.4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate — it’s not super steep, but the trail is unmarked, with soft sand and slickrock
Navigation: There are no signs — you’ll need to follow a GPS or map provided by BLM. It’s easy to get off-track.
What to Bring: Lots of water, sun protection, a physical map or GPS app (like Gaia), and layers. It gets hot and there’s zero shade.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
What is Vermilion Cliffs National Monument?
While most people only hear about The Wave, Vermilion Cliffs is the much larger and equally stunning area it belongs to. This 280,000-acre monument is filled with towering cliffs, slot canyons, and hidden desert gems — and it’s far less crowded than other national parks in the region.
Here are a few places you shouldn’t miss:
White Pocket
If you can’t get a permit for The Wave (or don’t want the stress), White Pocket is an amazing alternative — and no permit is required.
What to expect: swirling rock formations, brain-like textures, and colorful patterns
Getting there: You’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, or book a guided tour from Kanab or Page
Pro tip: Go for sunrise or sunset for dreamy photos
Paria Canyon
If you’re into backpacking, Paria Canyon is one of the most scenic multi-day hikes in the Southwest.
A 38-mile trek through narrow canyon walls, colorful sandstone, and desert solitude
You’ll need a permit for overnight trips
Day hikes are also an option near the White House Trailhead
Lees Ferry & Marble Canyon
Located at the edge of the Vermilion Cliffs, Lees Ferry is where river trips through the Grand Canyon begin.
You can explore the Colorado River, go fishing, or take a short hike up Spencer Trail for sweeping views.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is about a 90-minute scenic detour each way — totally worth it if you have a half day to spare.
What to Expect at Horseshoe Bend
Iconic Viewpoint
The Colorado River makes a dramatic U-turn around a massive rock formation — that’s the classic “Horseshoe” view you’ve seen all over Instagram.
It’s an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike from the parking lot.
The trail is flat but exposed, so bring water and wear a hat/sunscreen — it gets HOT in summer.
Best Time to Visit
Late morning to early afternoon gives the clearest view of the river (the canyon walls aren’t in shadow).
Sunset is beautiful, but the sun sets behind the rocks, so the river may be dark.
Sunrise is quiet and peaceful, with fewer crowds and a soft glow over the desert.
Pro Tips
There’s a $10 parking fee — pay at the kiosk.
Drones aren’t allowed, but bring your best camera or wide-angle lens.
Go early or late in the day to avoid the heat and crowds.
Monument Valley
Best Things to Do in Monument Valley Tribal Park
Drive the Scenic Valley Loop Road
A 17-mile dirt road that takes you through the iconic red rock formations like The Mittens, Three Sisters, and John Ford Point.
A high-clearance vehicle is ideal, or take a guided tour with a Navajo guide (recommended for cultural insight and hidden spots).
Visit Forrest Gump Point
Located on Highway 163, it’s the spot where Forrest stops running in the movie.
Stunning view of the road leading into the valley — best at sunrise or sunset.
Take a Navajo Guided Tour
Choose from jeep tours, horseback rides, or even sunrise/sunset photo tours.
Guides take you to restricted areas and share Navajo culture and stories.
Some tours include stops at Ear of the Wind Arch, Sun’s Eye, and ancient petroglyphs.
Stay at The View Hotel or Goulding’s Lodge
The View Hotel offers rooms that look directly out at the Mittens — sunrise views from your balcony!
Goulding’s Lodge is a historic site with its own museum and deep ties to Western film history.
Stargazing and Night Photography
Monument Valley has almost zero light pollution. Bring a tripod — you can often see the Milky Way with the formations silhouetted beneath it.
Shop Navajo Arts & Crafts
Local stands and gift shops offer handmade jewelry, rugs, pottery, and sand paintings. Buying directly from artisans supports the community.
Honorable Mentions
Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks
Step Back in Time at the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks
If you’re seeking a unique and educational adventure in Northern Arizona, the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks near Flagstaff offer an unforgettable experience. Located just 70 miles from Flagstaff in Tuba City, within the Navajo Nation, this site allows visitors to walk among real dinosaur footprints that date back approximately 200 million years to the early Jurassic period.
Unlike traditional fossil exhibits, the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks provide an authentic, open-air experience where you can see actual trace fossils—footprints left by dinosaurs such as Eubrontes, Grallator, Coelophysis kayentakatae, and Dilophosaurus wetherilli. These tracks were verified by paleontologists from Northern Arizona University and are scattered across a section along the bench below Hamblin Ridge.
Exploring the Site
Upon arrival, you’ll notice stands offering Navajo jewelry and handmade crafts. A Navajo guide may greet you and offer a tour. While there’s no mandatory admission fee, it’s encouraged to either take the tour or purchase a piece of Navajo art as a gesture of appreciation. The suggested donation ranges from $5 to $20, depending on the guide’s discretion.
Please note that the site is not protected, so it’s essential to be respectful: avoid littering, spilling food or beverages, and causing any damage. Using common sense and showing respect will help preserve this remarkable piece of Earth’s history for future generations.
Address
Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks
U.S. Hwy 160
Tuba City, AZ 86045
Navajo National Monument Arizona
Discovering Navajo National Monument: Arizona’s Cliffside Ruins
Tucked away in the heart of the Navajo Nation, Navajo National Monument offers a glimpse into the ancient lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Located in northern Arizona, this monument preserves three remarkable cliff dwellings—Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House—that date back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries. These dwellings are considered some of the best-preserved examples of Ancestral Puebloan architecture in the Southwest.
What to See and Do
Betatakin Ruins
Accessible via a 1.5-mile round-trip trail, Betatakin (meaning “House Built on a Ledge” in Navajo) is perched in a massive sandstone alcove. The site features approximately 120 rooms and one kiva, offering insight into the communal living arrangements of its inhabitants. Ranger-led tours are available, providing historical context and archaeological details.
Keet Seel Ruins
Keet Seel is the largest of the three dwellings, with about 160 rooms and six kivas. Due to its remote location, access is limited to a 17-mile round-trip, ranger-guided hike, available seasonally from late May to mid-September. This strenuous hike offers an immersive experience into the region’s history and natural beauty.
Inscription House
Once open to visitors, Inscription House is currently closed to the public to protect its delicate structures. Named for inscriptions found on its walls, this site remains a subject of archaeological interest and study.
Visitor Information
Location: Approximately 28 miles west of Kayenta, Arizona, off Highway 564.
Facilities: The visitor center offers exhibits, a museum, and restrooms.
Camping: Two primitive campgrounds—Sunset View and Canyon View—are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees: Entry and camping are free of charge.
