Monument Valley's iconic rock formations are instantly recognizable from movies like Forrest Gump, countless social media posts, and even as a backdrop during your road trips. But have you ever taken the time to truly explore this stunning landscape? Despite its how vast it is, Monument Valley is surprisingly manageable to explore in a single day, making it a perfect pit stop on your journey.
Here's how to make the most of your day in Monument Valley with your pups by your side!
Where to stay?
For the best experience in the heart of Monument Valley, check out Hipcamp for a range of beautiful camping options. The spot I stayed is Arrowhead campground. The best spot is campsite 3, though honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the spots there.
Arrowhead Campground is located a short drive from the Monument Valley entrance, accessible via a sandy road. The host is friendly and the campsites are well maintained with clean outhouses situated a short walk away and daily trash collection. Plus, dogs are allowed off-leash if they're well-behaved, which is a fantastic perk.
The only caveat is if you have a reactive dog. The campground’s owners have two off-leash dogs—one of which I only saw briefly, but the other is a large German Shepherd who tends to wander into the campsites. While he didn't always pick up on my dogs' cues, he was extremely friendly and once I put my dogs away in the tent, he went on his way.
With that said, I'd definitely stay at Arrowhead Campground again!
Visiting the Park
Entry Fee: $8 per person per day
If you’re planning to take professional photographs, you’ll need a special permit, which you can obtain from the Visitor Center.
Please note that drones are not permitted in the park, so leave yours at home. Also, keep your dogs on a leash at all times to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Park hours vary depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the current schedule before your visit.
Wildcat trail
Begin your day with an early hike to beat the desert heat. The Wildcat Trail is a scenic loop that takes you through the rock formations and around one of the iconic mitten formations. This nearly 4-mile trail is well-equipped for hikers of all levels, featuring five shaded rest stops and an outhouse roughly halfway through the route—ideal for those not accustomed to the desert’s warmth. Some of these shaded spots even have picnic tables, perfect for enjoying breakfast with a breathtaking view.
Keep a lookout for your surroundings during the hike. The area is home to a pack of res dogs who won't be too happy you're entering their territory with your dogs. We encountered the same pack twice; they barked and gave chase from a distance but didn’t come too close. It’s a good idea to be aware of how your dog might react in that situation and to keep your dogs on leash at all times (as is the policy).
Trail info:
Length: 3.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 390ft
Leash Policy: Dogs must remain on leash at all times.
Difficulty: AllTrails rates it as moderate, but it’s relatively easy overall, with the most challenging part being the sandy ascent on the return leg.
Scenic Drive and John Ford Point
After hiking the Wildcat Trail, consider taking a leisurely scenic drive to cool off and soak in the landscape from a different perspective. The 17-mile drive meanders through Monument Valley, offering numerous pull-offs for photo opportunities and a chance to admire the rock formations at a more relaxed pace.
One of the highlights of the drive is John Ford Point, famously featured in many of John Ford’s classic Western films. Here, you can even have your picture taken on a horse for a small fee. For the best experience, I recommend bringing a friend along; I had difficulty capturing a photo of myself at the point because my remote didn’t work from that distance.
While I saw some visitors in sedans and luxury cars, I strongly advise driving a high-clearance, AWD vehicle for the scenic route. The road is unpaved and can be quite rocky in places, which could potentially damage the underside of your car.
If you’re visiting without your dogs, there are also horseback riding tours available that offer a unique way to explore and enjoy the park’s stunning vistas.
Ending the day - Forrest Gump Point
For the quintessential Monument Valley photo, make sure to visit Forrest Gump Point. Located about 20 minutes from the main park area, this spot is where Forrest stopped running and turned around. It’s an iconic location, but keep in mind that it’s still an active highway. Many visitors dash out for a quick shot between passing vehicles, which can be risky.
My own photo of the scene may look serene, but it took quite a bit of editing to remove the people and cars that were present. The area can be extremely busy, especially during the day. If you’re aiming for a photo with yourself and your dogs, I strongly recommend bringing a friend. Given the highway’s traffic, it’s not a place where you can easily set up a tripod and take your time to get the perfect shot.
While it’s a popular and memorable spot, prioritize your safety. No photo is worth putting yourself or others at risk.
If you have the chance to visit around sunset, you might catch a stunning backdrop for an even more spectacular shot.
I spent two nights around Monument Valley, but you could definitely do it in less time depending on how long you take to complete the hike, your pace along the scenic drive, and how often you pause for photos. After capturing all the stunning vistas, I had plenty of time to drive back to Phoenix on Saturday. Still, I decided to stay another night to fully relax and soak in the tranquility of the valley.
Whether you're camping under the stars or simply soaking in the beauty during the scenic drive, Monument Valley offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Wherever you travel next, remember to stay safe and enjoy every moment of your journey!
