Start Your Free Trial. The sandstone buttes, in hues ranging from warm oranges to deep reds, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Whether you plan to embark on a guided tour, traverse the scenic drives, or venture on foot to embrace the solitude of this ethereal landscape, Monument Valley Tribal Park promises an unforgettable experience.
Find this park in the very rural southeastern portion of Utah. Just past the border, turn east onto Monument Valley Road, which takes you towards the visitors center and into the park.
As a tribal park, Monument Valley is designated land under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation. One of the largest Native American tribes, they retained portions of their ancestral land through treaties with the United States Government, despite the Indian Removal Act of , which forcibly removed many Native American tribes from their ancestral land.
Today, the Navajo Nation is a vibrant community spreading 27, square miles across New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah with more than , residents. Monument Valley is the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation and is linked to their creation and origin story. It is considered a divine landscape that connects the Navajo people to their spiritual traditions and ceremonies.
The buttes, mesas and sandstone formations are seen as physical manifestations of these traditions and are revered as living entities that have witnessed and preserved Navajo traditions and history. The Navajo Nation is renowned for its rich artistic traditions. From intricate weaving and vibrant pottery to silverwork and jewelry, Navajo artisans skillfully channel their cultural heritage into their creations, showcasing a remarkable blend of craftsmanship and storytelling. Today, Monument Valley is an area where local Navajo artists display and sell their pieces, with many vendors selling their work roadside throughout the Monument Valley area.
