Monument Valley Panoramic Road Itinerary
Embark on a unique road trip through Monument Valley Panoramic Road! Starting in Kayenta, United States, the 101km route leads you through the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley National Park. This is a great opportunity to admire the breathtaking scenery of the iconic sandstone buttes and mesas of the valley. It is best to plan your trip for the spring or fall months when the weather is mild and the light is perfect for photography. The road is in good condition and suitable for all drivers. Your journey will end in the small town of Mexican Hat, United States, where you will have the chance to explore the nearby attractions and enjoy the local atmosphere. With a moderate budget, you can experience a very high level of pleasure and capture lasting memories. So don't miss the chance to explore this beautiful part of the world!
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number of days
101 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Kayenta
Distance 101 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: modest
26.3 kWh
Airports
LAS
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SLC
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Kayenta is a small town located in the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. It is the ideal starting point for the Monument Valley Panoramic Road, a stunningly beautiful road trip that traverses stunning desert landscapes and passes through some of the most iconic landmarks in the region.
The town itself has many interesting sights worth visiting. The Kayenta Visitor Center provides a great way to learn about the area’s history and culture, while the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park offers excellent opportunities to explore the local landscape. Kayenta also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, such as the Annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture, which is a great way to immerse yourself in the local Navajo culture.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). There are a number of car rental companies available at the airport, making it easy to begin your road trip from Kayenta.
From Kayenta, the Monument Valley Panoramic Road provides an incredibly scenic drive through some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in the region. Along the way, you will pass by iconic landmarks such as the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, the Grand Canyon, and the Navajo National Monument.
Kayenta is the perfect place to start your journey along the Monument Valley Panoramic Road. With its stunning desert landscapes, fascinating cultural events, and easy access to car rentals, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience.
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Kayenta
- Monument Valley N.P.
Distance 44 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
13.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for a fantastic adventure from Kayenta to Monument Valley National Park! This 27mi drive, which will take you fewer than one hour, will be full of breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences.
Start your journey in Kayenta, a small town in the Navajo Nation. Here, you can visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a stunning landscape of towering buttes and mesas, and explore its iconic sandstone formations. You can also take a guided tour of the area, or take a leisurely stroll around the area.
Continue your journey to Monument Valley National Park, a stunning desert landscape with iconic sandstone formations. Here, you can take a scenic drive along the 17-mile loop road, explore the area on foot, or take a guided tour. You will also find plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking views of the valley.
At the end of your journey, you will find yourself in Monument Valley National Park, a stunning desert landscape with towering buttes and mesas. Here, you can take a scenic drive along the 17-mile loop road, explore the area on foot, or take a guided tour.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Monument Valley N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Monument Valley N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Flickr
Monument Valley N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Monument Valley N.P.
- Mexican Hat
Distance 57 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: slow
13.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! You are about to embark on an incredible journey from Monument Valley National Park in the United States to Mexican Hat, a distance of 35 miles that can be completed in less than two hours.
Your first stop is Monument Valley, an iconic and breathtaking landscape of red sandstone buttes, mesas and spires. Be sure to take a Jeep tour to explore the area and take in its breathtaking views.
From there, you will drive to Mexican Hat, a small but charming town. Here you can visit the Mexican Hat Rock, a unique geological formation that resembles a sombrero. You can also visit the nearby Goosenecks State Park, where you can explore the deep canyons and stunning views of the San Juan River.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Mexican Hat - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Mexican Hat
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Welcome to Mexican Hat, Utah, the ending point of the Monument Valley Panoramic Road. Mexican Hat is a small town located on the banks of the San Juan River, just off the US-163 road. This town is famous for the Mexican Hat Rock, a large sandstone formation in the shape of a sombrero.
Mexican Hat has plenty of things to do and see. Take a walk around the town and admire the surrounding red rocks and sandstone formations. Visit the historic Mexican Hat Rock, a popular spot for photography. Take a trip down the San Juan River and explore the nearby canyons and natural rock formations. You can also take a boat tour along the river, where you can admire the surrounding landscapes and wildlife.
If you are looking for outdoor adventure, Mexican Hat is a great place to start. Take a short hike to the nearby Valley of the Gods and explore the stunning red rock formations. Go on a horseback ride and explore the surrounding mesas and canyons. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Valley of the Gods.
The closest international airport to Mexican Hat is the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From there, you can rent a car and drive south on US-163 until you reach Mexican Hat. The Monument Valley Panoramic Road is a great way to explore the area and see some of the most stunning landscapes in the Southwest.
Come and explore Mexican Hat, Utah, the ending point of the Monument Valley Panoramic Road. It's a great place to admire the stunning red rock formations, explore the nearby canyons, and enjoy some outdoor adventure.
Monument Valley Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Kayenta
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End:
Mexican Hat
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Distance:
101 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
McCarran International Airport (LAS),
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Monument Valley Panoramic Road Trip is an unforgettable 101km journey that begins in Kayenta, Arizona, and concludes in the quaint town of Mexican Hat, Utah. This route offers Roadtrippers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a region celebrated for its towering sandstone buttes, vast mesas, and star-studded skies.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, often simply referred to as Monument Valley, is the highlight of this expedition. Visitors can marvel at the park's iconic geologic wonders, including the towering Mittens and Merrick Butte, the imposing Elephant Butte, and the picturesque Three Sisters. Venturing further, you'll find John Ford’s Point, named after the legendary filmmaker who used the valley as a backdrop for many Westerns, and Artist’s Point, which offers panoramic views that have inspired countless artists and photographers. For the more adventurous, the Wildcat Trail provides an up-close experience with the valley's magnificent structures through a self-guided hike.
Best Time to Go:
The best times to undertake this Road Trip are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the temperatures are milder, and the chance of clear skies is higher, offering ideal conditions for photography. These seasons also allow for more comfortable exploration of the park's terrains and trails.
Potential Risks:
While the route is well-maintained, travelers should be mindful of sudden weather changes, such as sandstorms or thunderstorms, which can swiftly alter driving conditions and reduce visibility. Always check the local weather forecasts, carry ample water, and have an emergency plan.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Monument Valley has been featured in numerous films and commercials, solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of the American West.
- The park is located on the Navajo Nation Reservation and is a sacred land to the Navajo people, who manage and preserve the area.
- A moderate budget can provide a rewarding experience, but don't forget to support local Navajo businesses and artisans by purchasing authentic crafts and foods.
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped for desert driving conditions and keep an emergency kit on hand.
- The area's elevation is about 5,564 feet (1,696 meters) above sea level, which can affect weather and temperature.
A good choice for:
Embarking on the Monument Valley Panoramic Road Trip is an opportunity to witness the grandeur and cultural significance of the American Southwest's desert landscapes. With thorough preparation and a deep appreciation for the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage, Roadtrippers will forge lasting memories of this dramatic and historic region.