Can you die without walking? A trip to the US National Parks (6) Recommended hikes in Monument Valley and Navajo Tribal Park

Written by Sayaka Kato

Following on from Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly National Monument, our fourth recommended hiking spot in the Grand Circle is, like the last one, Hunts Mesa, located in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a sacred place for the Native American Navajo people

Monument Valley is a vast wilderness dotted with rock formations of various sizes called buttes (remnants) and mesas (table-shaped rocks), towering above the ground as if carved by God for a spectacle. The scenery is truly a perfect work of art by the earth. Over the years, erosion has worn away the softer parts with the help of wind, rain, and snow, leaving only the hard rocky parts that remain, creating the landscape we see today

Just by being there, you can feel the vastness of the Earth, the heartbeat of the Earth, and be reminded of how beautiful the Earth is

Monument Valley is well known for being used in the filming of Western movies and other films, so many people have visited it or would like to go in the future. However, few people have actually experienced hiking within Monument Valley. In fact, many people may not even know that hiking is possible within the valley

You can hike within Monument Valley! And it's a much more amazing world than you can imagine. There are viewpoints that you can visit as a tourist in a four-wheel drive vehicle such as a jeep, but that's just a small part of it. Monument Valley extends even deeper

Surrounded by panoramic views of the gigantic rock hills towering over the vast expanse of land, it's a must-do hike, a place where you can walk and feel the earth! That's the Hunts Mesa trail we'll be introducing today

table of contents

Monument Valley is not a national park. It is a tribal park in Navajo Nation
Rules at Navajo Reservation/Monument Valley
How to get to Monument Valley (rental car)
What to see in Monument Valley
Hunts Mesa Hiking Information

Monument Valley is not a national park. It is a tribal park in Navajo Nation

It is often mistaken for a national park, but it is actually Navajo Tribal Park, managed and operated by the local indigenous people, the Navajo. This area has long been cherished as a sacred place by the Native American Navajo people, and is a place where they have coexisted with nature. Monument Valley is located within the reservation, which is also under the jurisdiction of the Navajo, so it is a tribal park under their jurisdiction

What if Monument Valley became a national park?

The U.S. federal government has repeatedly expressed its desire to designate the beautiful Monument Valley as a national park to the Navajo government. However, the Navajo government has consistently refused the U.S. government's requests to make Monument Valley a national park. Caring for this land, which has been cherished by their ancestors, in the Navajo way is a way to preserve their culture and cherish their traditions. Monument Valley is sacred ground for the Navajo people, and even today, there are people in the surrounding area, as well as within the valley, who continue to live their traditional lifestyle without electricity or running water

If Monument Valley were to become a national park, it would likely be ranked as one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. It is a place where you can see the original American landscape and Native American culture, comparable to the Grand Canyon

Rules at Navajo Reservation/Monument Valley

When hiking at Hunt's Mesa in Monument Valley, you will pass through the area used by the general public and head to the trailhead further inside the valley. As you will pass through the private property of the Navajo people who live in the valley, hiking at Hunt's Mesa requires you to book with a local Navajo tour company that offers hiking tours and go with a hiking guide from that company; you cannot go on your own. There are areas in Monument Valley that can be accessed by public vehicles and areas that require permission. Therefore, it is best to book a hiking guide in advance and follow their instructions. (There are several companies that offer hiking tours, such as Monument Valley Simpson's Trailhandler Tours.)
The Navajo Reservation has a prohibition law, meaning that alcohol is not permitted on the reservation and the sale of any alcoholic beverages is also prohibited

How to get to Monument Valley (rental car)

Travel time

We are located 5.5 hours from Phoenix, 3.5 hours from Sedona, 3 hours from Flagstaff, 2 hours from the Grand Canyon (South Rim), and 2 hours from Page

Admission fee

There is no need to go through any procedures beforehand to enter the park. Just pay the entrance fee at the entrance. 1 car (up to 4 people): $20 (as of 2020) $6 for each additional person over 4. Entering by bicycle or on foot is $10 per person

Opening hours

Summer (May-August): 6:00-20:00
Winter (September-April): 8:00-17:00

Best Season for Hiking in Monument Valley

Hiking is possible all year round if the weather is good, but in winter it snows and the temperature is low and there are many cold days. In summer, the desert climate can be very hot and it may be too hot for hiking

The best seasons are May to June and late September to October. There is little rainfall throughout the year, and there are many days with good weather. The temperature is low in March and April, but hiking is also possible (most of the photos shown here are from a trip to Hunts Mesa in early March)

What clothing is appropriate for hiking?

The altitude is about 1,600m, so even if the weather is good, your body will get cold if the wind is strong, so it's important to always take measures to protect yourself from the cold. It's a good idea to always be able to take off and put on clothes. On windy days, the dust can be intense. It may also be a good idea to cover up the sand with a face mask or shawl

Summer

During the day, the temperature rises and a T-shirt and shorts are perfectly fine. However, there are windy days, so it may be useful to have something to wear over your clothes, such as a windbreaker or a fleece to keep you warm

Winter

The altitude itself is about 1,670m, so it gets very cold in winter. Thorough measures to protect yourself from the cold are necessary. Shawls, scarves, and hot packs are also very useful

What is the information center at the park? Can I replenish my food and equipment?

There is a convenience store at the View Hotel adjacent to the visitor center where you can get simple sandwiches and drinks

There is also a supermarket and gas station about 5 minutes away from the park entrance (GOULDING'S GROCERY STORE)

Good things to carry on hiking

Cold weather wear that can adjust the temperature
Trekking shoes
hat
Shawl/face mask (for protection against sand on windy days)
sunglasses
Sunscreen
Drinks (more in summer)
Snacks and more for eating while hiking
If you have a regular medicine, first aid such as medicine or band-aid
rain gear

What to see in Monument Valley

During your hike, ask your guide to stop at a viewpoint in Monument Valley to see the artwork of nature. This will add even more depth to your experience of Monument Valley

Visitor Center

The visitor center is located directly in front of the parking lot just past the entrance. The view from there is already spectacular. Known as Mittens View, it's where you can see both the Right Mitten and the Left Mitten, which are shaped like gloves. It's also the starting and ending point for meeting guides for various tours and hiking tours, and it has restrooms, as well as a restaurant and gift shop. (There's also a trailhead nearby that leads to the Wildcat Trail, a mini-hike. For this one, you don't need a Navajo guide; it's an easy hike you can do on your own. It's a short trail that gives you a closer look at the sacred rocks.)

John Ford Point

It is said that John Ford, the famous Western director, liked this place and often filmed from there. The view is undeniably spectacular

Totem pole

It is named after the totem poles, which are pillar-shaped carved wooden structures that Native Americans in Canada erect in front of their homes or cemeteries as talismans to ward off evil spirits. The long, carved rock is mysterious and captivates those who see it, and the totem pole, which can be seen beyond the parking lot, is said to be nearly 250 meters tall. However, due to weathering by wind and other factors, it may become invisible in the near future!

Artist Points

The name comes from the fact that many painters and photographers have been captivated by the scenery from there, and continue to create works from that spot, inspiring others as well. This is the definition of "truly majestic and beautiful land." A view that will soothe your soul unfolds from here

North Window

The North Window is a gaping hole between two buttes about 100 meters high, and is nicknamed the "North Window" because it offers a spectacular view beyond

There's also a hidden, spectacular view point of North Window, so if you have time, be sure to check it out. Instead of viewing North Window from the front, you can see the view that stretches out into the distance! If you drive between the two buttes, you'll come across a parking lot at the end. If you get out of the car and walk along the trail that leads to the far right, you'll be rewarded with another spectacular view

Forrest Gump Point

This spot is not inside the park, but outside, in the direction of Mexican Hat, north of Navajo Tribal Park. It's about 15 minutes away from the Monument Valley entrance. A quick search on Google Maps will reveal this spot, which became famous after being used in the scene in the movie "Forrest Gump" where the main character stops running and turns back. Be careful, as there is limited parking at this spot. Be sure to watch out for cars when taking photos

Teardrop Arch

This viewpoint is also outside the park, and is relatively close to Monument Valley, but the road to the viewpoint is bumpy and unpaved in many places, so be careful as it's not possible to get there in a two-wheel drive vehicle.It's a level that requires slow travel in a four-wheel drive vehicle, but the spectacular views of the teardrop-shaped rock and the Monument Valley spreading out beyond are picturesque

Hunts Mesa Hiking Information

The trip takes 5 hours, with an elevation change of 1,200 feet (approximately 365 meters). The walking distance varies depending on the conditions and the guide

Famous hiking trails in Monument Valley include the Hunt's Mesa Hike and the Mystery Valley Hike. This time, we will introduce the Hunt's Mesa hike, which is also a dream destination for many photographers

Because this park is under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation and is privately owned, you will need to travel with a local Navajo guide and book a driver-guide in advance through a tour company. There are several Navajo tour companies that you can book online. The choice will depend on price and preferences, but if you're not confident in your English or find it troublesome, it might be easier to have a Japanese tour company handle the tour for you

First, meet your tour guide at the visitor center and head into Monument Valley. Since you've signed up for the tour, you'll be traveling in a four-wheel drive vehicle provided by the tour company, so don't worry

Before heading to the trailhead, we stopped at several viewpoints and continued further into the private land. This is an area that cannot be entered by ordinary vehicles, and there are homes there belonging to people who still live in the valley, and nearby there is a hogan, a dwelling that was once used by the Navajo people. Hogans are dwellings that were born from the wonderful wisdom of the Navajo, and are excellent for keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. (We will provide a detailed explanation of hogans in the next article.)

Since you'll be entering private property, the Navajo residents who live there will give you a brief demonstration and a tour of the inside of the hogan. It depends on the driver guide, but most guides will stop here and ask a Navajo woman who lives there to give you a tour of the inside of the hogan. This is a rare opportunity, so be sure to take a look inside. It's very interesting

Don't forget to give a small tip to the person who introduced you to show your appreciation!

After that, we continued driving. Captivated by the extraordinary scenery, we felt a strange sense of disbelief that we were actually there, but the car continued to go deeper into the valley. Our guide, Johnson, said, "Humans just don't want to listen, but the rocks, trees, and earth are all talking!" When he said that, I wanted to say I understood, I could feel it! I was there. It really did feel that way. Lol

We drove and finally arrived at the trailhead

There were no signs or anything about the Hunts Mesa Trailhead, so we thought it would be impossible to find it on our own

Following our guide Johnson, we finally began our hike across the red earth. With the blue sky, white clouds, red earth, and the towering rock formations before us, it felt as if we had landed on another planet

We walked on a pathless road. There didn't seem to be a trail, and there weren't many signposts like cairns, so I told him that without our guide Johnson, we wouldn't have known which way to go. Johnson replied that there are many ways to get there, and that we should just decide which way to go depending on how we felt that day!

In Japan, the term "power spot" is often used to refer to famous places like Sedona and Mount Shasta, but for me, the power spot is definitely Monument Valley. It's not just the majestic land, but also the culture of the Navajo people who live there, listening to their songs and stories. By listening to them, I feel like I can rediscover the important voice within me, which makes the place even more profoundly special

During the tour, our Navajo guide, Johnson, tells us all sorts of stories about the Navajo. I'm personally interested in Native Americans, but the stories he tells me, his views on the natural world, and other things are all fascinating, as they involve ways of thinking that are completely different from my everyday life and a world I'm unfamiliar with

After walking with Johnson for an hour and a half, we finally reach the challenge that will be the highlight of this hike

A long rope hangs down from a large rock face. Of course, it is not a decoration or anything, it is just for people to climb

You will use a cable to climb the rocky mountain, and a spectacular view will unfold at the end

The moment we saw the rope, we were a little hesitant because of how steep the incline was, but this is always a challenge, and it's one of the joys of walking in unfamiliar territory! This further fueled our ambition

Johnson gave us a thorough lesson on how to climb, and then we all climbed up one by one. It requires strength and balance, but Johnson provided solid support, so everyone made it back safely!

After climbing this steep rocky mountain, it's time for a break and lunch. Feeling as if you're being sucked into the blue sky, you can relax between the majestic sky and the earth

Johnson says that on the Hunts Mesa Trail, you can go further if you want, or you can just sit back and enjoy each spot and take your time. So you can adjust the distance to suit your level

There are murals scattered throughout Monument Valley that you would probably pass by without noticing if you weren't told about them, but by touring with a guide, they will share the messages and meanings behind the murals. This is a place where traces of the lives of ancient indigenous people from long ago remain. In order to protect this sacred area, only Navajo guides are allowed to enter. This makes sense

The Navajo people have been living in this area for at least 500 years, but there was another group of people living here long before they settled here: the Anasazi, an ancient indigenous people

It warms my heart to think that people have been here since ancient times, perhaps looking at the same scenery. Even after so much time has passed, the beauty and powerful energy of this land has surely not changed

Apparently they made their homes here and lived a hunting lifestyle, but at one point they suddenly vanished from this land. No evidence has been found as to where they disappeared to, and although there are hypotheses, the reason has never been proven. Why they left this land and where they went remains a mystery to this day. According to guide Johnson's explanation, they later returned as white people. How they disappeared and how they returned is a mystery that only those who have taken the tour can find out! Lol　

Well, after lunch we started exploring the area and time was running out, so we decided to turn back. We returned the same way we came, but there was no trail so we couldn't find the way without a guide. We went down the same slope we had climbed on the way up. Of course, we went down a rope! It felt even steeper on the way back lol

By the way, this photo was taken in early March. It was a little chilly, but the sun was very strong even in March. We were blessed with good weather, surrounded by endless blue skies and red earth, making it the perfect day for a hike

Hiking deep into Monument Valley and taking your time will open up a whole new world to you

There are some steep slopes and rope climbing sections along the way, but the hike can be tailored to suit your level! If you're interested, please contact us

Kato Sayaka

Leave your Monument Valley hiking to us. Influenced by my father, I've always loved outdoor activities, and while living in Japan, I started hiking and touring national parks, which fascinated me with the natural beauty of America and Canada, which ultimately led me to my dream of coming to America. I currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours created together with customers, such as completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. As a local resident, I'll introduce you to special options that I can only know about. If you're interested, please visit the website below

ANAMI TOURS Official Website