3 Things to Do in Monument Valley

Most people claim they’ve never heard of Monument Valley, until I show them the picture of Forest Gump point. Then they nod, vaguely remembering the scene from Forest Gump when Forest stops running and decides to return home.  

Time causes things that were once popular to fade, like a favorite pair of jeans washed and dried so many times that ink bleeds out with each cycle, leaving only a whisper of their original hue.

Maybe time has caused people to forget the movie Forest Gump and Monument Valley. I’m always surprised when I’m met with blank stares upon mentioning it.

Monument Valley is one of my most favorite spots in the entire country, so it’s strange to me that it’s not more popular.

Sprawled across a lonely byway that runs between Utah and Arizona on the Navajo Nation Reservation, this national monument is at first glance is nothing more than a scattering of naturally occurring sandstone formations.

Once you explore the park, you’ll find that Monument Valley offers adventure, peace, and everything in between.

Read on to discover the Top 3 things to do in Monument Valley.

Forest Gump Point

The most popular part of the park is Forest Gump Point, which technically, lies outside the park itself.

It is literally just a couple of pull-offs from US 163 Scenic Byway where it crests on a hill, offering the stunning and otherworldly view of the valley.

From what I’ve observed, people generally come speeding down the road, swerve over to a pull-off, hop out, run into the middle of the road to get the most Insta-worthy shot, then hop right back into their car and continue on down the byway.

The whole thing can take less than one minute if you’re short on time. But I think the best way to view the unique landscape is to park and stay a while.

The landmarks jut out from the flat earth, the deep blue sky, and puffy clouds a perfect backdrop. Hours can easily slip by while watching the color of the rocks change from brown to rust to red to rosy pink as the sun moves across the sky.  

It almost feels like you’re on another planet entirely.

Drive the Valley

Once you enter the park, you can drive a 17-mile dirt road that winds through the stone structures, giving you an up close and personal look. (Be sure to check the website to make sure that the road is accessible as they only offer guided tours at certain times.)

Make a pit stop at the visitor’s center at the beginning of the drive. There you can learn about how the landmasses were formed and you’ll get a perfect view of the iconic Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.  

Although the loop can be driven in about two hours, it’s fun to slow down and really take in the overwhelming presence of these monuments.

Each pillar is different in size and shape, formed by water and wind erosion over the course of millions of years.

The land feels sacred, ancient, and I believe it has something to do with being on Native land.

It was in Monument Valley and in La Push, Washington – another Native American Reservation – where I felt a strong spiritual energy.

While I’m grateful to live in this country and explore God’s beautiful creation, I think that energy force is a reminder that this land was never ours to begin with.

Along the way, stop and buy some handmade jewelry or dreamcatchers to support the local community. I scored some turquoise jewelry and a dreamcatcher, the latter of which became my favorite decoration in the van.

Horseback Riding, River Rafting and Backcountry Adventures

If taking in the magnificent sights via car doesn’t get your adventurous spirit tingling, there are other ways to tour the area.

Wander the plateaus and buttes via horseback, cruise the nearby San Juan River as an add on to the trip, or book a backpacking trip into the restricted areas of the park.

With multiple companies to choose from, there’s an array of journeys waiting to be taken. Most of these companies are also run by locals, so it’s another great way to support the people who have opened their land for tourists to enjoy.

There you have it – 3 ways to enjoy Monument Valley in all its goodness. Tell me, have you ever been? If so, what was your favorite part?