Top 10 Hotels With Views of Monument Valley

You’ve always dreamed of visiting Monument Valley, haven’t you? That stunning landscape of sandstone buttes and mesas has captured your imagination ever since you first saw photos of it. Now it’s time to start planning your trip to this natural wonder in Navajo Nation. And what better way to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Monument Valley than staying at a hotel with jaw-dropping views of the valley? Monument Valley Hotels

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best hotels around Monument Valley that offer stunning views of the sandstone formations that make this place so iconic. From budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, there’s an option for every travel style. Get ready to be wowed by the beauty of Monument Valley from sunrise to sunset. Your dream trip is calling – it’s time to answer!

Where Is Monument Valley Located?

Are you ready for an adventure in one of the most stunning places in the American Southwest? Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located within the Navajo Nation Reservation in northeastern Arizona, right near the Utah border. The closest towns are Mexican Hat, Utah, and Kayenta, Arizona.

To get there, you’ll take a scenic drive through Red Rock Country on Highway 163. As you approach the park, massive sandstone formations will start coming into view, rising up from the high desert landscape. Your jaw will drop at the beauty of it all. Once inside the park, a 17-mile dirt road loop will take you to many scenic overlooks where you can gaze at iconic monuments like the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Elephant Butte.

This is sacred land to the Navajo people, who have lived here for centuries. Many Navajos still reside within the park boundaries, maintaining their traditional lifestyle. You may encounter sheepherders, weavers, and silversmiths along your drive. The Navajo culture is deeply intertwined with the natural landscape.

The park is open year-round, but the summer months from May to September see the biggest crowds, especially around sunrise and sunset when the golden light illuminates the orange sandstone formations. Spring and fall also offer pleasant weather with smaller crowds. Winters are cold, but that’s when you’ll find the best hotel rates and the smallest crowds.

If you’re looking for a scenic natural wonder and a glimpse into Native American culture, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park should be at the top of your bucket list. The massive monuments, vibrant sunsets, and opportunities for adventure will leave you in awe of this special place. Don’t forget your camera – the scenic beauty here is unparalleled!

What Makes Monument Valley Unique?

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic destinations in the American Southwest! The orange sandstone formations rising from the high desert floor are a sight like no other. Here are a few reasons this place is so special:

The staggering beauty. The colorful monoliths, buttes, and mesas are a photographer’s dream. No filter is needed! The way the rocks change color at sunrise and sunset will take your breath away.

The solitude. Although the valley attracts over a million visitors each year, the sheer size of the place means you can easily find seclusion. The quiet and stillness in the early morning or late evening in particular can lead to moments of peaceful tranquility.

The history. Monument Valley has been inhabited for nearly 1,000 years by Native Americans, predominantly the Navajo people. Ancient petroglyphs and abandoned cliff dwellings show how humans have interacted with this dramatic landscape for centuries.

The adventure. There are so many ways to experience the grandeur of Monument Valley. Go on a scenic drive down the Valley Drive loop road. Take a jeep or horseback tour to access areas most visitors never see. Hike to hidden arches and secret slots. Camp under a sky full of stars. The opportunities for exploration are endless!

From the stunning sandstone formations to the deep connection with history, Monument Valley offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience you’ll never forget. Once you visit this magical place, its beauty will be forever etched in your memory!

What Are the Best Times of Year to Visit Monument Valley?

So you’ve decided to visit the iconic Monument Valley—congratulations! This surreal landscape should be on everyone’s bucket list. The best times of year to experience its vibrant beauty are spring and fall.

Spring (March to May)

The warm weather begins, wildflowers bloom, and the valley comes alive again after winter. Daytime highs in the 60s and 70s F make it perfect for exploring the scenic drives and hiking trails. The summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, so you’ll have more solitude to soak in the scenery.

Fall (September to October)

As the temperatures start to cool again in the fall, the summer tourists dwindle and hotel rates drop. The autumn colors emerge, with the valley glowing in vibrant reds and golds. The daytime weather is still pleasant, ranging from the 50s to 70s F, ideal for outdoor adventures. The low season means smaller crowds and more availability at the view-packed resorts and lodges.

The summer from June to August can be very hot, often over 90 F, and the biggest crowds descend on the valley. Unless you plan to visit at dawn and dusk when temperatures are cooler, summer may not provide the best experience, especially if you want to do any hiking. The winter months typically see very few visitors, but some roads and attractions have limited hours or are closed, and daytime highs are chilly.

Whenever you visit, be sure to catch a sunrise and sunset in the valley—the dramatic colors and shadows dancing over the monoliths will take your breath away. A vibrant sunset or sunrise in Monument Valley should be at the top of your list! With stunning views, smaller crowds, and pleasant weather, spring or fall are ideal times to visit this American icon.

What Activities Are Available Near Monument Valley?

Hiking Trails Galore!

There are so many incredible hiking trails around Monument Valley that you’ll be spoiled for choice! Take a guided hike through Mystery Valley or hunt for Anasazi ruins. For jaw-dropping views, hike to the top of West Mitten Butte or Merrick Butte. The 3.5-mile Wildcat Trail Loop circumnavigates the Mittens and is perfect for sunrise or sunset.

Experience Navajo Culture

Immerse yourself in Navajo culture by taking a tour with a native guide. Learn about Navajo history, arts, and traditions. Watch traditional dances and listen to storytelling around a campfire. Many tours visit authentic Navajo hogans and stop by roadside craft stands where you can buy handmade jewelry, rugs, pottery, and more.

Go Stargazing

The stunning night sky above Monument Valley is a sight to behold thanks to the area’s remote location and low light pollution. Many hotels and campgrounds offer telescopes for stargazing along with guided astronomy tours. You may spot constellations like Orion the Hunter, bright planets like Jupiter and Mars, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

Take a Jeep or Hot Air Balloon Tour

For a thrilling ride through the valley, take an open-air Jeep tour. Bump along dirt roads to famous rock formations and pause for photos. At sunrise or sunset, float peacefully over the mittens in a hot air balloon for a panoramic view of the painted desert below.

Annual Events

Experience Navajo culture at the Monument Valley Balloon Festival and Art Festival in March. In October, the Monument Valley Ultramarathon offers 50K and 100K trail races through stunning scenery. The Navajo Nation Fair in September features a rodeo, traditional food, arts, and dancing.

From hiking to stargazing to learning about Navajo traditions, Monument Valley offers an array of exciting activities for all ages. Come discover the magic of this iconic landscape!

Top 10 Hotels With Jaw-Dropping Views of Monument Valley

The View Motel

You’ll be blown away by the panoramic views of Monument Valley’s scenic sandstone buttes from The View Motel. Located just outside the Navajo Tribal Park, this retro motor lodge puts you in the heart of the action.

Throw open the curtains of your modest room and gaze out at the majestic Mittens and Merrick Butte! When the sun dips low on the horizon, the valley is illuminated in vibrant oranges and reds – it’s a sight you’ll never forget. After watching the spectacular sunset, head to the motel’s restaurant for classic American fare and more unparalleled vistas.

Goulding’s Lodge

For over 80 years, Goulding’s Lodge has been hosting guests in the picturesque Monument Valley. This historic property was founded by Harry Goulding, who helped establish the valley as a tourist destination.

Today, Goulding’s rustic yet comfortable rooms offer unbeatable views of the scenic sandstone formations. You’ll love gazing at the sunset from the patio of the lodge restaurant while enjoying a delicious Navajo taco. They also offer jeep tours, horseback riding, and hiking in the valley – the best way to fully immerse yourself in this magical landscape.

The View Hotel

True to its name, The View Hotel provides jaw-dropping panoramas of Monument Valley’s sandstone buttes and spires from every room. This stylish hotel incorporates traditional Navajo designs and artworks to give guests an authentic experience of the culture. Watch a sea of stars emerge in the night sky from your private balcony, then wake to a picturesque sunrise over the Mittens.

The View Hotel’s upscale restaurant highlights organic, locally sourced ingredients in a menu inspired by Navajo traditions. An on-site museum and gift shop complete your cultural escape.

Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge

Nestled on 14 acres with expansive views of Monument Valley, Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge offers activities to suit every interest. Test your balance rock climbing or mountain biking the trails around the lodge, then unwind in a luxury cabin with a private hot tub and deck overlooking the valley. Handcrafted furnishings and Native American-inspired decor reflect the local culture. Three on-site restaurants provide casual fare, upscale cuisine, and barbecue with live music.

However, if you choose to explore the natural surroundings, the lodge’s ideal location and amenities ensure a memorable getaway in the heart of the American West.

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for? Book your dream getaway to Monument Valley and experience the grandeur of the red rocks from the comfort of an amazing hotel. Whether you want to gaze at the Mittens from your private balcony, soak in a hot tub under a sea of stars, or simply enjoy a delicious meal with a million-dollar view, one of these incredible hotels with stunning vistas of Monument Valley is calling your name.

Close your eyes and imagine waking up to a fiery sunrise igniting the sandstone spires – it will be a sight you never forget. The magic of Monument Valley is best experienced in person, so start planning your adventure today. The open road is waiting!