This Route from Moab to Monument Valley Is One of the Most Cinematic Drives in the American Southwest
The drive from Moab to Monument Valley was one of the biggest highlights of our Southwest trip. It’s only about 2.5 hours if you go straight through, but where’s the fun in that?
This stretch of Utah is packed with red rock views, quirky formations, and wild desert scenery that feels like something out of an old Western (and yep, plenty of movies have been filmed here).
In this guide, I’ll show you the best stops along the way, whether you’re squeezing it into a day or stretching it out over a few.
Where Is Monument Valley
Monument Valley is 148 miles from Moab, and the drive takes about 2.5 hours if you don’t stop along the way. It’s right on the border of Utah and Arizona; the state line literally runs through it!
Monument Valley sits on Navajoland and is a tribal park run by Navajo Nation.
Moab To Monument Valley Road Trip (With Map)
Things To Do In Moab
Moab is such a cool little city and the perfect base for exploring the nearby parks. If you’ve got the time, I’d definitely recommend spending a day or two here before heading to Monument Valley, we did, and it was so worth it!
You’ve got not one but two epic National Parks nearby, Arches and Canyonlands, plus the stunning Dead Horse Point State Park, all within 45 minutes of town.
If you’re planning to visit both National Parks and others within the next 12 months, grabbing the America the Beautiful pass is a great way to save some money!
But it’s not only the parks that will keep you busy. Downtown Moab is super walkable and has tons of shops, bars, restaurants, and even a brewery to check out, which we really enjoyed. There are also lots of great outdoor activities like canyoneering, whitewater rafting, and UTV tours.
All in all, Moab has something for everyone!
Wilson’s Arch
The first stop after leaving Moab will be Wilson’s Arch, a cool little roadside spot right off Highway 191. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Moab, sits on BLM land, and is super easy to pull over and visit.
While it’s more of a quick roadside attraction than a full-on destination, it’s definitely worth stopping for a look. You can even do a short walk up to the arch, but it’s a bit of a scramble to get there.
Unfortunately, there’s been a fair bit of vandalism on the arch, which is a real shame, but it’s still a pretty cool place to stop and visit.
Sand Island Petroglyphs
About an hour and 20 minutes from Wilson’s Arch, the Sand Island Petroglyphs are a quick and easy stop along the way.
The carvings are just a short, easy walk from the car park, so there’s no big hike involved. What’s really amazing is the history here, these petroglyphs were created between 800 and 2,500 years ago, all packed onto one stretch of rock!
Valley Of Gods
After a 40-minute drive, you’ll reach the Valley of the Gods, which is Monument Valley’s quieter, less crowded neighbour. I’ll be honest, it’s probably not as mind-blowing as Monument Valley but it’s definitely worth a visit!
The 17-mile loop is completely free to visit and takes about 1-2 hours to drive, depending on how many times you stop to take in the views of the mesas, buttes, and epic red rock formations.
The road is gravel and dirt, but in dry conditions, it’s fine for a normal car, and you won’t need a 4×4. It’s on BLM land, and you can even camp here if you’re up for it, just make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave!
It’s a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy the scenery at a slower pace.
Goosenecks State Park
Just 30 minutes from the Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park is a bit of a hidden gem that’s definitely worth a stop.
It’s only $5 per car to get in, and an extra $10 if you want to camp overnight with the campsites sitting right along the rim for some amazing views. From the edge, you’re 1,000 feet up, looking down at the San Juan River as it twists and turns through the canyon in these crazy river meanders called a gooseneck (hence the park’s name!).
It’s not as well-known as some of the bigger parks, so you won’t be fighting the crowds, which makes it even better. And if you’re into stargazing or night photography, the dark skies here are absolutely incredible!
Mexican Hat
Just 15 minutes from Goosenecks State Park is Mexican Hat, a rather unique rock formation that gets its name because it looks like a sombrero perched on top of a man’s head. It’s a pretty cool sight, with one rock balancing precariously on another.
You can also primitive camp here, which costs $18, and you can pay online.
Nearby, there’s also a small town called Mexican Hat, which a lot of people use as a base for visiting Monument Valley. We didn’t actually stop in the town, but it’s a good spot to grab a meal or fill up on gas if you need to.
Forrest Gump Point
Honestly, this has to be my favourite spot along the journey from Moab to Monument Valley! I loved it so much that we ended up coming back again the very next day. I even dragged James out of bed before sunrise so we could visit while it was quiet, which was totally worth it!
Forrest Gump Point is just a 15-minute drive from Mexican Hat, and you’ll probably recognise it from the movie it’s named after! This iconic spot is where Forrest decided he was done with his run across America, and honestly, the views here are even more amazing in real life.
There are a few places you can pull in safely to take some photos but please be very careful, this is a busy highway! Make sure it’s safe to stop, keep an eye on what’s going on around you, and check for oncoming traffic.
At times, you’ll see lots of people standing in the middle of the highway for that perfect shot. Just be aware of cars and cross the road with plenty of time.
I know this seems super obvious, but I was honestly shocked by how many people weren’t paying attention and were cutting it really fine!
Monument Valley
I can honestly say I’ve never been anywhere quite like Monument Valley! The red, dusty landscape looks almost otherworldly. This is the last stop on your journey from Moab, but there’s still plenty of exploring to do once you’re here.
It’s only a 20-minute drive from Forrest Gump Point, and the drive is really scenic! Monument Valley Tribal Park is on Navajo land and is run by Navajo Nation. Entry costs just $8 per person, and you can drive the 17-mile loop that takes you through the heart of this beautiful landscape.
My favourite spot was John Ford Point, where you get some of the best views of the sandstone buttes from there! While you have to stick to the loop trail, you can book a guided tour with a local Navajo guide if you want to see more of the area.
Once you’ve explored the park, don’t miss the chance to grab some cool photos with the Utah sign on the border, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your road trip!
Where To Stay In Monument Valley
There aren’t tons of places to stay in Monument Valley, but there are a few good options depending on what you’re looking for.
The View Hotel is right by the park entrance and has some of the most incredible views across Monument Valley. Whether you go for a room, a cabin, or a campsite, waking up to that view will be something else.
If you don’t mind being a little further out, Goulding’s Lodge is just a 10-minute drive from the park. It’s tucked right between some stunning rock formations, which makes it feel like its own little slice of the desert.
We stayed at the KOA Campground since we were in a camper, and I honestly thought it was such a cool spot. It’s super close to the park entrance, and the views from the campsite were pretty unreal too.
Moab To Monument Valley FAQ’s
How Much Time Do You Need At Monument Valley?
We spent 2 nights in Monument Valley, but since we arrived later in the evening on the first day, we only had one full day to explore the park.
Honestly, I think one full day is plenty if you get there early enough to make the most of it. But if you’re arriving later in the day, it’s definitely worth staying the night so you can spend the next day exploring without feeling rushed.
Is Moab Close To Monument Valley?
In the grand scheme of things, Moab is pretty close to Monument Valley—it’s about 148 miles away, which is roughly a 2.5-hour drive if you don’t stop. It’s not super close, but it’s totally doable as part of a road trip, especially with all the awesome stops along the way!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Monument Valley?
Spring or fall are the best times to visit Monument Valley since summer gets seriously hot and winter can be freezing!
We visited in April and, honestly, got pretty unlucky with the weather—there were super high winds and even a bit of snow. Luckily, it didn’t last long, and by the second day, it was fine. Apparently, this kind of weather is pretty unusual for that time of year, so we just caught it on an off day!
Final Thoughts
The drive from Moab to Monument Valley is such a cool trip, with loads of great stops along the way. From towering red rock formations to hidden gems like Goosenecks State Park, there’s plenty to see.
If you have the time, I’d definitely recommend spending a day or two in Moab before starting this
