monument valley stargazing tour

• Reservations
• Fact Sheet Q&A
• Environmental Practices
• Press Reviews
• Getting Here
• Photo Gallery
• Trading Post
• Premium Cabins
• Community Events
• Navajo Guided Tours

• Star Gazing

Book Your Stay

Star gazing in monument valley.

Most visitors to Monument Valley come to see the iconic formations during sunrise or sunset. But while staying overnight they discover the amazing beauty of the stars over Monument Valley. There are only rare evenings when the beauty of monument valley is clouded by cloud cover. And although some full-moon nights may not be the best for astronomers, they are still fabulous for the photographer looking to capture the moon over the mittens in the Valley.

If you are looking for a forcast of the darkest of nights in Monument Valley, the Clear Sky Chart from Natural Bridges is the nearest forecast for dark nights. For a full description of the color codes,  go here , but in short blue for Cloud Cover, Transparency, and Seeing is ideal while black for Darkness makes for the darkest of nights.

For a more scientific and visual look at why Monument Valley is one of the few remaining locations in all of the United States and Europe with naturally dark skies, download the PDF of the  First World Atlas for Artifical Lighting .

Visit the Trading Post

It offers a wide selection of contemporary and traditional American Indian Art, memorabilia of Monument Valley

• Guided Tours
• Photography

The View Hotel

©2019 all rights reserved the view hotel.

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Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use, and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You.

We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Interpretation and Definitions

Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions.

The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

Definitions For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

• You  means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), You can be referred to as the Data Subject or as the User as you are the individual using the Service.
• Company  (referred to as either “the Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to City Baloon Tours, [ADDRESS]. For the purpose of the GDPR, the Company is the Data Controller.
• Affiliate  means an entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party, where “control” means ownership of 50% or more of the shares, equity interest, or other securities entitled to vote for the election of directors or other managing authority.
• Account  means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service.
• Website  refers to City Baloon Tours, accessible from https://cityballoontours.com.
• Service  refers to the Website.
• Country  refers to: United States of America
• Service Provider  means any natural or legal person who processes the data on behalf of the Company. It refers to third-party companies or individuals employed by the Company to facilitate the Service, to provide the Service on behalf of the Company, to perform services related to the Service, or to assist the Company in analyzing how the Service is used. For the purpose of the GDPR, Service Providers are considered Data Processors.
• Third-party Social Media Service  refers to any website or any social network website through which a User can log in or create an account to use the Service.
• Facebook Fan Page  is a public profile named City Baloon Tours specifically created by the Company on the Facebook social network.
• Personal Data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. For the purposes of GDPR, Personal Data means any information relating to You such as a name, an identification number, location data, online identifier, or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity. For the purposes of the CCPA, Personal Data means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with You.
• Cookies  are small files that are placed on Your computer, mobile device, or any other device by a website, containing the details of Your browsing history on that website among its many uses.
• Device  means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone, or a digital tablet.
• Usage Data  refers to data collected automatically, either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit).
• Data Controller , for the purposes of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), refers to the Company as the legal person which alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of the processing of Personal Data.
• Do Not Track  (DNT) is a concept that has been promoted by US regulatory authorities, in particular the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), for the Internet industry to develop and implement a mechanism for allowing Internet users to control the tracking of their online activities across websites.
• Business , for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), refers to the Company as the legal entity that collects Consumers’ personal information and determines the purposes and means of the processing of Consumers’ personal information, or on behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal information, that does business in the State of California.
• Consumer , for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), means a natural person who is a California resident. A resident, as defined in the law, includes (1) every individual who is in the USA for other than a temporary or transitory purpose, and (2) every individual who is domiciled in the USA who is outside the USA for a temporary or transitory purpose.
• Sale , for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a Consumer’s Personal Information to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.

Collecting and Using Your Personal Data

Types of data collected.

Personal Data While using Our Service, We may ask You to provide Us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify You. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:

• Email address
• First name and last name
• Phone number
• City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal code, Country

Usage Data Usage Data is collected automatically when using the Service.

Usage Data may include information such as Your Device’s Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that You visit, the time and date of Your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.

When You access the Service by or through a mobile device, We may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device You use, Your mobile device unique ID, the IP address of Your mobile device, Your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browser You use, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.

We may also collect information that Your browser sends whenever You visit our Service or when You access the Service by or through a mobile device.

Information from Third-Party Social Media Services The Company allows You to create an account and log in to use the Service through the following Third-party Social Media Services:

If You decide to register through or otherwise grant us access to a Third-Party Social Media Service, We may collect Personal data that is already associated with Your Third-Party Social Media Service’s account, such as Your name, Your email address, Your activities or Your contact list associated with that account.

You may also have the option of sharing additional information with the Company through Your Third-Party Social Media Service’s account. If You choose to provide such information and Personal Data, during registration or otherwise, You are giving the Company permission to use, share, and store it in a manner consistent with this Privacy Policy.

Tracking Technologies and Cookies

We use Cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on Our Service and store certain information. Tracking technologies used are beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze Our Service.

You can instruct Your browser to refuse all Cookies or to indicate when a Cookie is being sent. However, if You do not accept Cookies, You may not be able to use some parts of our Service.

Cookies can be “Persistent” or “Session” Cookies. Persistent Cookies remain on your personal computer or mobile device when You go offline, while Session Cookies are deleted as soon as You close your web browser. Learn more about cookies in Wodu’s  “What Are Cookies”  article.

We use both session and persistent Cookies for the purposes set out below:

• Necessary / Essential Cookies Type: Session Cookies Administered by: Us Purpose: These Cookies are essential to provide You with services available through the Website and to enable You to use some of its features. They help to authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use of user accounts. Without these Cookies, the services that You have asked for cannot be provided, and We only use these Cookies to provide You with those services.
• Cookies Policy / Notice Acceptance Cookies Type: Persistent Cookies Administered by: Us Purpose: These Cookies identify if users have accepted the use of cookies on the Website.
• Functionality Cookies Type: Persistent Cookies Administered by: Us Purpose: These Cookies allow us to remember choices You make when You use the Website, such as remembering your login details or language preference. The purpose of these Cookies is to provide You with a more personal experience and to avoid You having to re-enter your preferences every time You use the Website.
• Tracking and Performance Cookies Type: Persistent Cookies Administered by: Third-Parties Purpose: These Cookies are used to track information about traffic to the Website and how users use the Website. The information gathered via these Cookies may directly or indirectly identify you as an individual visitor. This is because the information collected is typically linked to a pseudonymous identifier associated with the device you use to access the Website. We may also use these Cookies to test new advertisements, pages, features, or new functionality of the Website to see how our users react to them.

For more information about the cookies we use and your choices regarding cookies, please visit our Cookie Policy .

Use of Your Personal Data

The Company may use Personal Data for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our Service , including to monitor the usage of our Service.
• To manage Your Account:  to manage Your registration as a user of the Service. The Personal Data You provide can give You access to different functionalities of the Service that are available to You as a registered user.
• For the performance of a contract:  the development, compliance and undertaking of the purchase contract for the products, items or services You have purchased or of any other contract with Us through the Service.
• To contact You:  To contact You by email, telephone calls, SMS, or other equivalent forms of electronic communication, such as a mobile application’s push notifications regarding updates or informative communications related to the functionalities, products or contracted services, including the security updates, when necessary or reasonable for their implementation.
• To provide You  with news, special offers and general information about other goods, services and events which we offer that are similar to those that you have already purchased or enquired about unless You have opted not to receive such information.
• To manage Your requests:  To attend and manage Your requests to Us.

We may share your personal information in the following situations:

• With Service Providers:  We may share Your personal information with Service Providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service, to advertise on third party websites to You after You visited our Service, for payment processing, to contact You.
• For Business transfers:  We may share or transfer Your personal information in connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, sale of Company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business to another company.
• With Affiliates:  We may share Your information with Our affiliates, in which case we will require those affiliates to honor this Privacy Policy. Affiliates include Our parent company and any other subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other companies that We control or that are under common control with Us.
• With Business partners:  We may share Your information with Our business partners to offer You certain products, services or promotions.
• With other users:  when You share personal information or otherwise interact in the public areas with other users, such information may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside. If You interact with other users or register through a Third-Party Social Media Service, Your contacts on the Third-Party Social Media Service may see Your name, profile, pictures and description of Your activity. Similarly, other users will be able to view descriptions of Your activity, communicate with You and view Your profile.

Retention of Your Personal Data

The Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use Your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.

The Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.

Transfer of Your Personal Data

Your information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company’s operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.

Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.

The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information.

Disclosure of Your Personal Data

Business Transactions If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.

Law enforcement Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).

Other legal requirements The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

• Comply with a legal obligation
• Protect and defend the rights or property of the Company
• Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
• Protect the personal safety of Users of the Service or the public
• Protect against legal liability

Security of Your Personal Data

The security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Detailed Information on the Processing of Your Personal Data

Service Providers have access to Your Personal Data only to perform their tasks on Our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

Analytics We may use third-party Service providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service.

• Google Analytics Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google uses the data collected to track and monitor the use of our Service. This data is shared with other Google services. Google may use the collected data to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network. You can opt-out of having made your activity on the Service available to Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. The add-on prevents the Google Analytics JavaScript (ga.js, analytics.js, and dc.js) from sharing information with Google Analytics about visits activity. For more information on the privacy practices of Google, please visit the Google Privacy & Terms web page:  https://policies. google .com/privacy?hl=en .

Email Marketing We may use Your Personal Data to contact You with newsletters, marketing or promotional materials, and other information that may be of interest to You. You may opt-out of receiving any, or all, of these communications from Us by following the unsubscribe link or instructions provided in any email We send or by contacting Us.

Behavioral Remarketing The Company uses remarketing services to advertise on third party websites to You after You visited our Service. We and Our third-party vendors use cookies to inform, optimize, and serve ads based on Your past visits to our Service.

• Google Ads (AdWords) Google Ads (AdWords) remarketing service is provided by Google Inc. You can opt-out of Google Analytics for Display Advertising and customize the Google Display Network ads by visiting the Google Ads Settings page:  http://www.google.com/settings/ads . Google also recommends installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on –  https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout  – for your web browser. Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on provides visitors with the ability to prevent their data from being collected and used by Google Analytics. For more information on the privacy practices of Google, please visit the Google Privacy & Terms web page:  https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en .
• Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) Remarketing Bing Ads remarketing service is provided by Microsoft Inc. You can opt-out of Bing Ads interest-based ads by following their instructions:  https://advertise.bingads.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/policies/personalized-ads . You can learn more about the privacy practices and policies of Microsoft by visiting their Privacy Policy page:  https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/PrivacyStatement .
• Twitter Twitter remarketing service is provided by Twitter Inc. You can opt-out from Twitter’s interest-based ads by following their instructions:  https://support.twitter.com/articles/20170405 . You can learn more about the privacy practices and policies of Twitter by visiting their Privacy Policy page:  https://twitter.com/privacy .
• Facebook Facebook remarketing service is provided by Facebook Inc. You can learn more about interest-based advertising from Facebook by visiting this page:  https://www.facebook.com/help /1649686938 37950 . To opt-out from Facebook’s interest-based ads, follow these instructions from Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/help /5681374933 02217 . Facebook adheres to the Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioural Advertising established by the Digital Advertising Alliance. You can also opt-out from Facebook and other participating companies through the Digital Advertising Alliance in the USA  http://www.aboutads.info/choices/ , the Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada in Canada  http://youradchoices.ca/  or the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance in Europe  http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/ , or opt-out using your mobile device settings. For more information on the privacy practices of Facebook, please visit Facebook’s Data Policy:  https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation .
• AdRoll AdRoll remarketing service is provided by Semantic Sugar, Inc. You can opt-out of AdRoll remarketing by visiting this AdRoll Advertising Preferences web page:  http://info.evidon.com/pub_info/573?v=1&nt=1&nw=false . For more information on the privacy practices of AdRoll, please visit the AdRoll Privacy Policy web page:  http://www.adroll.com/about/privacy
• Perfect Audience Perfect Audience remarketing service is provided by NowSpots Inc. You can opt-out of Perfect Audience remarketing by visiting these pages: Platform Opt-out (http://pixel.prfct.co/coo) and Partner Opt-out (http://ib.adnxs.com/optout). For more information on the privacy practices of Perfect Audience, please visit the Perfect Audience Privacy Policy & Opt-out web page:  https://www.perfectaudience.com/privacy/index.html .

We may provide paid products and/or services within the Service. In that case, we may use third-party services for payment processing (e.g. payment processors).

We will not store or collect Your payment card details. That information is provided directly to Our third-party payment processors whose use of Your personal information is governed by their Privacy Policy. These payment processors adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. PCI-DSS requirements help ensure the secure handling of payment information.

• Stripe Their Privacy Policy can be viewed at  https://stripe.com/us/privacy .

When You use Our Service to pay for a product and/or service via bank transfer, We may ask You to provide information to facilitate this transaction and to verify Your identity.

GDPR Privacy

Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data under GDPR We may process Personal Data under the following conditions:

• Consent:  You have given Your consent for processing Personal Data for one or more specific purposes.
• Performance of a contract:  Provision of Personal Data is necessary for the performance of an agreement with You and/or for any pre-contractual obligations thereof.
• Legal obligations:  Processing Personal Data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Company is subject.
• Vital interests:  Processing Personal Data is necessary in order to protect Your vital interests or of another natural person.
• Public interests:  Processing Personal Data is related to a task that is carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the Company.
• Legitimate interests:  Processing Personal Data is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the Company.

In any case, the Company will gladly help to clarify the specific legal basis that applies to the processing, and in particular whether the provision of Personal Data is a statutory or contractual requirement, or a requirement necessary to enter into a contract.

Your Rights under the GDPR The Company undertakes to respect the confidentiality of Your Personal Data and to guarantee You can exercise Your rights.

You have the right under this Privacy Policy, and by law, if You are within the EU, to:

• Request access to Your Personal Data.   The right to access, update, or delete the information We have on You. Whenever made possible, you can access, update, or request the deletion of Your Personal Data directly within Your account settings section. If you are unable to perform these actions yourself, please contact Us to assist You. This also enables You to receive a copy of the Personal Data We hold about You.
• Request correction of the Personal Data that We hold about You.   You have the right to have any incomplete or inaccurate information We hold about You corrected.
• Object to processing of Your Personal Data.   This right exists where We are relying on legitimate interest as the legal basis for Our processing and there is something about Your particular situation, which makes You want to object to our processing of Your Personal Data on this ground. You also have the right to object where We are processing Your Personal Data for direct marketing purposes.
• Request erasure of Your Personal Data.   You have the right to ask Us to delete or remove Personal Data when there is no good reason for Us to continue processing it.
• Request the transfer of Your Personal Data.   We will provide to You, or to a third-party You have chosen, Your Personal Data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format. Please note that this right only applies to automated information which You initially provided consent for Us to use or where We used the information to perform a contract with You.
• Withdraw Your consent.   You have the right to withdraw Your consent on using your Personal Data. If You withdraw Your consent, We may not be able to provide You with access to certain specific functionalities of the Service.

Exercising of Your GDPR Data Protection Rights You may exercise Your rights of access, rectification, cancellation, and opposition by contacting Us. Please note that we may ask You to verify Your identity before responding to such requests. If You make a request, We will try our best to respond to You as soon as possible.

You have the right to complain to a Data Protection Authority about Our collection and use of Your Personal Data. For more information, if You are in the European Economic Area (EEA), please contact Your local data protection authority in the EEA.

Facebook Fan Page

Data Controller for the Facebook Fan Page The Company is the Data Controller of Your Personal Data collected while using the Service. As the operator of our Facebook Fan Page, the Company and the operator of the social network Facebook are Joint Controllers.

The Company has entered into agreements with Facebook that define the terms for use of the Facebook Fan Page, among other things. These terms are mostly based on the Facebook Terms of Service:  https://www.facebook.com/terms.php .

Visit the Facebook Privacy Policy  https://www.facebook.com/policy.php  for more information about how Facebook manages Personal data or contact Facebook online, or by mail: Facebook, Inc. ATTN, Privacy Operations, 1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States.

Facebook Insights We use the Facebook Insights function in connection with the operation of the Facebook Fan Page and on the basis of the GDPR, in order to obtain anonymized statistical data about Our users.

For this purpose, Facebook places a Cookie on the device of the user visiting Our Facebook Fan Page. Each Cookie contains a unique identifier code and remains active for a period of two years, except when it is deleted before the end of this period.

Facebook receives, records and processes the information stored in the Cookie, especially when the user visits the Facebook services, services that are provided by other members of the Facebook Fan Page and services by other companies that use Facebook services.

For more information on the privacy practices of Facebook, please visit Facebook Privacy Policy here:  https://www.facebook.com/full_data_use_policy .

CCPA Privacy

Your Rights under the CCPA Under this Privacy Policy, and by law if You are a resident of California, You have the following rights:

• The right to notice.   You must be properly notified which categories of Personal Data are being collected and the purposes for which the Personal Data is being used.
• The right to access / the right to request.   The CCPA permits You to request and obtain from the Company information regarding the disclosure of Your Personal Data that has been collected in the past 12 months by the Company or its subsidiaries to a third-party for the third party’s direct marketing purposes.
• The right to say no to the sale of Personal Data.   You also have the right to ask the Company not to sell Your Personal Data to third parties. You can submit such a request by visiting our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” section or web page.
• The categories of Personal Data collected
• The sources from which the Personal Data was collected
• The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling the Personal Data
• Categories of third parties with whom We share Personal Data
• The specific pieces of Personal Data we collected about You
• The right to delete Personal Data.   You also have the right to request the deletion of Your Personal Data that has been collected in the past 12 months.
• Denying goods or services to You
• Charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties
• Providing a different level or quality of goods or services to You
• Suggesting that You will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.

Exercising Your CCPA Data Protection Rights In order to exercise any of Your rights under the CCPA, and if you are a California resident, You can email or call us or visit our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” section or web page.

The Company will disclose and deliver the required information free of charge within 45 days of receiving Your verifiable request. The time period to provide the required information may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary and with prior notice.

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

We do not sell personal information. However, the Service Providers we partner with (for example, our advertising partners) may use technology on the Service that “sells” personal information as defined by the CCPA law.

If you wish to opt out of the use of your personal information for interest-based advertising purposes and these potential sales as defined under CCPA law, you may do so by following the instructions below.

Please note that any opt-out is specific to the browser You use. You may need to opt-out on every browser that you use.

Website You can opt-out of receiving ads that are personalized as served by our Service Providers by following our instructions presented on the Service:

• From their “Cookie Consent” notice banner
• Or from their “CCPA Opt-out” notice banner
• Or from their “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” notice banner
• Or from their “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link

The opt out will place a cookie on Your computer that is unique to the browser You use to opt out. If you change browsers or delete the cookies saved by your browser, you will need to opt out again.

Mobile Devices Your mobile device may give you the ability to opt out of the use of information about the apps you use in order to serve you ads that are targeted to your interests:

• “Opt out of Interest-Based Ads” or “Opt out of Ads Personalization” on Android devices
• “Limit Ad Tracking” on iOS devices

You can also stop the collection of location information from Your mobile device by changing the preferences on your mobile device.

“Do Not Track” Policy as Required by California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)

Our Service does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

However, some third party websites do keep track of Your browsing activities. If You are visiting such websites, You can set Your preferences in Your web browser to inform websites that You do not want to be tracked. You can enable or disable DNT by visiting the preferences or settings page of Your web browser.

Children’s Privacy

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. If You are a parent or guardian and You are aware that Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We become aware that We have collected Personal Data from anyone under the age of 13 without verification of parental consent, We take steps to remove that information from Our servers.

Your California Privacy Rights (California’s Shine the Light law)

Under California Civil Code Section 1798 (California’s Shine the Light law), California residents with an established business relationship with us can request information once a year about sharing their Personal Data with third parties for the third parties’ direct marketing purposes.

If you’d like to request more information under the California Shine the Light law, You can contact Us using the contact information provided below.

California Privacy Rights for Minor Users (California Business and Professions Code Section 22581)

California Business and Professions Code section 22581 allows California residents under the age of 18 who are registered users of online sites, services, or applications to request and obtain removal of content or information they have publicly posted.

To request removal of such data, and if you are a California resident, You can contact Us using the contact information provided below, and include the email address associated with Your account.

Be aware that Your request does not guarantee complete or comprehensive removal of content or information posted online and that the law may not permit or require removal in certain circumstances.

Links to Other Websites

Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. If You click on a third party link, You will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise You to review the Privacy Policy of every site You visit.

We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify You of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

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Sorting, ranking, and search results

City Baloon Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Baloon Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Accessibility

Online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation.

City Baloon Tours Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• cityballoontours.com
• September 1, 2024

Compliance status

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation.

• Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website. These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
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Monument Valley Stargazing Tour

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

The adventure begins with a brief introduction from your Navajo guide who will then embark you on an unforgettable journey into Monument Valley. Your guide will navigate you to where the stars are at their brightest. Enjoy the luxury of exploring the area and watch your guide bring the stars to life through story telling, and live performances. Behind the breathtaking Mesas, Buttes, Spires, and Arches; There are hidden stories waiting to be told.

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

Monument Valley Stargazing Tour: $75

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Pick-up & Drop-off at View Hotel Lobby
• Local Navajo Guide
• Pick-up from KOA campground (MUST CALL FOR DEPARTURE TIME)

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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What to Expect from an Overnight Tour

Many people who plan to visit Monument Valley dream of doing so during the daytime, when the sunlight paints the towering rock formations in bright colors and casts dramatic shadows across the desert landscape. However, at Monument Valley Safari, we offer nighttime tours that can be equally memorable, if not more so, than visiting this historic landmark during the day.

Here are our favorite reasons to book an overnight tour of Monument Valley with our experienced tour guides.

Unparalleled Stargazing If you’re like most people, you can’t see very many stars in the area where you live due to light pollution. Street lamps and lights pouring out of buildings may be warm and welcoming at night, but they also block our view of all but the brightest stars and planets, even under clear skies. However, in Monument Valley, there are few electric lights from nearby homes and businesses to obstruct the stars from shining their brightest.

When camping under the stars, you’ll get to gaze up at the same incredible, unimpeded view of the night sky that the earliest Anasazi and Navajo residents of the Monument Valley area experienced. If you’re not already an avid astronomer, make sure to buy a star guide before your trip so you can enjoy identifying stars and constellations as the vast Milky Way spreads out like a glittering carpet above your head.

Experience a Full Moon Like Never Before A full moon is always a beautiful sight to see, but it’s even more dramatic in Monument Valley. As the moon rises, it bathes the rugged sandstone rock formations in a silvery light, setting the stage for some of the most incredible photos you’ll love to share with all your friends and online followers. You’ll also love how the full moon creates an interplay between light and shadow across the valley. You’ve never seen the moon quite like this!

Book Your Unforgettable Monument Valley Tour Today Monument Valley Safari is proud to be the leading tour company for Monument Valley. This land is part of the Navajo Reservation, and we are a Navajo Nation-owned business. If you’re ready to plan a desert getaway you’ll remember for a lifetime, contact us to arrange one of our nighttime or daytime tours.

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The Milky Way at Monument Valley

As the day transitions into night, an extraordinary transformation takes place in the heart of Monument Valley. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, this iconic destination offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the grandeur of our galaxy.

What Is The Milky Way?

The Milky Way, our home galaxy, is a collection of between 100 and 400 billion stars. The brilliance of billions of stars merges into a breathtaking tapestry, casting a gentle white glow. At the core of this cosmic marvel lies a supermassive black hole, a force that exerts its gravitational influence, holding each star in place.

With its remote location and minimal light pollution, Monument Valley offers an unparalleled canvas for the Milky Way to show its true majesty.

Best Ways to View the Milky Way

First, timing is crucial to seeing the Milky Way. In North America, the prime months for visibility are during the summer, from June through August. During this period, the Milky Way reaches its zenith, making it the perfect time for viewing. 

Second, you need a dark sky devoid of excessive light pollution to truly appreciate the Milky Way. The absence of light pollution in Monument Valley provides a rare opportunity to experience the Milky Way. Venture to remote spots within the valley where artificial lights and minimal and drink in the mesmerizing beauty.

Lastly, clear skies are essential for unobstructed views of the Milky Way. Cloudy nights obscure much of the celestial beauty, so stay updated on the weather so you can plan for the best view. It’s also important to consider the moon’s phase and rise set time so it doesn’t diminish the viewing experience.

Other Night Sky Sights to Look For

Meteor showers : .

While the Milky Way reigns supreme, watch for meteor showers that often grace the night sky. With its unobstructed view, Monument Valley offers a front-row seat to witness shooting stars streaking across the galaxy. The Perseid Meteor Shower typically takes place between July 17 and August 24, so if you visit during that time, you may be treated to a show.

Planetary Delights:  

While basking in the glow of the Milky Way, remember to explore other celestial wonders. With the help of stargazing apps or astronomical charts, you can identify and observe planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, which often adorn the night sky.

Constellations:  

Monument Valley’s unpolluted skies offer an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of many constellations. Depending on when you visit, you can often identify prominent constellations and marvel at the intricate details. 

The Majesty of the Milky Way in Monument Valley

With its majestic landscapes and pristine skies, Monument Valley serves as an extraordinary stage for the Milky Way. Embrace the darkness, witness the galaxy’s breathtaking beauty, and let your imagination soar. 

Whether you’re a photographer, avid stargazer, or simply a lover of nature’s wonders, experiencing the Milky Way at Monument Valley will leave a mark on your soul. So, pack your bags, venture into the desert, and prepare to be mesmerized. 

Goulding’s Lodge , nestled in the heart of Monument Valley, is a destination that promises to enhance your stay and provide an unforgettable experience, particularly when it comes to viewing the mesmerizing Milky Way. Book your visit today .

Travel Photography Blog

Inspiration for active, independent travel off-the-beaten-path

Welcome to our blog! About us…

Kim has been traveling independently to far-flung regions since 1995, often spending a month at a time to explore a destination more fully. Much research is spent studying and planning each itinerary to seek out unique places and experiences that are often off the beaten path. She loves hiking adventures, cultural interactions, ruins and surreal landscapes. Favorite destinations so far include Namibia, Jordan, New Zealand, Machu Picchu, Alaska, Arizona, China, Panama, Sri Lanka, Italy & Bhutan.

Her photographs have appeared in numerous print and online travel publications including National Geographic Traveler, Wanderlust magazine, Outpost, Travel Abroad, guide books, textbooks, calendars, travel brochures and commercial advertisements, and have placed in many contests including National Geographic Travel photography contest, and 1st runner up in the emerging talent category in TPOTY, UK's Travel Photographer of the Year. She is represented by picture stock agencies such as Getty Images, istock, Alamy and Robert Harding World Imagery.

She is available to work with tourism boards or specific tour companies to help promote new adventures through visual imagery. Contact her to discuss opportunities.

Kim and David led small groups on photography tours through their company, Unique Photo Tours, for six years. This blog was created when their tour business was operating back in 2009. Although the exposure is no longer needed to generate interest for their tours, Kim continues to post entries from her travels to share information and photo tips about places and experiences on this fascinating planet. This blog was recently listed among the Top Travel Photography Blogs by Feedspot in July 2017.

David has been shooting since he was a wee lad experimenting with macro shots of bugs and freezing the fast action of falling objects and water. He has been a professional photographer for many years. His preference in photography involves complicated lighting set ups (we're talking a minimum of ten lights) on-location or in a studio to create compelling character portraits. He is an experienced editorial, corporate and commercial photographer, and his work has appeared on billboards, print advertisements and business websites.

He operated Bravo! Photography Studio until closing that business to pursue marketing and sales in 2014. His stellar images of talented dancers and models can be still be seen on Bravo!, and his travel images or how-to articles can be seen on earlier pages of this blog. Nowadays he prefers to stay at home, but can occasionally be convinced to travel with the family on short trips. His love of technology, using the latest photo gear and creating unusual portraits keep him shooting on the side.

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Kim has been traveling independently to far-flung regions since 1995, often spending a month at a time to explore a destination more fully. Much research is spent studying and planning each itinerary to seek out unique places and experiences that are often off the beaten path. She loves hiking adventures, cultural interactions, ruins and surreal landscapes. Favorite destinations so far include Namibia, Jordan, New Zealand, Machu Picchu, Alaska, Arizona, China, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Italy & Bhutan.

Her photographs have appeared in numerous print and online travel publications including National Geographic Traveler, Wanderlust magazine, Outpost, Travel Abroad, guide books, textbooks, calendars, travel brochures and commercial advertisements, and have placed in many contests including National Geographic Travel photography contest, and 1st runner up in the emerging talent category in TPOTY, Travel Photographer of the Year. She is represented by picture stock agencies such as Getty Images, istock, Alamy and Robert Harding World Imagery.

What a View…Capturing stars in Monument Valley

Last month my family and I traveled to northeastern Arizona over spring break, and stayed at a unique lodge at Monument Valley that certainly deserved its name, The View . Built in 2008 on a sandy ridge, every room at this Navajo owned hotel features a balcony that faces the famous rocky formations known as Merrick Butte and the Mittens. The balconies are private, allowing guests to wander out with a coffee at sunrise in their pj’s and appreciate the same views featured in so many movies from John Wayne & Clint Eastwood westerns to the Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp. Or step out on your balcony at midnight for a little astrophotography. Capturing stars in Monument Valley has never been easier!

Or watch the sun set, patiently waiting and watching to see if the setting sun will ignite any of the formations for a split second. Like it did here on Merrick Butte.

Or even sneak out half-dressed in the moonlight to stare at the silhouettes.

Monument Valley, Arizona

The skies are inky dark in most of Arizona. I couldn’t wait to experiment with a little astrophotography. Shooting the monuments was incredibly convenient from our hotel room. I simply set up my tripod on the balcony, set an alarm, woke up periodically throughout the night, walked 3 steps to my camera, and clicked a few frames to capture the brilliant arc of stars above those iconic formations. Spill light from the dining room at the far left of the building cast a golden glow on the sand, illuminating the desert foreground without having to light paint with an LED light. We didn’t shell out an extra $100 more a night to stay in one of the StarView rooms on the 3rd floor, which feature unobstructed views of night skies from the ceiling-less balcony. But our views from the 2nd floor in a room located at the far right of the hotel were stunning. From here we could even capture the Milky Way over the Mittens.

This hotel is the only lodging that has this view. And it’s the only hotel that sits inside the Navajo Tribal Park at Monument Valley, where Navajos have lived for more than 500 years. This is their land, and you need a Navajo guide to explore anywhere beyond the 17 mile dirt road that circles the monuments. The lodge does not provide any tours but instead provides a list of 18 recommended Navajo led jeep or horse tour companies for guests to contact on their own.

Balcony at our room at The View

I signed up for 3 different tours using an online reservations system for one of the operators. The first tour was for stargazing. Nobody wanted to join me so I planned to go alone. My daughter wanted to join the Monument Valley sunrise and cultural tour which left at 6am, and my husband was keen on joining the afternoon tour to Mystery Valley. My guide met me at the hotel when we arrived at 6pm. What did I want to photograph? And why 3am , he wanted to know. Well, I knew there were many arches scattered throughout Monument Valley–and I had hoped to shoot the Milky Way through one facing southwest. And the core of the Milky Way Galaxy would be visible between 3:30-5am according to the PhotoPills app on my iphone. He pondered, then nodded in agreement. Outside the sky was very cloudy. I asked about sky conditions. He shrugged his shoulders. Could change , he said simply.

He offered to call me at 2:30am and report on the sky conditions. If cloudy, we’d cancel and shoot for the next night.

It’s hard to sleep when you’re excited. I was awake when he called. It’s good, he said. Great! Before I hung up he said, And bring your daughter. We won’t have time to come back and get her for sunrise. I winced. She was sound asleep. Would she bail on the sunrise tour if she had to come now? Would the tour then be cancelled for just one participant? He must’ve noticed my hesitation. She can sleep in the back of the truck. Bring pillow and blanket.

Luckily my daughter was a great sport and groggily pulled on leggings and jeans, fleece layers, gloves, hat and winter jacket with barely a murmur, and away we went. Yes, it was spring. But temps were dipping into the low 30s at night in late March. Our guide handed me a coffee, and we slipped into his heated suburban and began our bumpy slow journey across the sandy rutted terrain. He provided facts about the flora and fauna as he drove in a soft low voice that lulled my daughter fast asleep in the backseat.

Capturing stars in Monument Valley

After an hour we arrived at the first location. Clouds had disappeared and the Milky Way looked brilliant. But the arch was very far away and looked more like a tiny hole high in the rock. My guide pointed our the Morning Star perfectly aligned to  peek through the opening.

I took a few shots but it wasn’t at all what I had envisioned. He drove me to 3 other possibilities–one required walking 10-15 minutes through sandy dunes in the dark–then drove to our final possibility. You decide , he said. We have time for one location.  

When he led me to the last spot, I knew instantly. This was it.

We were standing in a cavernous space with a giant arched opening and a natural sky light window carved by wind in the very top. It was the perfect setting for my wide angle lens. And the Milky Way, which was brilliantly visible beyond the arch. I was half-tempted to wake my daughter, but decided to let her sleep.

Time was fast disappearing, so I quickly set up my tripod and prepared to take some long exposures with my 14mm Rokinon lens. Wanting a person in the frame to provide scale, I hit the 10 sec timer on my camera and ran into position while my guide provided background light to illuminate my silhouette. I had time to take 5 shots.

Encounters in a sacred tribal land…

Once upon a time, Anasazi had lived here, my guide told me. He spoke of the petroglyphs, hand prints and figures, that were etched into the sandstone walls (which we later saw in daylight on our sunrise tour). I tried to imagine what life was like for the Anasazi living in this mysterious place. And sleeping here. Did they huddle together to keep warm in the snow? Were they protected from rain? Strong winds and stormy nights must’ve been a drag.

But imagine those warm summer nights lying underneath those dazzling stars… staring at the constellations, falling stars, or the Milky Way as you slowly drifted asleep.

They, too, had a room with a view.

Photo tips for capturing stars in Monument Valley:

Bring a quality 14mm lens to capture the night sky. The Rokinon 14mm  f/2.8 is what I use, and highly recommend. Don’t dismiss this little lens because it’s cheap. It actually performs BETTER  than expensive Nikon, Canon, Sony wide angle lenses! (And at a quarter of their price.) This is due to the Rokinon’s superior aspherical lens elements that have the built-in capacity to correct coma — which in lay terms means you can capture stars without elongating them into little blurry UFO’s in your picture.  Stars will be sharply recorded as stars.

Know your equipment so you’re not wasting valuable time fumbling in the dark. Know how to manually focus your lens.

Set up your camera in advance back in the hotel room: white balance to tungsten, infinity focus, noise reduction off, ISO 6400, 20-30 sec exposure, f2.8, self-timer if desired.

Have realistic expectations: aim for 1 killer shot in a 3 hour stargazing tour (around 2 hours is spent traveling in the jeep). I took 10 shots total.

Apply for a photo permit FAR in advance. All images shot in Monument Valley (other than for personal use) require a Navajo photo permit. I applied 6 weeks in advance for both Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly permits. Know that each Navajo park requires separate permits–$50 application fee PER PARK, plus whatever fee the headquarters in Window Rock specifies for the daily rate which can be $100 per day. Canyon de Chelly was $150 just to apply, plus $100 daily rate. Once you’ve sent in money orders and applications, prepare to keep emailing, calling, texting…Good luck!

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William Kijek - Can you take good astrophotography pictures from the View Hotel? Can you capture the Milky Way?

admin - Pretty good shots of the Milky Way…there is some light pollution from the hotel when you’re shooting from the balconies or deck, but it lights up the foreground which is kinda nice since there’s no light painting allowed. Plus how convenient to simply have everything ready to go in your bedroom–just set your alarm and step outside on your balcony! The ultimate astro shots are from inside the park though…and you have to hire a local native guide like explained in the blog post. This was my favorite shot of my entire trip (milky way through the window in the cave).

Meghan Miranda - Wow, Kim! I’m floored by the arch and window Milky Way photo. I’m always so impressed by the precise nature of astrophotography—both in camera settings and in knowing where the Milky Way will rise. Sounds like you really got both aspects dialed on this adventure.

Cindy Baker - Amazing photos! I’d be just as excited to come upon that cave shot. You did a fantastic job to capture it in a limited amount of time.

admin - Thanks, Meghan! I was so happy that my Navajo guide knew where to take me–it was better than I had envisioned! And so cool to know that the Ancient Ones shared the very same view eons before me.

admin - Thanks, Cindy. It’s surprising how fast time goes when you’re intent on getting the shot!

Roy Entwisle - One of my dreams is to view and photograph the milky way galaxy un polluted from light while camping in Monument Valley. Eventually I will make it happen.

Kim - Yes, it is a worthwhile dream! I truly hope you make it happen. 😉

Kathy Moroney - Would you mind sharing what company you used for this tour?

Kim - Hi Kathy, I believe it was Monument Valley Holiday Safari/Private Jeep Tours Owner – Nate Holiday Monument Valley, UT 84536 Phone: (435) 727-3340

Tara Hudson - Pardon my ignorance , but why do you have to apply for a photo permit? Is this just if you want to sell your photography? I’m going in a couple of weeks. Beginner photog here. I’m just praying I can get my settings right. I. Saving your article! Thanks for the info! Tara

Kim - My understanding is as long as you don’t post your images anywhere you won’t need a photo permit. But you should contact them to see current requirements. Good luck with capturing the Milky Way!

Pallu - So you mean to say that if I take photos and post on Instagram – FB , send to others via email, I need a permit to take photos. Where do I apply for that permit. I am not any professional photographer but need help learning the settings for my cannon PowerShot SX70 HS

Kim - Rules change all the time…I would contact the park directly and ask them.

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Monument Valley: The Ultimate First Timer’s Travel Itinerary

Most of you know Monument Valley because Forest Gump ran across America. Pictures of the famous Highway 163 with towering red monuments in the background are sprawled across Instagram, from the park’s 350,000 visitors a year.

What To Expect: Driving through Monument Valley was somewhat shocking for us – and we’d almost compare it to a bit of culture shock . Being from Kentucky, neither of us had spent a ton of time out West and we weren’t prepared for the spectacular landscapes. From the swirling red desert to the towering monuments… it somewhat felt surreal . On our trip through the Southwest, we had already been to the Grand Canyon and we were still overwhelmed by the beauty of it all!

Monument Valley Navajo Park stretches across the 26,000 square mile Navajo Reservation in Utah and Arizona. The entrance to the park is in Utah – but you’ll technically be driving through the Arizona side to see all of the most famous rock formations.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO How Much Does Monument Valley Cost? $20 Per Car ** Park Hours: Hours change with the seasons. Check here. Is Monument Valley In Arizona or Utah? Both. Best Time To Go To Monument Valley? Spring and Fall. Best Hotels: Goulding’s Lodge , The View Hotel Closest Airport: Page Airport Can I Use My US National Park Pass: No

** There is an additional $6 a person fee if your car has more than 4 people, and ages 9 and under are free. This cost does not include guided tour tickets. At the time of writing this article – normal private car tours have not resumed. Make sure to book your tickets in advance! (See guided tours below!)

Navajo History

While most people know Monument Valley by its common name – the park also has a Navajo name: Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii. No tour of these fascinating monoliths would be complete without sharing the history of the people whose land you’re driving on!

The first peoples to inhabit the area were the Anasazi Indians in 1200 B.C.E. There is still evidence of their dwellings and pictograph cave drawings in protected areas around Monument Valley. (To access these historic relics – see the Mystery Valley tour below!)

Spanish settlers from the 17-18th century frequently roamed the parts of the desert but there is little evidence that they ever entered or found Monument Valley. With frequent clashes between the Spanish and the Navajo who called themselves Dine, (in English ‘The People’), no outsiders have ever truly settled in what the Navajo considered a sacred place.

• The Spiritual Background of Monument Valley: To the Navajo people, different parts of this region represent different things spiritually. Some spaces between the monoliths were considered ‘doors’ while others were considered the hands of dieties.

The Navajo people did not officially own this tract of land until the late 1920s/early 1930s. That’s less than 100 years!! Now home to the Navajo Nation, over 100 people from the Navajo tribe still live and work in the valley to manage and preserve this natural wonder. Other Navajo Tribal Parks include Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Dine’ Heritage Area, Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park, and Little Colorado River Gorge.

• FUN FACT: Wild horses can still be seen roaming in Monument Valley! The Navajo people help manage the herds that run in Utah Valley, and there are regular ponies belonging to the tribe rounded up in pens near the scenic loop.

With all that the Navajo people have endured over the years due to settlers, please be deeply respectful. Don’t carve anything into their land and practice strict Leave No Trace principles!

Monument Valley Driving Tours

If you’re doing a self-paced tour through Monument Valley – you’ll likely be able to cover the 17 miles of the park in one day. This is what we did and absolutely loved it for our first time there.

NEW REGULATIONS AS OF 2021 At the time of writing this article – the Navajo Nation had just reopened the park. To do the full 17-mile Monument Valley scenic loop drive – you will have to book a tour. Private vehicles are not allowed at this time to limit capacity and protect the health and safety of the Navajo people. Before planning your trip – make sure to book in advance with one of the tour options we’ve shared below. If you’re willing to risk getting a tour or not, you can also potentially get a spot in one of the daily tours at the parks Visitors Center. Spots are not guaranteed.

After entering the park from Highway 163, visit the visitors center to pay your $20 visitors fee. Take a moment to walk around and look at the exhibits featuring local geology and Navajo culture!

You may then start your driving tour of Monument Valley past The View Campground.

P.S. Something we loved about visiting Monument Valley that you’ll notice right away: it’s not corporate. Even with the sheer volume of people who visit every year – it’s still a local feeling operation and feels like one of the more authentic American experiences!

• Driving Speed: We went no more than 20 miles and hour throughout our entire tour. If you’re short on time – don’t plan to rush through. Just see what you can see!

Scenic Driving Points

There is so much to see on the Scenic Loop – you could go back three or four times and notice something new every time. With that being said – there are a few major formations and gorgeous viewpoints that your guide will point out right away! (Even if you’re not with a guide – most of these fascinating waypoints are pretty easily identified.)

These are the 11 major sites to be on the lookout for while driving :

NO. 1 THE MITTENS AND MERRICK BUTTE: The most recognizable and most photographed section of Monument Valley, comprised of West mitten, East Mitten and Merrick Buttes. It’s where we stopped for the first photo in this post! There is a large area where you can park on your driving tour and take photos! Highly recommend having a tripod and a wide-angle lens!!

NO.2 ELEPHANT BUTTE: Doesn’t look like an elephant but it is MASSIVE! Like the kind of thing you just do not expect to be popping up out of the ground.

NO.3 THREE SISTERS: One of our favorite shots from the trip was at Three Sisters. The sun shone perfectly through three sisters perched high on the hill with a plane trailing close by!

NO.4 JOHN FORD’S POINT

John Ford’s Point is famous for many reasons. It’s a popular horseback riding tour spot, with people getting epic shots into the Valley down below – and also a famous movie scene!! Named after the director John Ford, this scene was in Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and many more! To get here – make sure you follow the map and take a right instead of following the trail to the left along the main Valley Trail. There are shops and such there so you’ll know you’re in the right place!

• Oljato Navajo Trading Post: Close to John Ford Point is an area with little shops and the histoic national monument ‘Oljato Navajo Trading Post’. While no longer in use – you can still grab a frybread snack from Linda’s Frybread stand closeby!!

NO.5 CAMEL BUTTE: This formation is closer to the road and allows visitors to see striations in the rock. Take a moment to think about how these monuments formed over millions of years!

NO.6 THE HUB: A phallic-shaped formation that you can’t miss. (Insert hand covering face emoji here lol..) This formation is another that’s close to the road and allows you to see layers of sediment and rock that have formed over time.

NO.7 TOTEM POLE AND YEI BE CHEI

Where Are Totem Pole and Yei Be Chei: If you look closely in the background of the photo above – you’ll see the spindly columns of red rocks that form Totem Pole and Yei Be Chei. Totem Pole is farthest to the right and the jagged line of the other column formations is Yei Be Chei. NO.8 You can also see Sand Spring from this point! Sand Spring is where you can truly experience the red sands of the desert near the parking area for the Totem Pole lookout.

NO.9 ARTISTS POINT OVERLOOK: Driving back away from Totem Pole, head towards the loop and take a right. You’ll pass another giant formation called Spearhead Mesa , and before continuing on the loop you’ll see an offshoot to the north of Spearhead Mesa . This road will take you to the viewing area for Artist’s Point. Named Artist’s Point for a reason – this spot offers picturesque views of the Northern side of Monument Valley.

NO.10 NORTH WINDOW OVERLOOK: After leaving Artist’s Point, continue back towards the scenic driving loop and take a right. The first road you come to on your right will take you to North Window Overlook. Standing between Elephant Butte (left) and Clay Butte (right), you’ll have incredible views of East Mitten Butte and small portions of Merrick Butte to the west.

NO.11 THE THUMB: When you’re done admiring the view at North Window Overlook – head back towards the scenic loop. Before you continue driving, you should run smack dab into The Thumb. As the last official stop on the scenic loop, take your time enjoying this unique formation. As one of the only rounded formations in the park, this is where The Thumb takes its name from!

Booking Guided Tours in Monument Valley

There is so much to see and do – it can be somewhat overwhelming in reality? The sky is bigger than anything you’ve ever seen and if you’re from the East Coast or anywhere in the mountains, it’s an odd feeling being so out in the open.

If you’re not sure about driving through the park yourself – we highly recommend taking a guided tour of the park.

Guided tours of the park can be purchased through the Get Your Guide links below to support Navajo Nation! These tours are only available with Navajo Guides. (These tours are also great if you’re short on time and you want to see the best of Monument Valley in a few hours!!)

• Stargazing Tours – With nothing around Monument Valley for miles – stargazing here is one of the last places on Earth you can really go with no light pollution ! See the Milky Way for miles above the purple and red hues of the valley below!
• Scenic Loop Tour (Stopping at John Ford’s Point) – 2.5 Hour Tour – Explore backcountry with a Navajo guide and see landmarks that you can only access with a guided tour.
• Extended Monument Valley Tour & Backcountry Access – 3.5 Hour Tour – Explore deeping into the wilderness of Monument Valley with your Navajo tour guide!! Perfect for photographers – you’ll be allowed extra time at each stop.

All guided tours with Navajo guides will be in open-top guide trucks. 5-6 people can sit comfortably per tour!

Hiking Trails in Monument Valley

Because Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park isn’t a National Park – what you can see is extremely limited. To really get the most of your Monument Valley excursions, most people want to hike and get up close to the monuments. There is only one trail to be able to do that without a Navajo Guide: Wildcat Trail.

• Wildcat Trail – This 3.2 mile loop will take you around Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. This trail is moeratly difficult and will take you 2-3 hours to complete. (You’ll proabably stop for pictures alot!)

A LITTLE GEOLOGY LESSON! One of the best parts about visiting Monument Valley is the deep red clay and sands that swirl through the desert. Whether you’re hiking or driving – do yourself a favor and really pay attention to the desert around you. What Are The Rocks Made Of? The rocks are an interesting mix of red, purple, and blue hues throughout the day! These colors are made possible by deposits of different minerals throughout the soil. Iron oxides give off red hues and magnesium oxide gives off purple and blue hues!! FLORA & FAUNA: Vegetation of Monument Valley: Juniper trees, yucca, Russian thistle AKA tumbleweeds, and Navajo Tea. Flowers of the region: Purple Smallflower Fishhook Cactus, Yellow Hairspine Pricklypear Cactus, and Desert Tobacco (White Flowers) Animals in Monument Valley: Sparrows, Lizards, Rattlesnakes, Desert Cottontail Bunnies, Antelope Squirrel, and Coyote

Other Places To See Around Monument Valley

If you have time to spare, there are other tours around Monument Valley not specifically on the 17-mile scenic loop. For more hiking adventures – you’ll want to book one of the tours below to gain access to off-road hiking adventures.

The 17-mile scenic loop is the most epic part of the area though so if you have to choose between doing the main loop and other tours – you won’t regret doing the main loop!!

• Mystery Valley – Where you can see the petroglyphs from the anceint Anasazi settlements throusands of years ago!
• Teardrop Arch – This tour will be a 2 hour adventure through Horse Shoe Canyon to see Pearl Drop Ruins along with Teardrop Arch. One of the most highly reccomended tours after the Scenic Drive on Trip Advisor!
• Lower Monument Valley – Typically included with ‘backcountry’ tours and extended tours of Monument Valley that we’ve listed below. You’ll get to be up close with Totem Pole and other scenic spots that you can’t do while on the Scenic Loop.
• Hunts Mesa – The best overnight tour!! Camp out, grill steaks and enjoy the views from this 1200 foot tall mesa in Monument Valley!

Leave a comment below if you’ve done any other tours we should include in this first-timer’s guide to Monument Valley!

What To Pack For Monument Valley

Because Monument Valley is around very few other destinations – you’ll most likely be staying overnight. Beyond your normal toiletries, there are a few factors to consider.

• Are You Hiking or Driving The Park? Depending on how you plan on getting around the park, you’ll have different needs. If you’re driving the park, make sure you pack comfortable clothing to be in the car and your normal travel shoes. If you’re hiking the park, make sure to pack hiking boots.
• A Note For Hikers – If you’ve never been to the American Southwest, keep in mind that it’s an incredibly dry climate. Day 2 our lips were peeling because we’ve never been so dehydrated!!! Pack a reuseable water bottle/hydration bladder for hiking.

Regardless of whether you hike or drive the park – make sure you plan to put extra water in the car. We had reusable water bottles that we constantly filled with gallon jugs we kept in the trunk.

• Food: There is not much around the area for miles. We highly reccomend poacking all sorts of road trip snacks to get your through the day!! Get our guide here for the best healthy road trip snacks!!

Another thing to remember – Monument Valley lays in the Utah Desert. The temperature swings in large ranges between when the sun is highest at midday – and when the sun sets. Between these two extremes – you can go from hot to cold pretty quickly! Other items to include while packing for Monument Valley:

• Layers – Plan on at least bringing sweatshirts even in the dead of summer for the evenings!
• Camera or a Go Pro ( We took our Go Pro and it was a great choice!!! The air is so clear you’ll get some really stunning shots!)
• Reuseable Water Bottle

Restaurants Near Monument valley

As we mentioned before – there really isn’t much around Monument Valley. Finding restaurants can be somewhat difficult in the more popular months. HENCE the reason we highly recommend packing snacks!! That way you’ll at least be able to tide yourself over until you can grab a meal.

TRADITIONAL NAVAJO FOODS When you’re in the area, you’ll have the opportunity to try some traditional Navajo foods. Typically corn, beans, and grains are the main staples in Navajo dishes, with a familiar Mexican-style spice profile. What you may not have had before is frybread! Frybread is a slightly sweet cake, similar in texture to a funnel cake without sugar. Use it to sop up all the last bits of deliciousness!

The best places to eat around Monument Valley from closest to farthest are:

• Haskenneini Restaurant (0 miles): Only open during the summer months, this restaurant is inside the Monument Valley Visitor’s Center. They specialize in Navajo and American cuisines.
• The View Restaurant (1 mile) : Navajo tacos and plenty of veggies. This spot isn’t necessarily amazing food but it’s close and convenient when there isn’t much else around. (In The View hotel)
• Amigo Cafe (29.3 Miles/39 minutes): We hghly reccomend this spot in Kayenta for breakfast burritos! Expect Native American/Mexican cuisine with no fuss.
• Blue Coffee Pot Restaurant (29.5 miles/40 minutes) : A good little crossover between Native American cuisine and American food. Think burgers and breakfast sandwiches on frybread!

How To Get To Monument Valley

Plan to drive into Monument Valley mid to late afternoon from your previous destination. The closest airport is Page or Flagstaff (depending on how many layovers you have – one may be faster than the other.)

• Most people fly into Las Vegas to do a American Southwest Roadtrip. That’s what we did and what we would recommend as far as traveling if you’re not from the region.

If you’re from anywhere close to Monument Valley, flying isn’t worth your time. It’s literally not close to anything. (That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time! It’s absolutely worth the 3-4 hour drive out of your way!)

DIRECTIONS TO MONUMENT VALLEY:

• From Las Vegas, Through Zion National Park, to Monument Valley: Starting in Las Vegas means you’ll take Interstate-15 from Las Vegas all the way to Zion National Park for about2 hours. You can either stop here in Zion National Park in Utah, (which we highly reccomend!) or continue on to Monument Valley for another 4.5 hours.
• Directions From The Grand Canyon in Arizona to Monument Valley (3.5 hours): AZ-64E for 1 hour to US-160 E towards Monument Valley. You’ll be on this highway for almost two hours! Then get off onto Main Monument Valley Road for the last 16 minutes of your journey.

You’ll be driving from your previous destination either from Utah or Arizona and all of a sudden giant rocks rise up in the distance. Signs will start pointing you towards Monument Valley and since there’s nothing else around – it’s hard to miss!

We also recommend booking your rental car in advance. With rental car shortages all across the country – booking a rental car at the airport last minute may be difficult! We booked a jeep months in advance because we knew that it would be difficult to get one so close to our trip.

Nearby Attractions

Since you only need one day in Monument Valley to really experience everything it has to offer – make sure to include these nearby attractions on your itinerary! (Most of these are within 6 hours from Monument Valley so it’s easy to add to your American Southwest road trip!)

• Forrest Gump Point: to get those spectacular shots, drive North of the Utah side of Monument Valley to US-163 Scenic, Mexican Hat, UT 84531. (Click the link for Google Maps directions!)

Monument Valley is also one of our favorite destinations for getting out where there are very few people. There are a few destinations left in the United States that lack the massive crowds that frequent many more popular destinations. If you’re looking for a more private hiking experience – read our guide to the most underrated hiking destinations throughout the United States!

If we were planning two separate trips – we would suggest starting in either Las Vegas or Sedona.

Trip Itinerary Starting in Las Vegas:

• Las Vegas – Get our full 24-Hour Las Vegas Guide here .
• Don’t forget to stop at the Neon Musem in Las Vegas – it was the best part of our trip there!
• Valley of Fire (Off I-15 on your way to Zion)
• Zion National Park

Trip Itinerary Starting in Sedona:

• Sedona – Hike to the Hidden Soldiers Pass Cave!
• Grand Canyon
• Antelope Canyon

After you’ve seen Monument Valley from either direction add these stops to extend your trip!

• Mexican Hat & Goosenecks State Park
• Valley of The Gods – Very similar to Monument Valley but much less touristy. You’ll see the Mexican Hat formation on the way
• Bryce Canyon National Park

The Best Time To Go to Monument Valley

The American Southwest is special in that it’s truly beautiful all throughout the year. The red clay and desert-like landscape mean that no matter when you go – you’ll take stunning photos and have epic sunsets.

For the most comfortable temperatures, we recommend going spring and fall. Temperatures in the winter stay in the 40s and 50s, and temperatures in the summer are usually above 90 most days. Since this is also the most touristy time to visit (school is out), the fall and spring tend to be less crowded.

When we visited in November – the weather was epically beautiful. We are hoping to visit again someday soon in the spring to see all of the desert wildflowers and cactus bloom!

• No matter when you visit Monument Valley – you’ll be sure to have one of the most stunning sunsets you’ve ever seen in your life! Get our guide here for the Prettiest Sunsets Across The USA .

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN MONUMENT VALLEY? Most people only need about a day and a half – so it can be part of a much longer American Southwest Tour.

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Until next time friends,

Thanks for sharing!

Evan and Shelby

Sharing beautiful places, sustainable & slow living tips, + good food from across the globe. You can probably find Shelbs creating a new playlist or editing photos, and Ev researching the latest and greatest in all manner of travel gear and tech. We're so happy you're here taking a moment to read and slow down a little.

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Sarah Wilson

This is one of the best detailed posts I’ve discovered about Monument Valley. I’m planning a road trip to the States, although being European I have to wait a bit so this is probably a 2023 trip now, I hadn’t realised that the tours on offer were run by Navajo guides, that makes me even more keen to book. I’m planning to do the full scenic route, some hiking and I’d love to do some star gazing.

I’ve been wanting to visit MV and remember seeing it on Forest Gump! I had plans to go last year and even booked a room, but the pandemic shut down the area so I had to cancel my plans. Looks like some areas are limited for safety, but glad to hear it’s back open to visitors. Loved the brief history and I can’t wait to visit soon.

Too bad we had to skip this on our visit to the Southwest, but we plan to make a stop in the future. Not just from Forrest Gump, but I also recognized Monument Valley from the old western movies. I think I will wait until everything is back to normal so we can do our self-guided tour when visiting.

Amazing itinerary made, very helpful. A long way away from me, like a distant dream, but reading this gave a good picture of the place and how the places can be visited.

I also visited the American Southwest for the first time this year. Isn’t it incredible?? I can’t wait to go back, and Monument Valley looks like the perfect next destination. It’s crazy how relatively close it is to the Grand Canyon despite having such a different vibe to it. I also love to hear that it’s not overly commercial. Trying the local food would definitely be a highlight for me, especially the frybread. It sounds delicious!

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20 Places In Colorado So Beautiful, They’re A Photographer’s Dream

Don’t Coloradans always seem ready to go on a hike at a moment’s notice? When you live in a state filled with snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes all around, I’d likely always be dressed in outdoor gear too.

Having road-tripped in a van for two years throughout the West USA, I’ve found Colorado to be packed with jaw-dropping spots that you just have to see in person to believe.

We talked to locals, hiked some of these trails ourselves, and pored over countless reviews and travel forums. Here are 20 beautiful places in Colorado that will leave you speechless and make your Instagram followers jealous.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the crown jewels of Colorado and one of the most popular in the US National Park system. Covered under deep snow for most of the year, the park spans over 415 square miles and more than 355 miles of hiking trails after the spring melt arrives.

Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US, bypasses the park with jaw-dropping views throughout the ride. Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and Emerald Lake are among the most visited spots and all easily hikable. If you’re feeling adventurous, try summiting Longs Peak, but be prepared for a strenuous climb!

2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a dramatic must-see landmark. The red rock formations jut out right in front of you, with Pikes Peak visible in the background. Featuring 15 miles of trails, you can choose to go hiking and biking or just loop around in your car.

The Siamese Twins Trail is an especially popular hike for its fantastic views of Pikes Peak. Rock climbers will love scaling the towering sandstone formations. Don’t miss the precariously perched Balanced Rock, a massive boulder that makes for a fun photo op.

3. Maroon Bells, Aspen

The Maroon Bells are perhaps the most photographed peaks in North America. These iconic twin peaks stand majestically at over 14,000 feet and are reflected perfectly in Maroon Lake. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area has several hiking trails, including the popular Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the more challenging Crater Lake Trail.

During the summer, the wildflower displays are absolutely stunning, and in the fall, the aspen trees turn a brilliant gold.

4. Crystal Mill, Marble

Crystal Mill is one of Colorado’s most photographed landmarks. This historic wooden power plant, perched precariously above the Crystal River, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It takes a 9-mile hike or 4×4 drive from Marble to the mill. The mill is especially exquisite when the surrounding aspen trees turn golden in the fall.

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of up to 750 feet. Hiking to the summit of Star Dune offers unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment.

Adventurous visitors can try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes’ steep slopes. Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the dunes, is a favorite spot for splashing around and cooling off in the summer. The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent place for stargazing.

6. Telluride

Telluride is a mountain town surrounded by towering peaks and outdoor adventure. In the summer, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival draws music lovers from all over, while the winter months transform the area into a world-class ski resort.

Hike the popular Bear Creek Trail or the challenging Via Ferrata, or take the free ride up the Telluride Gondola. Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, is a must-see. Mountain biking, fishing, and white-water rafting are also popular activities here.

7. Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park covers over 52,000 acres and features more than 600 cliff dwellings.

The park’s extensive network of trails includes the Petroglyph Point Trail, which leads to ancient rock carvings, and the Spruce Tree House. Cliff Palace stands as the largest and most famous cliff dwelling. In the summer, there are three different guided ranger tours available that teach you what the lives of the ancient inhabitants would have looked like.

8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has dramatic and dark, steep canyon walls, which drop nearly 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. Split into two districts, it can take hours to drive between the North and South rims.

The South Rim Road is open seasonally with overlooks like the Painted Wall, the highest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet. For the adventurous, the inner canyon routes offer challenging hikes and rock climbing. At the end of the East Portal, Gunnison River is also popular for fishing and kayaking.

9. Durango Train Ride, Durango

The Durango Train Ride in Durango is a nostalgic journey through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. This historic steam-powered train travels along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, chugging through views of rugged peaks, canyons, and forests.

The round-trip to the charming town of Silverton is a full-day adventure, with time to explore the old mining town’s shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Along the way, passengers can enjoy open-air gondolas. The train also offers special themed rides, such as the Polar Express during the holiday season.

10. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Cañon City

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City is home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, spanning 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge at a height of 956 feet. The park has thrilling attractions like the Skycoaster, a giant swing that propels you out over the edge of the canyon, and the zip line that lets you soar high above the gorge.

For those who don’t think dangling precariously over a cliff is a fun time, there is a scenic gondola rides, a historic incline railway, and several hikes nearby. The park’s visitor center also has information on the bridge’s history and construction.

11. Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak, known as “America’s Mountain,” is one of the most famous mountains in the United States . Standing at 14,115 feet, it offers a variety of ways to reach the summit, including driving the Pikes Peak Highway, taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or hiking the challenging Barr Trail.

The summit has a view that stretches for miles and even inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” The Pikes Peak Summit House offers refreshments, including the famous high-altitude donuts.

12. Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs

Hanging Lake is a gorgeous natural waterfall that attracts hikers from all over the world. The trail to the lake is a challenging 1.2-mile climb, but at the top, you’ll find a crystal-clear lake suspended on the edge of a cliff, with lush vegetation and waterfalls cascading into it. The lake has a unique travertine formation and vibrant emerald color.

To protect this fragile ecosystem, a permit is required to hike the trail, and swimming in the lake is prohibited. Nearby Spouting Rock is another must-see, where water gushes out of a cliffside.

13. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a world-famous concert venue and a masterpiece of architecture and nature. The natural amphitheater has incredible acoustics and is surrounded by red sandstone formations.

Hiking trails like the Trading Post Trail and the Red Rocks Trail take you around the unique geology. Concertgoers rave about the experience of watching a show under the stars with the Denver skyline in the background. The park is also popular for yoga sessions and fitness workouts on the amphitheater steps.

Vail is a premier mountain destination known for its world-class ski resort and year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, Vail’s expansive ski terrain and back bowls offer something for every level of skier and snowboarder. The alpine village looks almost like you’re in Europe , with bustling shops, restaurants, and après-ski spots.

In the summer, the area transforms into a haven for hiking, biking, and golfing. Popular trails include the Booth Falls Trail and the scenic Gore Valley Trail. They also have the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America. Adventure seekers can try zip-lining, rafting, or even paragliding.

15. Flatirons, Boulder

The Flatirons are massive slabs of sandstone that rise dramatically from the foothills over a trip to Boulder and the surrounding area. The Chautauqua Trailhead gives you access to several popular trails, including the First and Second Flatiron Trails. Rock climbing enthusiasts will find plenty of routes to challenge their skills.

16. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a historic mining town turned popular ski resort. In the winter, Breckenridge is one of the most visited ski resorts in the country. Don’t miss the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships held every January.

Summer brings hiking and biking opportunities on trails like the McCullough Gulch Trail and the Peaks Trail. The charming downtown area is always lined with Victorian-era buildings for shopping and dining.

17. Dallas Divide, Ridgway

Dallas Divide is a gorgeous mountain pass with vistas of the San Juan Mountains, a particularly beautiful spot during the fall when the aspen trees turn brilliant gold. Photographers flock here to capture the landscapes at sunrise and sunset.

The Last Dollar Road, accessible from the Dallas Divide, is a popular scenic drive with access to hiking trails. The area is also known for its hot springs.

18. Colorado National Monument, Fruita

Colorado National Monument is a part of the larger Colorado Plateau with towering monoliths and deep canyons. The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive has numerous pullouts for photos. Popular hiking trails include the Devil’s Kitchen Trail and the Serpents Trail. The monument is also a haven for rock climbers, with plenty of challenging routes.

19. Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan

Paint Mines Interpretive Park has striking hoodoos, spires, and carved gullies in deep hues of yellow, red, and purple. These colorful formations were created by the erosion of clay deposits and have been used by Native Americans for centuries to make paint.

20. Colorado Dinosaur National Monument, Dinosaur

Colorado Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Colorado-Utah border and features an extensive quarry with hundreds of dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock. The Quarry Exhibit Hall lets you see fossils up close and learn about the area’s rich prehistoric past.

Several hiking trails, such as the Fossil Discovery Trail and the Sound of Silence Trail, take you to spot fossils in their natural setting. The monument is also home to petroglyphs and pictographs left by ancient peoples.

Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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