Road to Monument Valley Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Road to Monument Valley with our immersive audio tour! As you drive through the striking desert landscapes, our guides share captivating stories about the region's history, Navajo culture, and the unique geological formations you'll encounter along the way. Enjoy stunning views of towering sandstone buttes and learn the significance of this iconic American landscape. Perfect for road trippers, adventurers, and families, this tour adds depth and insight to your journey. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and let the Road to Monument Valley come alive with fascinating stories and breathtaking scenery! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours* *Several stops along the tour, including Monument Valley Tribal Park, recommend 4-WD. Though not required, the driver assumes all responsibility for their vehicle and personal safety.

1. 1

   Kane Gulch Ranger Station

   10 min

   To learn more about the history and rock formations of Bears Ears National Monument, visit the Kane Gulch Ranger station. There, you’ll find exhibits, hiking information, and friendly rangers to guide you on your adventure.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   5 min

   The first of two lookouts with views that stretch across the San Juan Cliffs, and out to Monument Valley.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   While you’re lookin’ across the San Juan Valley, see if you can spot John’s Canyon Road, down at the bottom of the cliffs. On a clear day, you might also see Monument Valley’s iconic buttes and mesas, way out in the distance.

4. 4

   Moki Dugway

   5 min

   The Moki Dugway road can be quite dangerous, but it's also gorgeous. It’s a three mile stretch of road that serpentines down twelve-hundred feet of cliffside, through a series of sharp switchbacks. If that doesn’t sound scary enough, it’s also pretty steep, with a grade of 11 percent. And to top it all off, the road is unpaved, and has no guardrails. But, there are several veiwpoints along the way where you can admire the road and the surrounding vistas.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   5 min

   This view from Moki Dugway looks out at the vast expanses and towering monoliths of the Valley of the Gods.

6. 6

   Valley of the Gods

   1 hour

   Sometimes nicknamed "mini Monument Valley," there's nothing mini about this experience. Big, grand red sandstone monuments stretch as far as the eye can see on this rough and bumpy dirt road. The western entrance exits on the other side of the tour near Bluff. The eastern entrance exits just under the Moki Dugway.

7. 7

   Goosenecks State Park

   20 min

   This small state park features a short paved drive to the goosenecking San Juan River overlook, and then a long, bumpy dirt road off into adventure. A small fee is required.

8. 8

   Sand Island Petroglyphs

   1 hour

   This landmark and recreation area features Native American rock art ranging from 300 to 3,000 years old.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   30 min

   This great rincon is a massive butte set inside a now-dry oxbow lake. The dirt road down is bumpy, and a 4-WD vehicle s recommended.

10. 10

    Mexican Hat Rock Formation

    10 min

    Just like the name implies, this big red rock looks like an upside down sombrero. While you can see it from the road, pulling in lets visitors hike and scramble their way to the top.

11. 11

    Mexican Hat

    30 min

    This small town, just south of the memorable Mexican Hat Rock, is a great stopover for hungry travelers, curious visitors, and anyone wanting to stretch their legs by the San Juan River.

12. 12

    Forrest Gump Point

    5 min

    "I'm pretty tired. Think I'll go home now." This unforgettable movie scene was filmed in a place every bit as extraordinary as the blockbuster film itself. This quick roadside pullover is a huge hit with tourists, and is totally free!

13. 13

    Stop 13

    30 min

    This is the famous "hanging arch" from the iconic film "Once Upon a Time in the West." While most of it has fallen, the base is still intact and it could be a worthwhile stop for film enthusiasts.

14. 14

    Monument Valley

    5 min

    This roadside pullover offers great views of the northeastern red rock features of Monument Valley.

15. 15

    Stop 15

    5 min

    Even if you aren't entering the Monument Valley Tribal Park, this beautiful stretch of road offers glimpses of monuments such as The King on His Throne, the Stagecoach, and Brighams Tomb.

16. 16

    Stop 16

    30 min

    Goulding's Lodge and Trading Post is an iconic piece of history. Stop in to grab a bite, stay the night, or learn about some Navajo and film history at the museum.

17. 17

    Stop 17

    30 min

    The Navajo Welcome Center is a great stop to refresh yourself, learn about local tours, and, of course, pick up some great handcrafted souveniers. This is also where you can switch over to your Monument Valley Shaka Guide Tour, if you've purchased it.

18. 18

    Monument Valley

    3 hours

    Monument Valley rose to superstardom with John Ford's classic western, "Stagecoach." Today, Monument Valley’s idyllic towers, buttes, and mesas have become nearly synonymous with the American west.

19. 19

    Stop 19

    Pass by

    This is a great chance to pick up your own artisinal Navajo souvenir, like a woolen rug, silver jewelry, or authentic leatherworks.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 4WD is highly recommended but not required. Road conditions depend on recent weather, your vehicle's clearance, and your personal comfort level. Many visitors successfully drive the valley in standard vehicles.
• A Navajo guide is required to access roughly half of the park. This is a Navajo Tribal Park policy that applies to all visitors — not specific to our tours.

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