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Home>Guides>Monument Valley Epic
Detail Level: 🟢 Quick Overview 🟡 Standard Guide 🔴 Full Expert
🏜️ Quick Facts
📍FROM PHOENIXStarts here 📅DURATION5 days 🛣️DISTANCE~700 miles 🌡️BEST TIMEMar–May, Sep–Nov ⭐DIFFICULTYMedium
Monument Valley Epic: RV Road Trip Guide
The American West as you've seen it in a thousand movies — now live it. A 5-day epic from Phoenix through Sedona, Grand Canyon, and into Navajo Nation territory.
Monument Valley's sandstone mittens rising from a flat red desert floor is one of the most iconic images in American culture — every Western ever filmed used it as a backdrop. This route takes you from Phoenix through Sedona, over the Grand Canyon's rim, and into Navajo Nation territory for a once-in-a-lifetime landscape experience.
📌 Important: Monument Valley is on the Navajo Nation, not federal NPS land. Entry requires a separate fee ($20/vehicle). Navajo Nation has its own rules — no alcohol on tribal land, respect photography guidelines, and hire a Navajo guide for off-road tours (strongly recommended and worth every dollar).
📅 5-Day Itinerary Overview
Day 1 — Phoenix to Sedona (120 miles)
Head north on I-17, stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument (ancient cliff dwelling). Arrive in Sedona by early afternoon. Sunset at Airport Mesa — one of the most stunning viewpoints in Arizona. Camp at Sedona Pines Resort.
Day 2 — Sedona to Grand Canyon (115 miles)
Drive the scenic Oak Creek Canyon route north. Arrive at the Grand Canyon South Rim by early afternoon. Walk the Rim Trail, visit Mather Point, and catch sunset at Hopi Point. Camp at Mather or Trailer Village.
Day 3 — Grand Canyon to Monument Valley (180 miles, ~3 hrs)
Morning sunrise at the canyon, short Bright Angel hike. Head east along Desert View Drive to Desert View Watchtower. Continue through Cameron (fuel stop) to Monument Valley. Stop at Forrest Gump Point on US-163 — the exact spot from the movie. Take a Navajo jeep tour of the Valley ($75–100/person). Camp at The View Campground — surrounded by the Mittens.
Day 4 — Monument Valley Full Day
Sunrise from your campsite (the Mittens at dawn is unforgettable). Morning Navajo-guided backcountry tour. Visit Goulding's Lodge Museum — where John Ford shot his famous Westerns. Drive to Mexican Hat rock formation. Optional: Valley of the Gods (free, BLM land — similar landscape, no crowds). Return for sunset at Monument Valley.
Day 5 — Monument Valley to Phoenix (300 miles, ~4.5 hrs)
Early departure south through Cameron and Flagstaff back to Phoenix. Optional stop in Sedona on the way back.
🏕️ Campground Guide
💰 Price per night All Free Under $25 $25–$40 $40+ ⭐ Rating All 4.0+ 4.5+ 🏷️ Amenities (must have all selected) 💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Sedona, AZ💰 $65–90/night🔌 Full hookups Well-equipped RV resort in the heart of Sedona's red rock country. Full hookups, pool, and all amenities. Perfect staging base for the first night before heading to the Grand Canyon.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Grand Canyon South Rim💰 $18–65/night🔌 Varies Trailer Village has full hookups and is the only RV park inside the Grand Canyon. Mather Campground is NPS-run, no hookups but more affordable. Both are walking distance to the rim. Book months ahead for peak season.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Monument Valley💰 $30–40/night⚡ Electric only The ultimate Monument Valley experience. Wake up surrounded by the Mittens and Merrick Butte. Electric hookups only — fill water before arriving. Managed by the Navajo Nation. The sunrise from your campsite alone is worth the entire trip.
💧 No Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 No Showers 🚽 No Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 Monument Valley💰 $50–65/night🔌 Full hookups Run by Goulding's Lodge — excellent facilities with full hookups, laundry, and a general store. More comfortable than The View but slightly further from the iconic viewpoints. Great for larger rigs that need services.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📊 Campground Comparison
CampgroundLocationPrice/NightHookupsBest For Sedona PinesSedona$65–90Full hookupsNight 1, red rock views Trailer VillageGrand Canyon$55–65Full hookupsNight 2, walk to rim The ViewMonument Valley$30–40Electric onlyNights 3-4, iconic views Goulding's RVMonument Valley$50–65Full hookupsNights 3-4, full services
🎯 Top Attractions
Sedona
- Airport Mesa: Free panoramic viewpoint — one of the best sunsets in Arizona. Short walk from the parking lot.
- Cathedral Rock Trail: Moderate 1.2-mile hike with stunning red rock scenery. Arrive early for parking.
- Montezuma Castle: Ancient Sinagua cliff dwelling on the way from Phoenix ($10/person, NPS Pass accepted).
Grand Canyon South Rim
- Rim Trail: 13-mile paved trail along the canyon edge — walk as much or as little as you want. Flat and accessible.
- Mather Point: The classic first view of the Grand Canyon. Arrive early for smaller crowds.
- Hopi Point: Best sunset spot on the South Rim — the canyon glows orange and red.
- Desert View Watchtower: Historic stone tower at the eastern end — panoramic views and Navajo art inside.
Monument Valley
- Forrest Gump Point (US-163): The exact spot where Forrest stopped running — 13 miles south of the visitor center. Marked on Google Maps. Pull over safely.
- Navajo-Guided Tours: The only way to see the backcountry. Companies like Navajo Spirit Tours and Sacred Monument Tours. $75–100/person for 2–3 hour jeep tour. Wildly worth it.
- Valley Drive: 17-mile scenic loop inside the park. Do NOT drive this in a large RV — washboard dirt road. Take a jeep tour instead.
- Goulding's Lodge Museum: Historic trading post where John Ford shot his famous Westerns. $5 entry.
- Mexican Hat: Dramatic balanced rock formation north on US-163. Free, quick stop.
- Valley of the Gods (BLM): Similar landscape to Monument Valley but free and uncrowded. Great for a quiet drive.
🌡️ When to Visit
Best Season (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Mild temperatures in the 60s–80s°F. Perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Spring brings wildflowers; fall has golden cottonwoods in canyon country.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot at Monument Valley (95–105°F). Grand Canyon rim is pleasant but crowded. Afternoon thunderstorms are common — dramatic photography but be careful of flash floods in washes.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold at elevation — Grand Canyon can get snow. Monument Valley can drop below freezing at night. Fewer crowds but unpredictable weather.
📸 Photography Tip: The Mittens at sunrise and sunset produce completely different moods. Sunrise is quiet, golden, and spiritual. Sunset is dramatic with deep shadows and orange fire. Stay for both — you won't regret it.
🚐 RV Road Notes — Practical Details
- Monument Valley's Valley Drive: The 17-mile scenic loop inside the park is a rough, unpaved road not suitable for RVs or low-clearance vehicles. You will bottom out. Take a jeep tour instead.
- Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona to Flagstaff): Steep, winding road with tight switchbacks. Fine for RVs under 30ft but take it slow. Larger rigs should use I-17 instead.
- Grand Canyon parking: Trailer Village has designated RV sites. If staying at Mather, arrive early — sites fill by mid-morning in peak season.
- US-163 to Monument Valley: Long, straight, beautiful highway. Watch for livestock on the road — open range on Navajo Nation.
- Recommended max size: 40ft for most of this route. Trailer Village accepts up to 50ft.
🚰 Water & Dump Stations
- Sedona Pines Resort: Full services — fill up here
- Trailer Village (Grand Canyon): Full hookups including sewer on site
- Goulding's RV Park: Full services including water fill and dump station
- The View Campground: Water fill available, electric only — no sewer hookup. Fill water and dump before entering Navajo Nation if possible.
- Cameron Trading Post: Basic services and fuel on US-89
- Flagstaff: Multiple truck stops with dump stations on I-17/I-40
⛽ Fuel Strategy
- Sedona: Multiple gas stations in town — fill up before heading to Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon Village: One gas station inside the park — expect higher prices ($5–6/gal)
- Cameron: Critical fuel stop between Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Don't skip this.
- Kayenta: 26 miles north of Monument Valley — last reliable fuel before the park
- Navajo Nation fuel: Available but don't assume — plan carefully. Stations may close early or run out.
🏪 Food Resupply Points
- Sedona: Safeway, Bashas' — full grocery options
- Grand Canyon Village: General store with limited selection, high prices
- Cameron: Trading post with basic supplies
- Kayenta: Small grocery store — limited selection
- Flagstaff: Walmart, Safeway, Whole Foods — stock up here if returning via I-17
💡 Pro Tips for Monument Valley
- Navajo Nation laws: Zero alcohol permitted anywhere on tribal land. Respect "No Photography" signs near homes, ceremonies, and sacred sites. Always ask permission before photographing people.
- Hire a Navajo guide: The backcountry tours access areas closed to the general public — ancient ruins, hidden arches, and petroglyphs you can't see on your own. Budget $75–100/person and consider it the highlight of the trip.
- Forrest Gump Point: The highway is busy. Pull completely off the road, watch for traffic, and be quick with photos. Early morning is safest and least crowded.
- Altitude: You'll hit over 5,000ft through this region. Check tire pressure before the long desert drive. Some people feel the altitude — stay hydrated.
- Flash floods: Spring can bring sudden thunderstorms and flash flooding in canyon country. Check forecasts daily. Never camp in a wash.
- The View vs. Goulding's: The View has the better location but fewer amenities. Goulding's has full hookups and more comfort. Pick based on your priority — views or services.
📅 Make Reservations
Book campgrounds well in advance — Grand Canyon and Monument Valley fill up fast in peak season:
Book Grand Canyon Mather → Monument Valley Info →
Book Goulding's RV Park → Book Sedona Pines →
📍 Getting There from Phoenix
Route: I-17 North → Sedona → Oak Creek Canyon → Flagstaff → Grand Canyon (AZ-64) → Desert View → US-89 → Cameron → US-160 → US-163 → Monument Valley
Distance: ~415 miles Phoenix to Monument Valley (via Sedona and Grand Canyon)
Drive Time: Split across 3 days of driving — no single leg over 3 hours
Fuel Cost: Approximately $280 for the full 5-day trip (700 total miles at 10 MPG)
Entry Fees: Grand Canyon $35/vehicle (NPS Pass accepted), Monument Valley $20/vehicle (Navajo Nation — NPS Pass NOT accepted), Montezuma Castle $10/person (NPS Pass accepted).
📱 Cell Service & Connectivity in Monument Valley Region
Cell coverage is very limited across much of this remote route:
- Verizon: Best overall coverage. Good service in Flagstaff, Sedona, Grand Canyon Village. Spotty in Monument Valley area.
- AT&T: Reliable in cities, limited coverage on Navajo Nation lands and rural highways.
- T-Mobile: Good in Sedona and Flagstaff. Very limited coverage in Monument Valley and rural areas.
- Dead zones: US-163 between Kayenta and Monument Valley, many areas of Valley Drive, backcountry locations.
⚠️ Emergency Communication: Download offline maps for entire route. Consider emergency satellite communicator for remote areas. Many spots have no cell service for 50+ miles — inform someone of your itinerary.
🐕 Pet Policy for Monument Valley RV Camping
Pet-friendly camping is available with specific tribal land considerations:
#### Campgrounds & RV Parks:
- All major campgrounds allow pets with standard leash requirements (6-foot max)
- Pet fees: $2-5 per night at private campgrounds
- NPS and tribal park campgrounds typically no additional pet fees
#### Navajo Nation & Park Rules:
- Monument Valley Tribal Park: Pets allowed on Valley Drive scenic loop but not on hiking trails
- Grand Canyon NP: Pets allowed in campgrounds and on rim trails but not below the rim
- Antelope Canyon: No pets allowed on tours due to confined spaces and safety
⚠️ Desert Hazards for Pets: Extreme heat, sharp rocks, cactus spines, and wildlife (coyotes, rattlesnakes). Pack extra water and paw protection. Ground temperatures can exceed 130°F in summer.
🚐 Detailed RV Size Guide for Monument Valley Circuit
Location Max RV Length Pull-Through? Road Type Notes The View Campground40 ftSomePavedPremium sites with Monument Valley views Goulding's Campground45 ftYesPavedFull hookup sites, big rig friendly Monument Valley Drive40 ftNoDirt/gravelRough but doable — go slow Grand Canyon Mather30 ftLimitedPavedSize restrictions due to tight spaces Sedona area35 ftSomeMountain roadsWinding roads with elevation changes All RV We Go Class C rentals (25-30 feet) work perfectly for this entire route including the Valley Drive loop road.
🔋 Dry Camping & Generator Tips for Remote Areas
This route includes significant dry camping, especially in tribal lands:
#### Generator Rules by Location:
- National Park campgrounds: 6 AM-8 AM and 4 PM-8 PM only (strictly enforced)
- Tribal park campgrounds: Usually 7 AM-9 AM and 5 PM-9 PM, check locally
- Private campgrounds: More flexible hours but still have quiet times
- Dispersed/BLM camping: No restrictions but be courteous
#### Power Management for Extended Dry Camping:
- Solar panels extremely effective at high elevation with clear skies
- Conserve battery power for camera equipment — you'll be taking hundreds of photos
- LED lights only — this route involves several nights of dry camping
- Use 12V outlets for devices when generator isn't running
💡 Photography Power Tips: Monument Valley is a photographer's paradise. Bring portable battery packs for cameras and consider a DC to AC inverter for laptop charging during dry camping periods.
⛽ Supplies, Gas & Services — Remote Area Strategy
#### Major Stock-Up Points:
- Flagstaff (Day 1): Walmart Supercenter, Costco — full grocery and fuel before entering remote areas
- Sedona (Day 2): Whole Foods, Safeway — last full grocery until Flagstaff return
- Grand Canyon Village: Limited overpriced grocery — emergency supplies only
- Cameron Trading Post: Gas, basic supplies, Navajo crafts
#### Critical Fuel Stops:
- Flagstaff: Fill up completely before heading to Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon: Gas station near entrance — expensive but necessary
- Cameron: Last reliable fuel before Monument Valley
- Kayenta: Final gas before Monument Valley — limited hours
#### Emergency Services:
- Water: Limited between towns — carry 5+ gallons extra
- Propane: Flagstaff has multiple sources, very limited in rural areas
- Mechanical: Closest full RV services in Flagstaff
🏥 Emergency Info & Remote Area Safety
- Emergency: 911 (requires cell signal — drive to high ground if needed)
- Flagstaff Medical: Flagstaff Medical Center — full Level II trauma center
- Monument Valley: Goulding's Lodge has medical clinic, nearest hospital in Cortez, CO (1 hour)
- Grand Canyon: Canyon View Information Plaza has clinic and emergency services
- Navajo Nation Police: (928) 871-6111 for emergencies on tribal land
#### Remote Area Specific Hazards:
- Flash floods: Avoid camping in washes, check weather religiously
- Extreme weather: High elevation can bring sudden temperature drops
- Wildlife: Bears at Grand Canyon (food storage required), elk, deer on roads at night
- Getting lost: GPS can be unreliable — carry paper maps as backup
🌧️ Weather Scenarios & Seasonal Considerations
#### Spring (March-May):
- Ideal temperatures but possible late snowstorms at Grand Canyon (7,000 ft)
- Mud on unpaved roads after rain — Valley Drive can become impassable
- Wildflowers in desert areas if winter had good precipitation
#### Summer (June-August):
- Extreme heat in lower elevations (100°F+) but cooler at Grand Canyon
- Monsoon season brings afternoon thunderstorms and flash flood danger
- Early morning and evening photography lighting is spectacular
#### Fall (September-November):
- Perfect weather — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, excellent visibility
- Peak season for tourism — book accommodations far in advance
- Best time for photography with stable weather patterns
#### Winter (December-February):
- Snow at Grand Canyon, freezing nights in Monument Valley
- Roads can be icy or closed — check conditions before departure
- Incredible contrast with snow on red rock formations
📅 Sample 5-Day Monument Valley Epic Journey
#### Day 1 — Phoenix to Flagstaff via Sedona
- Morning: Pick up RV in Phoenix, drive I-17 North (2 hours)
- Afternoon: Explore Sedona — Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock viewpoints
- Evening: Continue to Flagstaff, camp at Flagstaff KOA, grocery shopping
#### Day 2 — Grand Canyon South Rim
- Early morning: Drive to Grand Canyon (1.5 hours), check into Mather Campground
- Full day: Rim Trail, visitor center, multiple viewpoints
- Sunset: Hopi Point — most famous sunset viewpoint
#### Day 3 — Grand Canyon to Monument Valley
- Sunrise: Mather Point or Yaki Point
- Morning: Drive US-64 East to US-89 North to US-160 East (4 hours total)
- Afternoon: Check into The View Campground, first Valley Drive loop
- Sunset: From campground — arguably the best sunset view in America
#### Day 4 — Full Monument Valley Experience
- Sunrise: From campground site — no need to go anywhere
- Morning: Guided Navajo tour to backcountry areas (highly recommended)
- Afternoon: Second Valley Drive loop, visit trading posts
- Evening: Optional: drive to Forrest Gump Point on US-163
#### Day 5 — Return to Phoenix
- Morning: Final sunrise photos, pack up
- Route home: US-163 South to I-40 West to I-17 South (5.5 hours)
- Optional stop: Meteor Crater (1-hour detour) or historic Winslow, AZ
💰 Complete Cost Breakdown — Monument Valley Epic Circuit
Expense Category4 Days5 DaysNotes RV Rental (Class C)$720$900$180/night from RV We Go Campgrounds$120-200$150-250The View premium, Mather $18/night Gas (round trip)$160-200$180-220600+ miles, mountain driving, remote areas Park entrance fees$60-80$60-80Grand Canyon $35, Monument Valley $20 Activities & tours$100-200$150-250Navajo guided tours, trading post shopping Food & supplies$100-150$125-175Stock up in Flagstaff, limited options on route TOTAL$1,260-1,830$1,565-1,975$315-494/person for 4 people Is Monument Valley RV camping cheaper than hotels? Absolutely. Comparable lodging (Grand Canyon Lodge + Goulding's Lodge) would cost $400-600/night per room, plus you'd need restaurants for every meal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you RV camp inside Monument Valley Tribal Park?
Yes! The View Campground offers RV sites with full hookups right inside the park with unobstructed views of the buttes. It's the most scenic campground location in the Southwest. Book months ahead. Is the Valley Drive rough for RVs?
It's a dirt road with some bumps and washboard sections, but most RVs handle it fine if you go slowly. The 17-mile loop takes 1-2 hours. Class C RVs have no problems with ground clearance. Do I need a tour guide or can I explore Monument Valley on my own?
You can drive the Valley Drive loop on your own, but guided tours access restricted backcountry areas with ancient ruins, hidden arches, and petroglyphs. Budget $75-100/person — it's worth every penny. What's the best time for Monument Valley photography?
Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting. The buttes face east, so sunrise light is especially dramatic. Golden hour lasts longer in this high desert landscape — plan for extended photo sessions. How cold does it get at night in Monument Valley?
Even in summer, desert nights can drop to 50-60°F. Spring and fall can hit freezing. Winter regularly sees temperatures in the teens. Bring warm sleeping gear and use your RV's furnace. Can I combine Monument Valley with other destinations?
Absolutely! This route combines perfectly with Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon (3 hours), Arches/Canyonlands (2 hours), or Four Corners. Many people extend to a 7-10 day Southwest grand tour.
Ready to see Monument Valley? Book your RV →
Monument Valley will stop you cold the first time you see it. RV We Go operates from Phoenix — right at the start of this epic route. We'll make sure you get there in style.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for general reference only. Prices, amenities, availability, phone numbers, and policies may change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, please contact the campground, park, or service provider directly. RV We Go is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to third-party information. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.