Monument Valley & Mesa Verde – Self-Guided Tour Bundle

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

"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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Navajo Nation Welcome Center is a great first stop. There's a lot of information on the area, as well as restrooms, crafts for sale, and a restaurant.

This statue is a quick photo-op on your way into the park.

With park personnel ready to answer all your questions, plus a gift shop, cafe, and many informative exhibits this is a great way to start your drive through the valley. The viewpoint from the center is also a great place for a photo, and overlooks the first portion of the drive, including the two Mittens formations.

This is one of two hikes that can be taken without a guide in Monument Valley. Lee Cly Trail is only two miles long; and it starts south of The View Lodge, then loops around near Mitchell Butte.

Wildcat is an easy four-mile round trip hike that loops around the West Mitten Butte, and has excellent views of the East Mitten, and Merrick Butte.

The first major viewpoint along your Monument Valley Drive. From here, you can see the large Merrick butte as well as the two mitten twins. This stop sometimes has Navajo vendors selling local crafts.

Another great view of the front features of Monument Valley, especially the wide Mitchell Mesa.

This overlook looks out at one of the best features in the park. The three pillars of the sisters is said to look like nuns in their habits.

John Ford Point is the number one stop in the park. The panorama from the ledge was often used by director John Ford in his western films. If you're feeling adventurous, hop up on a horse for a christmas card worthy photo.

Feelin' a little hungry on your adventure? Then swing by Linda's Frybread Stand for a fanstastic fried treat. Try it with salt and honey!

Hub Point offers views of the wagon-wheel like hub, and a look out to Mystery Valley--the back area of Monument Valley only accessible by a guided tour.

This viewpoint overlooks several great pillars. Yei Bi Chei is said to resemble masked Navajo dancers, and Totem Pole is one of the tallest free-standing spires in the world.

The Cube looks so unusual, you'd think it has to be man-made. But no! This cubic sandstone feature was made by mother nature's handiwork, and fractured into perfectly straight lines.

Astist's Point is one of the more famous overlooks in the park. The view of flat desert landscapes is broken by jutting rock features such as the distinctive King-On-His-Throne.

The Thumb is just what it sounds like--a quirky little rock feature shaped like a thumb! There's also great views of camel and elephant butte.

Another crowd favorite, this overlook looks out at the front of the valley, and is one of the most photographed spots in the tribal park.

When visitors first enter the park, they can take a quick photo at the entrance sign to commemorate their visit.

The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is full of artifacts, artwork, and displays for visitors to enjoy. You can also have a chat with the rangers or grab a map to plan your trip easily.

If you don't purchase your entrance pass prior to entering the park, this is where you'll purchase it.

This first roadside overlook offers beautiful views of the Mancos Valley.

The Morefield Area, besides being home to the park's only gas station, hosts the Ranger Station, Campground, and several well-loved trails for visitors to explore.

The Prater Ridge Trail crosses the Prater Ridge between Parater and Morefield Canyons. offers two hiking loops: the North Loop, spanning 3.6 miles (5.7 km), and the shorter South Loop, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 km). Hiking both loops completes the entire Prater Ridge Trail, totaling 7.8 miles (12.6 km).

This historic Trail follows the historic route of the Knife Edge Road and offers beautiful views of Montezuma Valley. This relatively level trail clocks in at around 2 miles or 3.4 km.

Ascending steep switchbacks on the west side of Point Lookout, the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) roundtrip trail offers hikers magnificent views of the historic entrance road and mesa.

The Montezuma Valley Overlook showcases the valley, Cortez, and is also a great place to watch the sunset.

This short, paved walk leads to the highest elevation point in the park, and includes several overlooks, informational signs, and to the park fire watchtower.

A short walk leads to an overlook and wayside exhibits, sheding insights into the area's geology

This easy, .8 mile (1.3 km)hike includes several Ancestral Puebloan sites, such asFar View Terrace, Far View Reservoir, the Pipe Shrine House, and the Far View Tower.

Cedar Tree House is an Ancestral Puebloan Tower Kiva complex just a few steps from the parking lot. The Farming Terrace Trail is a short, easy 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) that showcases some ancient farming terraces.

The Spruce Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult 2.4 miles (3.9 km) point to point trail, starting and ending at the Chapin Mesa Museum. It's one of the park's best trails for wildlife-watching, particularly birding.

An absolute must-do trail, this The 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop trail is moderately difficult and rock, with some mild scrambling at one end. It's more than wort it however, as hikers are rewarded with not only a stunning petroglyph panel, but also the remnants of an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling, and beautiful views of Spruce Canyon throughout.

The Ancestral Puebloan Spruce Tree House is currently off-limits to in-site visitation due to structural instability, but visitors can still get a great view of the site from the balcony behind the museum. Extra-lucky visitors may also be able to catch a ranger program about the site. Check the museum for details.

The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is an essential stop for all park visitors. There, visitors can enjoy a film on the history of the park, several exhibits, and get information on ranger talks and tours.

If you aren't planning on packing a picnic lunch, consider stopping by the Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe for a quick snack or a hot meal.

The first stop on the Mesa Top Loop Road, an Ancestral Puebloan Pithouse built around 55o C.E.

This roadside viewpoint offers stunning views of the Navajo Canyon and the Echo Cliff House.

This is the tallest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde--a 4 story structure. The overlook is free, but to visit Square House, tickets are required.

This stop allows vistors to appreciate the changes of Ancestral Ouebloan architecture over time, from the earliest pithouses to the more modern pueblos.

These sites show beautiful Ancestral Puebloan kivas and chimney airflow systems.

This 30-room village was one of the last structures to be built by the Ancestral Puebloans before their departure.

A viewpoint with a viewing scope overlooking several cliffside dwellings.

This roadside stops overlooks the 1250 C.E. Oak Tree House, a large cliff village.

This overlook peaks out at the Fire Temple, which boasts several homes, a firepit, and a central plaza.

Sun Temple, an uncompleted Ancestral Puebloan ceremonial structure, has been puzzling anthropologists as to its exact function since its discovery.

Cliff Palace is one of Mesa Verde's most popular stops--and for good reason. 150 rooms and 23 kivas make up this cliffside wonder. Visitors to this site must schedule a ranger-guided tour in advance.

This "House of Many Windows" is actually swissed by countless small doorways, which are often mistaken for windows.

This carefully perched cliff house was built in the early 1200's as part of the larger Balcony House Community.

Visitors will want to get advance tickets for this ranger-guided tour. The Balcony House is made of 38 rooms, 2 kivas, and a plaza. To visit, visitors need to be in relatively decent health, as they will need to climb through a small tunnel and climb several ladders.

This short and easy 1.2-mile (2 km) out-and-back trail is ideal for wildlife spotting. Along the way, you'll enjoy several views of the cliff houses dotting the adjacent cliffside. Be sure to walk all the way to the Soda Canyon voerlook for teh best view of the canyon.

Wetherill Mesa's geologic overlook and picnic area is a great stop in the afternoon for a quick snack while you take in views of Montezuma Valley.

This quick stop is a great place to look for raptor birds soaring above the cliffs. Visitors can also read the educational displays explaining the area's fires.

This is the final roadside viewpoint for enjoying Montezuma Valley overlook along Wetherill Mesa Road and is another excellent spot for birding

The Rock Canyon Tower is a stop you'll want to pull out your binoculars for. The tower structure is located on the opposite canyon wall.

The Wetherill Mesa Station Kiosk should be your first stop before heading to the Long House Trail. This informative hub, located at the end Wetherill Mesa Road, provides visitors with essential details about the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites in the area. Offering maps, interpretive exhibits, and trail information, the kiosk helps visitors plan their ideal route through the surrounding, intersecting trails.

The Wetherill Mesa Sites include Step House, Kodak House, Long House, Nordenskiold Site 16, and Two Raven House. The hikes here can total up to or over 4.5 miles, if you visit all the sites. Visitors should prioritize Nordenskiold Site and Step House, as well as the by ticket-only Long House.

This is the only Ancestral Puebloan site on Wetherill Mesa Road that requires a ranger guide to visit. This sprawling structure consists of 50 rooms, 21 kivas, and several upper storage rooms.