Monument Valley is an icon of the American Southwest! If these red rocks aren’t on your must-see list, add them now. And plan to bring your pet, because there is so much to do together in the area.
Monument Valley’s majestic red soil and rock formations stand alone in a large, open landscape that is instantly recognizable. They have even been used as backdrops for countless western films and have been included in other films, such as Back to the Future III and Forrest Gump. Even better – Monument Valley is a great place to visit with your dogs!
As of April 6, 2022, a license is no longer required to access valley drive. However, guidance from the Navajo Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control is being followed at all Navajo Parks and Recreation Sites. Under these safety protocols, maximum occupancy is limited to 75 percent, which includes restaurants, casinos, hotels, campgrounds and RV parks, museums, zoos, marinas, and public parks. pellets. In addition, the Navajo Nation is required to wear masks in indoor and outdoor public spaces. Please respect. And check Their website for the most up-to-date information.
Explore Monument Valley with Dogs
Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau, spanning 240,000 square miles with varied desert landscapes including 9 national parks and 18 national monuments. Monument Valley is different from other parks in that it is administered by the Navajo Nation.
And if you’re touring Monument Valley with the dogs, that particular detail should interest you. While many national parks are notoriously lacking when it comes to pet-friendly access, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park offers a fresh range of options for adventure with your pet.
Heading north or south, you’ll reach Monument Valley via Highway 163. We drove about 5 hours from Phoenix. Thankfully, Cool Whip and Hercules are top road companions!
READ MORE Your Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Moab
The expressway north of the north entrance of the park is where you’ll encounter the view seen in Forrest Gump, where Forrest finished his run. There are several sliding doors on each side of the road so you can safely park your car to stretch your legs, enjoy the view and take a few pictures.
We got to Monument Valley just in time to check in at Goulding’s Lodge for the night. Although they charge $20 per pet, they do not discriminate by weight, breed, or number of pets. And with two 70-pound pit bulls, we appreciate their inclusive policy!
Plan your visit
Arriving in the evening gives you a fresh start in the morning. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from November to January and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from February to October.
There are fewer visitors and, therefore, fewer dogs at the beginning of the day. This is a great bonus if you have reactive dogs or just want to experience some solitude among the sandstone giants.
We ended up having the entire park to ourselves on the morning of our visit. Could it be any better?!
As you go up the driveway to the park, there is an entry shop right in front of the visitor center. Apparently neither Cool Whip nor Herc carry cash, so I paid the entrance fee: $20 per car for up to four people.
The waiter was very helpful and explained which areas of Monument Valley the dogs were allowed to explore. She confirmed that pets are welcome on the Wildcat Trail and the Valley Trail, but not inside the visitor center.
Monument Valley pet-friendly trails
The Wildcat Trail is a 3.8-mile hiking trail that leads down the valley and around West Mitten Butte. If you think the monuments are impressive from afar, wait until you walk right next to one! OH!
Pets must be leashed and all hikers must follow the designated path. Plus, you’re free to explore at your own pace.
We kept that in mind and enjoyed a leisurely 2.5 hour stroll. Hercules sniffed every bush we went to, and might have had a stop or two for a snack… because, really, who likes an adventure without snacks?!
READ MORE 7 essentials when walking in the desert with dogs
Climbing back out of the valley is the only place where the trail is a bit difficult. The hill is quite sandy, and it feels like you are climbing a dune. The dogs handled it well, although the Cool Whip shot me a few disgruntled glances along the way. Walking uphill is her least favorite activity. Though if we’re being completely honest, anything that doesn’t involve junk food, belly rubs, or naps is her least favorite activity.
Valley Drive in Monument Valley
Valley Drive, your other pet-friendly option, is a 17-mile dirt road that weaves through the ruins. There are many stops along the way to snap photos and get a quick sniff around, but you must have a guide with you if you want to explore beyond the parking areas.
Guided tours are available for purchase and some are pet-friendly, as long as all guests approve of their pets. If you choose to drive yourself on the road, be sure to check with visitor center staff for current conditions. We arrived after a rainy night, and they advised to avoid driving without a 4-wheeler.
Beyond Monument Valley
So you might be thinking, “Did you drive five hours with your dogs to Monument Valley just to do a 3.8-mile hike?!” Yep, we definitely did! Monument Valley is what draws you in, but once you get here, there are plenty of other places to explore.
Mexican hat, Goosenecks State Parkand Muley Point are all great pet-friendly options. But our favorite pick is the Valley of the Gods. Just the name alone is impressive!
Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is often described as a smaller version of Monument Valley, but don’t let the size fool you. You will probably be just as impressed, if not more! Also, the Valley of the Gods is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and that makes it a great place to visit with a pet!
READ MORE Pet Friendly Hiking on federal lands
Make your bed (tent, car, RV, etc.) yours. Yes, another 17-mile dirt road – and this one should also be avoided after the rain if you’re not equipped with four-wheel drive. The road crosses many washes and has a few tight turns, so be alert.
Follow along the driveway until you find a web that calls you and your furry companions. Ours was along the back curve of a short U-shaped side road. Returning to the main road kept Cool Whip and Hercules from being distracted by traffic, and we had a great view. great.
After setting up camp, Cool Whip and Herc took me to explore. Your pet probably won’t give you much of a say in this matter. There are so many new smells and places to smell! And you can walk to the towering red statues and wander along the ravines. May all of you be well before bed.
Know the weather
Check the weather forecast while planning your trip to ensure optimal enjoyment. Monument Valley Navajo and Valley of the Gods Tribal Park is located in the desert, where temperatures can soar above 90 degrees during the summer months and drop below freezing in the winter. Planning ahead will fuel pw-fect adventures for you and your pet!
We hope our dog-friendly trip to Monument Valley encourages you to visit with your pet! If you see more dog-friendly things to do, share them in the comments below! And while you’re in the neighborhood, check out all the dog-friendly things we’ve found here. Moab, Utah!
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