Navajo Tribal Park and Monument Valley self-guided driving tour

Your adventure into the stunning Utah landscape begins on the outskirts of the tiny town of Mexican Hat. From there, you'll cruise across the rust-red land and crest the rise where Forrest Gump's long run finally came to an end in the famous Tom Hanks film. From there, you'll get your first really good look at the wonders that await.

Then it's on to Monument Valley itself. Along the way, you'll get acquainted with the park and what makes it different from any national park you might've visited. After you pass the visitor center, you'll turn back the clock a whopping 200 million years to see how these unique formations came to be in the first place. Believe it or not, this whole valley was once a seabed!

Then you'll jump forward and learn about the mysterious Anasazi tribe, the first people who ever lived in this harsh place. They left behind ancient, advanced dwellings among the cliffs, which have been abandoned even before the Spanish arrived here. You'll also hear about the Navajo, of course! This is their valley, after all, and the tribe has a long history here.

Next, you'll come to Wildcat Trail, the only self-guided trail in the park. From here, you can hike through some of the coolest sights the valley has to offer--as long as you bring enough water, that is!

At North Window Overlook, you will be pointed out the perfect spot to catch a sunrise. Finally, you'll end up near Camel Butte and Elephant Butte, where your tour will conclude.