I don't even know where to begin, visiting the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park was absolutely…read morebreathtaking and deeply spiritual. The contrast of the rich red rock formations against the vivid blue sky is pure eye candy, almost surreal. But what made the experience even more meaningful was meeting members of the Navajo Nation. Learning about their culture and traditions added a powerful, educational layer to the trip. I couldn't leave without buying a unique piece of jewelry handcrafted by an elder. It features multiple stones representing protection, health, and prosperity, and knowing the meaning behind it makes it even more special. We will definitely be back. This place is simply stunning. Travel tips: * You will need an SUV, the roads are rough and not suited for regular cars * Bring sunscreen and lip balm, the dry desert climate is no joke * Go at sunrise or sunset for the most incredible colors and fewer crowds * Bring cash for local vendors (especially for authentic handmade Navajo jewelry) * Allow plenty of time, this isn't a quick stop, it's an experience to take in slowly Absolutely unforgettable.

Do the loop as it's better to see it up close than from afar. A per head payment ($10 each) plus…read more$15 for the scenic loop. Lots of tours running in open air trucks. Looks like they go steadily because most weren't even full. From my observation you don't need a 4x4. Not sure why folks keep saying that. I also didn't see any places where you needed some big vehicle with huge undercar clearance. There's no huge rocks anywhere. I'm pretty sure they'd be clearing those out of the road quickly. The one thing I will not is it's hard to keep track of where you are on the map which uses numbers. Most confusing is the intersection where you come to the horse stables on right. Ignore it and keep heading straight towards the one way only arrows. Or if you want to do the John ford outlook first (which sells food) then that trail is to the right of the horse stables if you're facing towards the entrance of the stable. They do have port a potty's on the loop

Great camping site with restrooms. Great views and guided tours available. Sadly we arrived during…read morethe storm, so we were unable to explore. Definitely will be back.

Very nice NPS site. Beautiful scenery. Good interpretative content. Friendly rangers. Well…read moremaintained, simple campground. Not a ton of hiking opportunities so probably a half dayish worth of activity. A place worth checking out.

Absolutely stunning scenery and a true icon of the American West: Monument Valley is a must-see,…read morebut it's not without its quirks! The place gets extremely crowded, especially with tour buses (including a lot of Taurus-branded ones), which can make the visitor center feel hectic. Be prepared to pay a separate entrance fee since the park is on Navajo reservation land, and your National Parks pass won't work here. If you want to experience everything, you'll definitely need a 4x4 vehicle. The main loop is a rugged, unpaved dirt and gravel road, and there are some sketchy spots that really call for higher clearance and four-wheel drive. Regular cars can technically make it, but you'll be glad for the extra power and stability if you hit rough patches or deep sand. Inside the park, there are a few restaurants, but the food is just okay and pretty pricey. Still, the real draw is the landscape: jaw-dropping buttes and mesas that have starred in countless movies and photos. Every corner offers another incredible view, and there are endless opportunities for amazing pictures. Despite the crowds and rough roads, it's a five-star destination for anyone who loves dramatic scenery and film history!

I was unable to check in. There was no internet at the time. We never get tired of visiting…read moreMonument Valley. The scenery is breathtaking with the monuments reaching for the sky. Most of the photos are taken at the Forrest Gump area. It is possibly the most visited area for photos. Visit if you're able. There are no facilities until you exit the park. Make sure you have water and the vehicle is gassed up.

What an amazing location! Another wonder of nature. At only a $5 cover charge you can experience…read morethe force of water and the power it has to transform land. Easy access, plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and they offer a camping area.

If you're in the area, make time for a photo stop at Goosenecks State Park, near Mexican Hat…read more Similar to Horseshoe Bend but with multiple loops, this overlook showcases the winding turns of the San Juan River. Although it can be visited in just a few minutes, there's also ample parking and a picnic shelter onsite, for those looking to enjoy the locations longer.

Natural Bridges is one of the most pristine, unspoiled, well-maintained and absolutely gorgeous…read moreNational Monuments I've ever visited. There are three large natural bridges created by erosion that can be seen from the well-paved loop road. You may also hike down to see the bridges closer up; some of the hikes require a bit of dexterity, as you will be navigating ladders and steep staircases. But it's completely worth it. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, there are well-maintained historical relics including petroplyphs and kivas. The visitor center will collect the admission fee (well worth it, believe me) and has books, souvenirs and some hiking supplies available for purchase. My highest recommendation.

This monument delivered on its name - there are in fact natural bridges located here. The three…read morenatural bridges can be seen from overlooks, but to get under them requires hiking. The trail to Sipapu bridge is the most fun as there are stairs, ladders, and steep switchbacks on exposed rock face. There's also a ledge that can be walked on at the middle of the trail that gives an excellent view of the bridge if you don't want to hike down all the way. There's also a small cliff dwelling on the ledge to look at up close. Other more complete structures can be seen at the end of Horsecollar House Overlook.

This rock formation is so cool that they named the nearby town after it. Mexican Hat Rock is a…read moresombrero-shaped rock near the San Juan River in Utah. Mexican Hat town has a very small population of under a hundred. Mexican Hat Rock is easy to spot when driving down the 163. The rock formation balances a rock in the shape of a pancake atop of a 300-foot-high cone. There is a short road that leads up to the rock formation if you want to get a closer look at it. No fee required.

There's not a whole lot to say about Mexican Hat Rock. It's a cool natural rock formation that…read morelooks like it sounds like it looks... but it's definitely worth the stop and pictures! When driving, it's more difficult to see when heading north... but if you're traveling toward it heading south, then you're in for a treat! Cool roadside stop with no admittance fees and just a short drive off the expressway! Go check it out! *****FIVE STARS*****

So beautiful during sunset! Plenty of parking, a paved walkway (bit steep at times), but has…read morehandrails for support. I followed the trail to the right towards the dam, and there are multiple overlooks you can sit on along the edge (fewer people). And best of all, FREE!

Trail was downhill and sort of rocky. There was a railing for stability while traveling down…read more Mostly flat at the bottom. Great views all around!!

I didn't even know this place was a thing until I was mapping out our Spring Break road trip! It…read morejust so happened we were going to be driving right by here, so we decided to make a stop. My oldest had just recently watched the movie, so she remembered the scene. They have signs to clearly mark where to stop based on the movie. And there is parking available along the road in several spots so you can stop and take your photos. There are also some vendors with booths selling items for the Navajo Nation. It was VERY windy when we were there. Also, be careful with all the cars driving through.

As someone who really loves Forrest Gump, this spot was one of the must visit places on my road…read moretrip. It was actually one of the locations I was most excited to cross off my to do list and it did not disappoint. Standing on the exact stretch of road where that iconic scene was filmed feels surreal, like stepping into the movie for a moment. Even with the cloudy weather, the view of Monument Valley in the distance is unreal. There's something so peaceful and cinematic about the whole area, it almost makes you forget you're literally standing in the middle of the highway. It's a quick stop but it carries a lot of meaning if you grew up loving the film. A simple spot, but one that hits hard if Forrest Gump has a place in your heart. I'm really glad I made the drive.