Unforgettable Road Trip: Moab to Monument Valley

Are you ready for a road trip full of epic rock formations and crazy natural wonders? Pack your bags and get ready to visit the Southwestern US to see amazing sights. Read this complete guide to the best road trip from Moab to Monument Valley! You’ll be traveling from state to state and even stopping in Navajo Nation along the way. 

This road trip is around 150 miles and can take as little as a few hours or as long as a few days. You can decide how much time to spend at each of the stops and which ones are worthy of a longer stay. There are so many unique areas to explore that are unbeatable. If you enjoy camping, then pack your tent or your camper because there are so many scenic campgrounds to stay at along this drive!

I have been living in a van with my fiancé for the past seven months and we have driven over 22,000 miles in our van. This road trip that we completed was one of the most incredible we have ever done. You will be awed by the incredible natural formations, amazed by the history of the indigenous people there, and stunned by the Southwest’s natural beauty. If you’re ready for an unforgettable road trip then read below for more details!

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Stops from Moab to Monument Valley

Moab

Start your journey in the outdoor haven of Moab in Southern Utah Home to two National Parks, miles of off-roading trails, and the sweeping Colorado River, there is so much to do in this town. Seriously, you could never get bored with this town, because there’s always a new adventure to find around every corner!

I have been to Moab twice and I’m already making plans to go back again. Campers, rock climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts flock to this town, because there are so many wonderful natural wonders to explore here. The best way to spend time in Moab is to get out and do whatever outdoor activity you love most. If you name it, then this town probably has it!

Although this town is known for its outdoor activities, it also has a wonderful downtown area. So once you have completed a crazy adventure, you can go to town to grab a bite to eat or grab a thirst quenching drink.

Wilson’s Arch

Drive an hour down Highway 191, and you will make it to Wilson’s Arch. Named after an explorer, this arch is located off the side of the highway, so you can easily squeeze this into your road trip. The sandstone rock formation sits 400 feet above the highway and has a wide opening. Get out of your car to take a few pictures or stretch your legs and take the short half mile path to get even closer to the Arch!

Valley of the Gods

Continue two hours on the Highway to get to Valley of the Gods. If you are a fan of impressive rock formations, then you must stop for a visit here. These sandstone rock formations stand tall above the valley and are often compared to the Monument Valley rock formations. Turn off the highway and drive down the dirt road to get to the very best views of this area. Take some time to take pictures or circle around the formations to really take in the views.

If you enjoy camping, then Valley of the Gods is home to some of the best BLM camp spots in the country. There are plenty of sites to choose from and all of them boast insane views of the stunning red rocks. As always, remember to pack everything that you bring in and leave no trace when camping. We didn’t get the opportunity to camp here, but I have already added it to my list as a place I must return to spend a few nights in the remote area. 

Goosenecks State Park

Only 30 minutes from Valley of the Gods, you can explore the scenic Goosenecks State Park. Here, you can see one of the prime examples of a river meander. As the San Juan River flows over six miles, while only continuing one and a half miles to the West. Visit this park and you will be able to get great panoramic views of the river snaking in and around the canyon.

Most people go to this spot to take in the view or practice night photography in the Dark Sky. There are primitive campsites at the park, where you can stay for a few nights. In order to enter, you will need to pay $5 per vehicle or an extra $10 a night if you plan on camping. The camp spots are all located along the ridgeline of the canyon and provide stellar views over the river.

Mexican Hat

Once you have taken in the views at Goosenecks, you can travel 10 minutes down the Highway to get to the famous Mexican Hat Rock. This rock got its name because it looks as if it is a man wearing a sombrero upside down and it’s quite a sight to see! When you’re there, you can visit the impressive formation and even spend a couple nights camping on BLM land here. 

Mexican Hat is also the name of the town right beyond the rock formation. You can find lodging, a couple restaurants, and shops in this small town! It’s always fun to visit a place where you can explore easily in a few hours. Visitors like to make this town their home base to explore Forrest Gump Point and Monument Valley nearby.

Forrest Gump Point

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Sometimes you might even get epic views on a road trip that are straight out of the movies! Forrest Gump Point is just 15 minutes down the road from Mexican Hat and it’s an iconic spot to stop. It became famous from the movie Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks because this is the point he has been running across the country and decides to stop.

Tourists from all over really enjoy stopping here! Although technically, there are signs saying you cannot stop at any time, people usually pull off to the sides of the road or continue up the road just a little bit. Most people try to get photos of themselves standing in the middle of the road for the most epic shots here. If you choose to do this, make sure to look both ways for cars and get off the road when they come through! Try to be quick or go early in the morning so that you won’t disturb others. 

Monument Valley

You’ve made it to the last stop of your Moab to Monument Valley road trip! Monument Valley is just twenty minutes further than Forrest Gump Point. These sandstone monuments are some of the most impressive rock formations in the entire country! Standing just below 1000 feet, these rock formations are imposing and formidable sights to see. 

Monument Valley is located on Navajo land and is run entirely by the Navajo Nation. You will have to pay a fee of $20 per vehicle to enter the Monument Valley area. Once you are in Monument Valley, you can choose to take a Navajo led tour of the monuments or drive the 17 mile scenic loop by yourself. The valley  follows Mountain Time, so if you are staying in Arizona you may be in a different time zone depending on the time of year (Arizona does not follow Daylight Saving). 

Most visitors choose to just drive through Monument Valley, but you can stay there if you want to see amazing sunrises and sunsets. We stayed at The View Hotel for a couple nights where we enjoyed seeing the colors change over these rock formations. However, there are very few restaurants and shops in the area so you should pack things ahead of time!

Final Thoughts

Driving from Moab to Monument Valley is one of the most scenic drives in the country. There are so many amazing rock formations and natural wonders to see in this part of the Southwestern US. So, make sure you add extra time to explore and learn more about this area. I hope you enjoy this road trip and the stops along the way!

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this road trip guide!

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