Monument Valley is one of the most iconic natural wonders in Arizona, gracing magazine covers, earning features in films, and being loved by everyone who has seen or visited it. The park is worth experiencing no matter what time of year it is, but the landscape is especially magical in the winter. Seeing those famous red rocks covered in snow is truly enchanting, and you’ll find yourself coming back every year during the colder months.
Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is an iconic natural wonder whose beauty cannot be fully or accurately described in words.
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Characterized by its signature sandstone buttes that tower at heights of up to 1,000 feet, this sacred site on the Navajo Nation is a gem to visit year-round… but we’re definitely partial to it in the winter.
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The stark contrast between the pale white snow and the deep red rocks is a sight everyone should behold at least once.
Karl Hendon / Moment via Getty Images It’s the winter wonderland of the American Southwest, worthy of being featured on a postcard.
After paying an access fee, visitors are able to drive through the park on a 17-mile dirt road and marvel at the snow-covered landscape from a variety of angles.
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Snowfall at Monument Valley is typically light, like a careful dusting of powdered sugar on a cake. It usually melts within a couple of days and rarely impedes road travel for too long.
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Certain areas of the park, including Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa, are only accessible via guided tour.
Robert Glusic / DigitalVision via Getty Images This option comes highly recommended, as it allows you not only to see things the general public cannot, but also learn about the land from a local expert.
No matter how many times you’ve visited Monument Valley, if you haven’t done so in the winter, it’s a bucket list-worthy trip.
Bartfett / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images It’s like entering a desert snow globe, and the experience is even more magical, if you can believe it.
Visit the Navajo Nation Parks website for more information about Monument Valley, including current hours, entrance fees, and tour prices.
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Karl Hendon / Moment via Getty Images
It’s the winter wonderland of the American Southwest, worthy of being featured on a postcard.
Leonie von Hausen / Moment Open via Getty Images
estivillml / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Robert Glusic / DigitalVision via Getty Images
This option comes highly recommended, as it allows you not only to see things the general public cannot, but also learn about the land from a local expert.
Bartfett / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
It’s like entering a desert snow globe, and the experience is even more magical, if you can believe it.
Have you ever seen Monument Valley in the winter? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a delicious Mexican restaurant worth trying while you’re in the area.
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Address: Monument Valley Tribal Park Road, Monument Valley Tribal Park Rd, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA