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Archaeological evidence indicates that the ancient Anasazi people inhabited the valley until AD 1300. Today over 100 sites and ruins have been found dating from these ancient people, including rock art. The Anasazi abandoned the area in the 1300's, leaving it empty of humans until the arrival of the Navajo.
The valley has wide a assortment of vegetation including, Juniper trees, yucca, Russian thistle (Tumbleweed) and Navajo Tea to name just a few. Much of the vegetation is still used by the Navajos for medicinal purposes, and as dyes for their world famous hand-woven rugs.
Temperatures range from the upper 80's to low 90's in the summer. The winters are mild ranging from the upper 40's to mid 50's. Summer nights are cool and comfortable. Winter lows are generally in the mid to upper 20's. The summers are dry except during the monsoon season - beware of flash flooding during this time. Winters see some snow, which brings out the spectacular colors of the valley.
Wildcat Trail - This impressive 3.1 mile trail takes you along the base of the West Mitten Butte, giving you a sense of how enormous the monuments are. This is the only self-guided walking tour in the park. Bring plenty of water, as the path is sometimes composed of deep sand which requires extra effort to navigate.
Navajo guides are required for travel off of the valley road. A number of companies provide guided tours of the Monument Valley that include transportation from the surrounding areas. Some companies will provide bus travel from nearby towns while others begin in Monument Valley Tribal Park. Some will provide just a brief tour with small stops, while others may take you on a hike and arrange all your meals. Most of these are done in windowless buses or trucks - be prepared to get covered in dust. You may wish to take a cue from the Japanese and bring a mask.
*.Monument Valley Safari is Navajo owned/operated. Rated #2 on TripAdvisor, Monument Valley Safari provides both private and group tours into the restricted areas of Lower Monument Valley, Mystery Valley, Tear Drop Arch and Hunts Mesa. All guides are natives/locals who are enthusiastic to share their culture and knowledge of Navajo history and geography. Their most popular tour on TripAdvisor is the 3.5 Hour Scenic & Cultural Safari into Lower Monument Valley. Contact Nate Holiday at 1.928.209.1364 or nate1holiday@gmail.com for more information or to reserve your safari. $$.
* Hydros Adventures Tours, 928-310-8141, [url=http://www.hydrosadventures.com/].]Offers one day and overnight hiking, rafting, backpacking, and adventure tours to Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah. Pickups in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon area.
*Majestic Monument Valley Touring Co. is a Navajo owned/operated certified tour company. They offer a variety of tours inside and outside of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. With their Navajo guides, customers learn about Navajo culture as they experience the beautiful landscape. They operate year-round.
*Monument Valley Hot Air Balloon Company, 623-847-1511 or tollfree 800-843-5987, [url=http://www.monumentvalleyballooncompany.com/[/url].]Offers comprehensive sunrise hot air balloon flight tours from May 1st through October 31st. Includes Navajo guide who will provide information about Monument Valley history & legends and the Navajo People & their way of life, transportation from Kayenta, Arizona or Goulding Lodge, Utah, early morning twilight & sunrise photo opportunities, inflation of the hot air balloon (which is pretty incredible in itself!), hot air balloon flight of approximately 1 hour aloft over some of the most dramatic geography imaginable, post-flight continental breakfast served at a tablecloth setting at your landing site, personalized First Flight Certificate commemorating your ascension in a hot air balloon, backcountry tour (which requires a Navajo guide), a brief stop at the Visitor's Center, and return transportation to your pickup location.
* Sandstone Tours, (435) 200-5450, [http://www.sandstonetours.com[/url]. Sandstone Tours offers sunset and sunrise tours of Monument Valley and Mystery Valley as well as a variety of other affordable tours ranging from 1.5 to 6 hours. Tour the valley with a local Navajo guide and enjoy several scenic stops along the way.
Located across the road from the entrance to the park, Goulding's is by far the nearest hotel to the park, without being actually inside it, as The View Hotel is. Some rooms have distant views towards the park, camping is also available, and there's a restaurant and gift shop on site. They offer guided tours through the park throughout the day. Typically far cheaper than The View Hotel, the inconvenience is a 10 minute commute to the park.
* The View Hotel is the only hotel inside the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, situated at the entrance, near the visitors center. It features 90 suite rooms overlooking the entire valley, with amazing views of the famous mittens and other red rock formations.
* Located in Mexican Hat overlooking the San Juan River. Amenities include a swimming pool, in-room coffee, wifi, micro-fridges, free breakfast, restaurant. Mexican Hat is not on the reservation so beer & alcohol is available along with the freedom to hike the many trails & enjoy the refreshing San Juan River.
* Home of The Swingin' Steak & beer garden.