Monument Valley on the Silver Screen: Stunning Landscapes & the Spirit of the Navajo People

Monument Valley – a sacred area of the Navajo Nation along the Arizona–Utah border – has played a central character in some of the most iconic American films of all time. That includes many by John Ford, a pioneering director known for elevating the Western genre into an art form from the late 1930s through the mid-1960s. Through visually captivating films such as “Stage Coach,” “Fort Apache” and “The Searchers” Ford explored themes of frontier hardship and the American identity amid Monument Valley’s towering buttes and mystical emptiness.  

Beyond Westerns, the valley’s red rocks and vast skies were featured in “2001: A Space Odyssey” as an alien planet and in “Forrest Gump” during the title character’s cross-country run. Other cinematic classics such as “Easy Rider,” “Back to the Future Part III” and even Disney’s “Cars” have also captured the area’s quintessential scenery. To experience it for yourself, visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park — a compelling place brimming with iconic scenery, rich Navajo culture and the artistry that’s inspired generations of creatives.

Understanding Monument Valley Through Navajo Perspectives

Long before movie directors set their sights on Monument Valley, the Diné (Navajo) people lived in harmony with this land. For the Navajo Nation, the valley is a place of spiritual significance, woven into creation stories and oral histories that define their cultural identity. These sacred landscapes, shaped by wind, water and time, are considered living entities. Many formations bear traditional Navajo names and are associated with deities and ceremonial practices passed down for generations.

Monument Valley first entered the Hollywood spotlight – thanks in part to Harry Goulding. The local trader brought photographs of the valley to director John Ford during the Great Depression, hoping to attract film crews and economic prosperity to the region. He and Ford’s efforts put Monument Valley on the map and helped craft the cinematic image of the West that endures to this day.

To honor Monument Valley’s deeper story, book a tour with a Navajo guide, who can share insights beyond what’s captured on camera. Many outfitters offer culturally respectful excursions that include storytelling rooted in Diné tradition, access to trails that aren’t open to the public and experiences such as Navajo taco tastings and grass dance demonstrations.

Book a stay at Goulding’s Lodge, whose rooms boast awe-inspiring views of the valley. The on-site museum spotlights Goulding and his wife, Leone, the lodge’s legacy as a trading post and cinematic landmark, and the history and resilience of the Navajo Nation. Check out John Wayne’s cabin, a potato cellar Ford used for exterior shots for “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” – one of the many Monument Valley films starring Wayne.

Another Navajo-run lodging option is The View Hotel, aptly named for its panoramic valley vistas and guest rooms featuring balconies. Its amenities include a restaurant and the Trading Post, where you can buy Navajo-made art, jewelry and rugs, plus memorabilia and souvenirs inspired by the films shot here.

Inspiring Landscapes in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

As you tour Monument Valley, expect to encounter some of the most photogenic rock formations in the Southwest. One of the best ways to take in the cinematic beauty is on a drive along the 27-kilometer scenic loop; just be sure to stick to designated roads and viewpoints. Don’t miss the Mittens, two towering buttes resembling a pair of outstretched hands. Nearby, Merrick Butte offers a striking contrast, often bathed in golden light at sunrise or sunset. 

Stop at John Ford Point to see the spot where the famed director staged countless scenes – and don’t forget to recreate the famous road shot at Forrest Gump Point, where the title character ended his cross-country run. You’ll also pass the slender Totem Pole, rising like a spire from the valley floor; Three Sisters, a formation that resembles a trio of hooded figures standing in quiet formation; and Camel Butte, which looks like the namesake mammal.

More Southwest Destinations to Explore

Turn your Monument Valley experience into a road trip by adding these destinations:

Southwest Beauty in Phoenix, Arizona

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona’s biggest metropolitan area known for big-city culture and scenic surroundings. Highlights include the Desert Botanical Garden, where more than 50,000 desert plants thrive alongside eye-catching red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Explore the Heard Museum, a nonprofit institution dedicated to American Indian art and culture. Spend a few hours at the Musical Instrument Museum, which offers a tour of the world’s music through its collection of 15,000 objects from across the globe.

Old West Charm & Starry Skies in Flagstaff, Arizona

Next, stop in Flagstaff, a high-elevation mountain enclave tucked along Route 66 and the world’s first International Dark Sky City. Here, downtown streets are illuminated by vintage neon signage and turn-of-the-century buildings house shops, restaurants and breweries. Browse exhibits centered on the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau at the Museum of Northern Arizona. At Lowell Observatory, admire constellations through high-powered telescopes and stargaze from the open-deck observatory. Don’t miss Wupatki National Monument — one of Arizona’s 13 Dark Sky Parks — to see breathtaking celestial views above ancient Puebloan ruins. From Flagstaff, drive about 3 hours north into Monument Valley.

Dramatic Rivers and Canyons in Page, Arizona

After Monument Valley, head toward Page to witness even more awe-inspiring backdrops, from the sculpted rock formations of the Colorado Plateau to the blue-green waters of Lake Powell. At Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River curves dramatically below a sandstone overlook just outside town. Page is also a gateway to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, a quieter, forested counterpart to the more visited South Rim. Open seasonally from late spring through fall, the North Rim offers cooler temperatures and a sense of solitude that heightens the canyon’s scale and beauty.

Route 66 Lore in Williams and Kingman, Arizona

Towns like Williams and Kingman keep Route 66’s legacy alive. In Williams, check out neon signs, classic diners and quirky shops celebrating the Mother Road’s golden age. Pop into the Gallery in Williams to see works by more than 40 northern Arizona artists, and browse cases of pottery, jewelry and artwork by Navajo and Hopi artists at Thunder Eagle. Continue west along preserved stretches of the highway toward Kingman, where railroad history and road-trip culture intersect. Learn more at the Arizona Route 66 Museum, where murals, dioramas and artifacts capture the history of the route.

Larger-Than-Life Landmarks in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada, is a fitting last stop, where the neon glow, dramatic architecture and anything-goes energy has drawn filmmakers since the early 20th century. Visit downtown’s Neon Museum, an outdoor gallery of restored signs that chronicles the city’s evolution through bold visuals. Cruise the Las Vegas Strip, a world-famous boulevard lined with dozens of hotels and casinos of all sizes. No visit is complete without seeing The Sphere — the largest spherical structure in the world at 112 meters tall and 157 meters wide. Watch the mesmerizing exterior screen, a giant digital canvas of LED panels; or catch a bucket-list-worthy show or concert inside.