Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is the cinematic heart of the American West, defined by colossal sandstone buttes and mesas that tower up to 1,000 feet above the desert floor. This is a Navajo Tribal Park rather than a National Park, and the distinction is felt through the deep cultural connection of the Navajo people, who know the area as Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii. While the 17-mile self-drive loop offers views of the world-famous Mittens, much of the valley remains off-limits to independent travelers. Hiring a Navajo guide is the only way to reach restricted backcountry sites like the Sun's Eye arch or Ear of the Wind. Beyond the Hollywood legacy found at John Ford’s Point, the park offers the Wildcat Trail for hikers and the chance to stay at The View Hotel, where every room is oriented toward the sunrise over the monuments.