SCENIC DRIVE

Monument Valley is definitely worth a visit. The park has a scenic drive that winds its way through the valley, allowing visitors to take in the park's main sights from 11 different spots. In order: The Mittens and Merrick's Butte, Elephant Butte, Three Sisters, John Ford's Point, Camel Butte, The Hub, Bird Spring, Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei, Artist's Point, North Window and finally The Hub. Artist's Point is undoubtedly one of the most magical vantage points in the valley, with its contrasting green vegetation and red earth. You can see West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. There's also The Hub, an imposing formation with a circular base reminiscent of a wooden wagon wheel. The second formation, "Table of the Rain God", refers to the rain god, an important deity in Navajo belief. Other areas are not accessible on a self-guided tour and require the participation of a guide. In summer, the trail is accessible to all cars, and anyone can stop whenever they like. In winter, depending on the weather, 4x4 vehicles are sometimes recommended. The brochure handed out at the park entrance will help you locate the various monuments. There are three types of formation: the mesa (Spanish for table), a massive, stable formation with little erosion; the butte, which corresponds to the second stage of erosion; and the spire, which is narrower and represents the final stage in the erosion of a butte.