Phoenix Loop via Monument Valley. A 1,200 km loop through Arizona's most iconic desert landscapes. From Sedona's red rock vortexes through Monument Valley's towering buttes to Antelope Canyon's sculpted sandstone.
The Monument Valley Loop from Phoenix is one of the most visually striking road trips in the American Southwest. In 1,200 kilometers, you pass through landscapes that have defined the imagery of the American West for over a century, from John Ford westerns to Forrest Gump to every car commercial ever filmed in the desert.
The route takes you from the saguaro-studded desert around Phoenix into Sedona's crimson rock formations, up through the mountain pines of Flagstaff along historic Route 66, across the vast Navajo Nation to the towering buttes of Monument Valley, then through the sculpted sandstone slot canyons and impossible geology around Page before looping back south.
What makes this loop exceptional is the geological diversity packed into a single drive. You go from Sonoran Desert at 1,000 feet to ponderosa pine forests at 7,000 feet, back down to painted desert badlands, through towering sandstone monoliths, past the deepest canyon bends of the Colorado River, and through volcanic fields. No two hours look the same.
5 days, 4 iconic waypoints, and landscapes that belong on another planet.
Ancient cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people around 1100 AD. Quick stop off I-17 with a well-maintained trail and visitor center.
Built into the red rocks in 1956. Free to visit. Park early as the lot fills fast. Views of the surrounding formations are spectacular.
Cathedral Rock trail is the classic (1.2 miles, steep). Devil's Bridge is longer (3.9 miles round trip) but rewards with a natural sandstone arch. Start before 7 AM to beat crowds and heat.
Airport Mesa vortex offers the easiest access and best sunset views. Boynton Canyon and Bell Rock are also popular. Whether you believe in energy vortexes or not, the scenery is undeniable.
Elote Cafe is worth the wait for Southwestern cuisine. Creekside dining at L'Auberge for a splurge. Grab a local craft beer at Oak Creek Brewery.
Take AZ-89A north through this stunning canyon. Slide Rock State Park has natural rock waterslides in Oak Creek. In fall, the canyon blazes with autumn colors.
Walk the downtown stretch of Route 66 in Flagstaff. Vintage neon signs, independent shops, and real Western character. Miz Zip's diner is a Route 66 institution.
Where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Evening telescope viewing sessions available. Flagstaff is an International Dark Sky City, so stargazing is exceptional.
A 900-year-old volcanic cinder cone 20 minutes north of town. The Lava Flow Trail (1 mile loop) lets you walk across actual volcanic terrain.
Brix Restaurant for farm-to-table. Beaver Street Brewery for pub fare. Flagstaff has a surprisingly excellent food and craft beer scene for a small mountain town.
Historic trading post on the Navajo Nation along US-89. Great place to buy authentic Navajo jewelry and crafts directly from artisans. The gallery has museum-quality pieces.
The 17-mile Valley Drive loop is unpaved but passable in a regular car (go slow). Guided Navajo tours access restricted areas including Ear of the Wind, Sun's Eye, and ancient petroglyphs. Book tours in advance.
West Mitten, East Mitten, and Merrick Butte are best photographed from The View Hotel terrace or the nearby campground. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for the best light.
The View Restaurant offers Navajo-inspired cuisine with panoramic butte views. Goulding's has a good dining room. Options are limited, so plan accordingly.
Free entry. Betatakin overlook trail (0.8 miles round trip) gives views of a stunning 135-room cliff dwelling. Ranger-led tours to the ruins are free but limited. Reserve at the visitor center.
Upper Antelope Canyon is the most photographed slot canyon in the world. Navajo-guided tours are mandatory. Book weeks in advance, especially for the 11:30 AM light beam tour. Lower Antelope Canyon has fewer crowds.
1.5-mile round trip walk from the parking lot ($10 fee). The 1,000-foot drop to the Colorado River is unfenced in places. Best light is late afternoon. Bring water in summer as temperatures on the trail can exceed 110F.
Big John's Texas BBQ is the local favorite. Bonkers Italian Cafe for a sit-down meal. Page is a small town, so dining options are limited but solid.
Wahweap Overlook near the dam gives sweeping views of the lake and surrounding sandstone. Quick stop before heading south.
US-89 south passes through the western edge of the Painted Desert. The layered, multicolored badlands are surreal. Pull over at viewpoints along the road.
800-year-old Puebloan ruins set against red rock backdrop. The main Wupatki Pueblo trail is a quick 0.5-mile loop. Combined ticket with Sunset Crater available.
Arrive back in Phoenix by late afternoon. If time allows, catch sunset from Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon trail, 1.2 miles, strenuous) or relax at a downtown restaurant.
Phoenix has an outstanding food scene. Barrio Cafe for elevated Mexican cuisine, Pizzeria Bianco is legendary, or hit the Roosevelt Row district for trendy options.
Guided tours are required for Antelope Canyon and backcountry areas of Monument Valley. You cannot enter these sites independently.
No drones allowed anywhere on Navajo Nation land. This is strictly enforced with fines and equipment seizure.
Ask before photographing people. Many Navajo artisans and residents prefer not to be photographed. Always ask first and respect their answer.
Do not remove anything. Rocks, plants, pottery shards, and artifacts are protected. Leave everything as you find it.
Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time (unlike the rest of Arizona). Adjust your clocks when crossing into the reservation.
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Desert driving is unforgiving. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Navajo Nation requires guided tours for most sites including Antelope Canyon and backcountry Monument Valley areas. Do not wander off designated trails.
Drones are strictly prohibited on all Navajo Nation land, including Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. Violations carry fines and equipment confiscation.
Respect tribal land at all times. Ask permission before photographing Navajo people. Do not remove rocks, artifacts, or disturb any structures.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110F (43C) in the desert. Carry a minimum of 1 gallon of water per person per day. Heat exhaustion is a real risk.
Cell service is extremely limited across much of the Navajo Nation. Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans before entering remote areas.
Gas stations are sparse between Flagstaff and Monument Valley. Fill your tank in Tuba City or Cameron. Running out of fuel in the desert is dangerous.
Flash floods can occur suddenly in slot canyons and desert washes, even from storms miles away. Check weather forecasts before entering Antelope Canyon.
Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff have reliable Level 2 and DC fast charging
Charging is very limited on the Navajo Nation between Flagstaff and Page
Page has a Tesla Supercharger and Level 2 stations at hotels
Plan your charge stops carefully. This route pushes EV range limits between Flagstaff and Page
Download PlugShare or ChargePoint maps offline before departure
No. The 17-mile Valley Drive loop is unpaved but passable in a regular car if you drive slowly. However, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for comfort. Guided tours use 4x4 vehicles and access areas you cannot reach on your own.
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) offer mild temperatures between 60-80F, clear skies, and the best photography light. Summer exceeds 100F and winter can bring snow and road closures on the Navajo Nation.
No. Drones are strictly prohibited on all Navajo Nation land, which includes Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend tribal areas, and all surrounding lands. Violations result in fines, equipment confiscation, and potential criminal charges.
At least 2 to 4 weeks in advance for peak season (March to October). The popular 11:30 AM light beam tour at Upper Antelope Canyon sells out months ahead. Lower Antelope Canyon is slightly easier to book and has fewer crowds.
Most of the route is RV-friendly, but the Monument Valley loop road is rough and not recommended for large RVs. Some campgrounds at Monument Valley and Page accommodate RVs. The Sedona to Flagstaff stretch via Oak Creek Canyon (AZ-89A) has tight switchbacks that can be challenging for rigs over 30 feet.
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