I don't even know where to begin, visiting the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park was absolutely…read morebreathtaking and deeply spiritual. The contrast of the rich red rock formations against the vivid blue sky is pure eye candy, almost surreal. But what made the experience even more meaningful was meeting members of the Navajo Nation. Learning about their culture and traditions added a powerful, educational layer to the trip. I couldn't leave without buying a unique piece of jewelry handcrafted by an elder. It features multiple stones representing protection, health, and prosperity, and knowing the meaning behind it makes it even more special. We will definitely be back. This place is simply stunning. Travel tips: * You will need an SUV, the roads are rough and not suited for regular cars * Bring sunscreen and lip balm, the dry desert climate is no joke * Go at sunrise or sunset for the most incredible colors and fewer crowds * Bring cash for local vendors (especially for authentic handmade Navajo jewelry) * Allow plenty of time, this isn't a quick stop, it's an experience to take in slowly Absolutely unforgettable.

An amazing stop to add to your trip. You get to see the infamous monument valley and take pictures…read morefor memories to compare from years before. There's a shop inside and bathrooms. You can also take a ride to the actual valleys for a 17 mile loop for $15 per vehicle. Plenty of parking.

The visitor center was overrun with a bunch of kids on a field trip, but the ranger and volunteers…read morewere very patient with them. Bonus star in my book! As you enter the center, there's the ranger desk to your right and the shop to your left, selling the usual assorted NPS goodies. In the back is a small museum displaying a diorama of the dwellings and many artifacts. There are so many beautiful pots on display! The trails of this monument start at the back of the center. Pass by the hogan and the dinosaur tracks. I walked the Sandal Trail, which is the only trail that leads you to a viewpoint of the cliff dwelling village. It's on the opposite rim of the canyon, so be sure to bring binoculars. I also did the Canyon View Trail which leads to the park's historic ranger station. I would definitely return for the seasonal ranger-led hikes - I visited too early in the year so they weren't offered yet.

Great camping site with restrooms. Great views and guided tours available. Sadly we arrived during…read morethe storm, so we were unable to explore. Definitely will be back.

Absolutely stunning scenery and a true icon of the American West: Monument Valley is a must-see,…read morebut it's not without its quirks! The place gets extremely crowded, especially with tour buses (including a lot of Taurus-branded ones), which can make the visitor center feel hectic. Be prepared to pay a separate entrance fee since the park is on Navajo reservation land, and your National Parks pass won't work here. If you want to experience everything, you'll definitely need a 4x4 vehicle. The main loop is a rugged, unpaved dirt and gravel road, and there are some sketchy spots that really call for higher clearance and four-wheel drive. Regular cars can technically make it, but you'll be glad for the extra power and stability if you hit rough patches or deep sand. Inside the park, there are a few restaurants, but the food is just okay and pretty pricey. Still, the real draw is the landscape: jaw-dropping buttes and mesas that have starred in countless movies and photos. Every corner offers another incredible view, and there are endless opportunities for amazing pictures. Despite the crowds and rough roads, it's a five-star destination for anyone who loves dramatic scenery and film history!

I was unable to check in. There was no internet at the time. We never get tired of visiting…read moreMonument Valley. The scenery is breathtaking with the monuments reaching for the sky. Most of the photos are taken at the Forrest Gump area. It is possibly the most visited area for photos. Visit if you're able. There are no facilities until you exit the park. Make sure you have water and the vehicle is gassed up.

Goosenecks State Park was a nice stop during our trip through southeastern Utah. The entrance fee…read morewas only $5 per vehicle, and we enjoyed spending some time exploring the dramatic river canyon views. It seems like it would be an even more memorable experience for those camping overnight. Unfortunately, it was extremely windy during our visit, which limited how long we stayed, but it was still worth the stop to see this unique landscape.

What an amazing location! Another wonder of nature. At only a $5 cover charge you can experience…read morethe force of water and the power it has to transform land. Easy access, plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and they offer a camping area.

Kachina Bridge Trail was a ~1.3 miles round trip. Unfortunately, unable to complete this time due…read moreto the trail on the edge of the canyon with several feet of snow. Wait until the snow melts to safely attempt this hike. Short video of the Kachina hike! https://youtu.be/vBVbbXvB_eA Owachomo Bridge Trail was a ~0.7 miles round trip that took ~30 mins to complete. This was the easiest natural bridges trail out of the three to reach the bottom! Short video of the Owachomo hike! https://youtu.be/RjqDtFMNbVY Beautiful views of both Kachina and Owachomo Bridge!

Natural Bridges is one of the most pristine, unspoiled, well-maintained and absolutely gorgeous…read moreNational Monuments I've ever visited. There are three large natural bridges created by erosion that can be seen from the well-paved loop road. You may also hike down to see the bridges closer up; some of the hikes require a bit of dexterity, as you will be navigating ladders and steep staircases. But it's completely worth it. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, there are well-maintained historical relics including petroplyphs and kivas. The visitor center will collect the admission fee (well worth it, believe me) and has books, souvenirs and some hiking supplies available for purchase. My highest recommendation.

There's not a whole lot to say about Mexican Hat Rock. It's a cool natural rock formation that…read morelooks like it sounds like it looks... but it's definitely worth the stop and pictures! When driving, it's more difficult to see when heading north... but if you're traveling toward it heading south, then you're in for a treat! Cool roadside stop with no admittance fees and just a short drive off the expressway! Go check it out! *****FIVE STARS*****

Mexican Hat Rock was a neat stop on our road trip. Located just outside the tiny town of Mexican…read moreHat, the famous rock formation really does look like a sombrero balanced on top of a narrow base. I didn't have my 4x4 vehicle for our trip, as a result, we weren't sure about taking the dirt roads to get closer, so we played it safe and admired it from afar. Even from a distance, it's a unique sight and worth a quick stop if you're passing through. Kind of reminded us of Radiator Springs lol! The surrounding scenery is beautiful, and it's conveniently located near Goosenecks State Park, Monument Valley, and Valley of the Gods.

*Short hike to a beautiful overlook where you can see the other side of the dam and the nightly…read moreColorado River slicing through history *Surrounded by beautiful hues of red stone and gorgeous rock formations * Trail does include some steep stairs/ climbing- but there is a rail for support. But if you have health conditions- know your body limits. *Trail is sandy and rocky- wear supporting shoes because it's easy to slip or biff it * Hydrate and recreate safely and responsibly

So beautiful during sunset! Plenty of parking, a paved walkway (bit steep at times), but has…read morehandrails for support. I followed the trail to the right towards the dam, and there are multiple overlooks you can sit on along the edge (fewer people). And best of all, FREE!

I didn't even know this place was a thing until I was mapping out our Spring Break road trip! It…read morejust so happened we were going to be driving right by here, so we decided to make a stop. My oldest had just recently watched the movie, so she remembered the scene. They have signs to clearly mark where to stop based on the movie. And there is parking available along the road in several spots so you can stop and take your photos. There are also some vendors with booths selling items for the Navajo Nation. It was VERY windy when we were there. Also, be careful with all the cars driving through.

If you've seen the movie, you would know what this place is about. If you haven't, you must have…read morebeen hiding under a rock somewhere...lol... The famous running scene in the movie with the beautiful monument valley in the background. There's signs posted to let you know it's coming up. Along the side of the road is a pull out where there's parking. We checked it out on Saturday early afternoon before picking up a friend who was running the marathon nearby. It wasn't too busy when we arrived. But people knew the routine. The famous running scene. Just be cautious as cars are still driving up and down the two way road. People were petty courteous towards each other. Giving everyone their Kodak moment. There were pretty much all types of people there getting that special shot. Obviously the view was spectacular during the day with a nice clear view of the road and valley behind. We stopped by a second time later that afternoon with our friend who just finished the marathon. They too wanted that famous running scene. Same as earlier, it was a good crowd but not overly busy. But the view was quite beautiful as it wasn't too long before sunset. The clouds in the background made it more beautiful. One of nature's beautiful landmarks featured in an award winning movie. A showstopper if you happen to be driving through Monument Valley.