15 of the Most Fantastic Photos of Monument Valley Ever Captured

There is no doubt that Monument Valley is one of the most iconic wonders of Arizona. With the red sand and almost Martian landscape, as well as the towering sandstone buttes, it definitely gives everyone a visual feast. Every visitor lauds the breathtaking vistas and the humbling experience of seeing the Navajo culture and environment up close. Check out some of the best Instagram photos of the place on this list.

Here are 15 of the most fantastic photos of the Monument Valley ever captured:

1. Sunset Vision

Source: Instagram

Well, why don’t you look at that? There is something so beautiful about the sun setting over the Monument Valley’s landscape. You can just patiently wait and watch if the setting sun will ignite any of the formations for a split second. It’s no wonder why this place is one of the otherworldly destinations in Arizona.

2. The Sky is Unreal

Source: Instagram

Imagine camping with a starry view like this. There’s a big possibility for you to wish you can stay there forever. This photo is a blend of two images captured at the same location, and only a few hours apart from each other. The stars were captured at around 2 am while the sunrise at around 6:30 am. Monument Valley is one of the most stunning locations in the world and this photo is proof of that.

We also have some tips if you want to capture stars in the Monument Valley at night. You better bring a quality 14mm lens to capture the night sky. For instance, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 is what many photographers highly recommend. You shouldn’t dismiss this one because it can make all the difference in your photo, and will ensure that the stars will be sharply recorded as stars. Know your equipment so you don’t waste time fumbling in the dark!

3. The Raw Beauty That Will Leave You Speechless

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Monument Valley az

Sometimes, you don’t need a fancy Monument Valley photo because its raw beauty will already amaze you. This destination is a large area that includes much of the area surrounding Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a Navajo Nation equivalent to a national park.

Visitors who wish to come here may pay an access fee and drive through the park on a 17-mile dirt road. There are also some hidden parts of the Monument Valley, such as Mystery Valley that is only accessible by a guided tour.

4. The Beautiful Sunrise

Source: Instagram

If you are into photography, you shouldn’t miss watching the beautiful sunrise at Monument Valley. Just drive up to the main sights to see the natural wonder at its best time. There is also an option to explore the place with a guide so you can explore further into the park.

You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery! The pretty flat area has buttes sticking up from the ground and is naturally arranged in a striking way. While this is not exactly the Grand Canyon, it is still one of the must-visit places in Arizona.

5. Be in Awe of the Milky Way

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We’re pretty sure you’ve already seen lots of Monument Valley photos in striking hues of orange, red, and brown. How about a Milky Way version?

While looking at the night sky, remember when once upon a time, the Anasazi people lived here. You can imagine what life was like for them in this mysterious place. How did they sleep together? Did they huddle together to keep warm in the snow? Were they protected from strong rain, winds, or other stormy nights?

Be in awe of the Milky Way and get lost looking at the vast sky. The dazzling stars are twinkling brightly at night, making you feel all types of things. You can just slowly drift asleep while looking at it. If only you can frame this wonderful view, that would be truly wonderful!

6. Snow Makes Everything Better

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The Monument Valley is an excellent year-round destination, but you can always come during the cooler and quiet months such as wintertime. It starts in November and lasts ’til March. Since the place is also at a high elevation, you can expect a chilly time. We suggest that you still prepare a warm coat in case there is occasional light snowfall or avoid the snowstorms in winter. If you are looking to save for your Monument Valley trip, you can come during winter because you will experience more solitude without the crowd. There’s a chance that the tours are also low-priced.

7. Sky Full of Stars

Source: Instagram

Many visitors just want to see the iconic formations during sunrise or sunset. But what if you stay the night? We are pretty sure you will be given a front seat to the amazing show of the stars. It’s a good thing that there are only rare evenings when the place is covered by clouds.

While full-moon nights aren’t the best nights for astronomers, you’d find that these nights are still great for the photographers! If you are lucky, you’d be able to snap a beautiful photo of the moon over the mittens in the Valley.

To make the most out of your stay, you should check the forecast of the darkest of nights in Monument Valley prior to coming here.

8. Roaming Around

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What’s better than horseback riding at one of the most beautiful places in the world, and seeing the beauty nature has blessed us with? Well, that’s exactly what you need to do when you come to Monument Valley. The ride of a lifetime is just waiting for you.

What should you expect from a horseback riding tour? It is simply fun and informative. You will also be amazed by the gorgeous scenery and the flora and fauna in the valley. This is a completely unforgettable experience you will remember for a lifetime.

9. A Fantastic Morning

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Start your day right and experience the sunlight touching your skin and warming you up after a cold night. Not only is this one of the best feelings ever, but you will also fall in love with how the whole valley is covered in golden light.

10. You Will Love the Moonrise Scene

Source: Instagram

The photographer behind this photo camped at the Monument Valley National Park. When it got dark, he positioned the camera and waited for the Milky Way to get into position. The end result is a stunning photo of the Arizona night sky. Apparently, the moon started to rise as the photographer was taking this photo, and the light started to glow behind the rock formations. This picture is a matrix panorama of 8 pictures show in a row.

It’s so stunning you’d think the photos above and below are from two different worlds.

11. A Lonesome Cowboy Wandering Around

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Hike the Monument Valley for an experience you will never forget. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking to take a quick stroll, or want something more challenging. You should check them out! There are also tours available that will let you enjoy first-hand experiences of the Navajos’ culture and customs.

Go where only a few people have ventured and be in awe of nature’s marvelous sandstone creations. You will also see some signs of ancient habitation in the valleys and box canyons all around this area such as petroglyphs and pictographs.

There are even commercial tours, Jeep tours, and photography tours available.

12. The Magic Moment

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Monument Valley is characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes. Some of its largest buttes reach about 300 meters or 1,000 feet above the valley floor. As for the elevation of the valley floor, it is somewhere from 1,500 to 1,800 meters above sea level.

As you can see from the mesmerizing photo, this popular destination is dominated by dry and sagebrush-covered valleys. The giant rocky outcrops also make the valley much more unique. The temperatures in Monument Valley ranges from 31 to 34 °C during summer. Come winter, temperatures will freeze in the daytime and will be below freezing at night.

13. Star Trails Make For Excellent Views

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Wow, the star trails over the Navajo Reserve iconic spot in Monument Valley looks too good for words. It is almost like this photo is photoshopped.

No wonder this place is chosen as a backdrop for many films. The valley has been featured in many movies and advertisements, such as Marlboro cigarette ads and John Ford films, to Back to the Future 3 and Forrest Gump.

14. Best Night Ever

Source: Instagram

You can see the moon drowning out the starts in this photo. Nonetheless, the sky and landscape still look breathtaking. Imagine looking at this from the hotel or from your camping tent. Can you open your eyes forever?

15. Sagebrush Domination

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Most Monument Valley photos highlight the big sandstone buttes. But if you focus on the land, you’ll find the sagebrushes that cover the area pretty pleasing to look at too! Who says life in a desert setting is boring?

Before you go, check out these 12 hidden waterfalls in Arizona that offer breathtaking scenery. There are also 6 gorgeous Arizona wedding venues that you might be interested in.