Monument Valley Hiking Trails, Hikes

The hiking is Monument Valley is as varied as the landscape—from soft rolling hills to extremely steep rock formations. A Navajo guide must accompany anyone who wishes to travel beyond designated trails, but the expertise the guides provide in this sometimes treacherous terrain is invaluable.

There is only one trail in Navajo Tribal Park that doesn't require a Navajo guide—Wildcat Trail. The 3.2 mile loop wraps around West Mitten formation and is only open for foot travel. The trail begins at the picnic area that is less than half a mile north of the visitor's center; a few signs mark the way. Be sure to grab plenty of water at the visitor's center and remember to leave the park exactly as you found it.

For those looking to get more expansive view of the park, hire an experienced Navajo guide to take you into lands that would otherwise be prohibited to hikers. Before you commit to a trail itinerary, ask the guide the difficulty level. An easy hike will cover less than eight miles a day over mostly flat land. Moderate level hikes will go about eight to twelve miles per day over steep ascends and descends. Extreme level hikes will travel more than twelve miles a day over very challenging terrain. Assess your physical fitness honestly. Do not choose an extreme hike through one of the most forbidding environment on the planet if you are not in excellent health. Check with the visitor's center for more information about scheduling a hiking tour.