Can You Drive Monument Valley Yourself? The Scenic Loop Explained
Yes, you can drive Monument Valley yourself. The park’s 17-mile Scenic Loop is open to private vehicles during operating hours, no guide required. But it is an unpaved dirt road with washboard, ruts, and steep spots, and RVs, camper vans, and motorcycles are prohibited. Here is what to expect, whether your car can handle it, and when a guided tour is the better call.
- Length: 17-mile unpaved dirt loop
- Self-drive allowed? Yes, in a standard vehicle; high-clearance preferred
- Not allowed: RVs, camper vans, trailers, motorcycles
- Time needed: 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace
- Watch for: Monsoon (Jul–Sep) flash-flood closures; last entry ~3:30pm summer / 2:30pm winter
Last updated: July 2026.
Can you drive the Monument Valley Scenic Drive in your own car?
Yes. Pay the entry fee, then drive the 17-mile loop at your own pace, stopping at overlooks like John Ford’s Point. You do not need a guide for the loop itself. The road is dirt and rough in places, so a sedan can do it with careful, slow driving in dry conditions, though a higher-clearance SUV is more comfortable and less stressful.
What vehicles are not allowed?
RVs, camper vans, trailers, and motorcycles are prohibited on the loop. If you are traveling in one, park at the visitor center and book a guided tour in an operator’s vehicle instead. This rule surprises a lot of van-lifers and RV road trippers, so plan ahead.
Sedan vs. SUV vs. RV
- Sedan: Doable in dry weather with slow, careful driving. Expect washboard and some rough patches.
- SUV / high-clearance: The sweet spot. Comfortable and confidence-inspiring on the whole loop.
- RV / van / motorcycle: Not permitted. Take a guided tour.
For the full breakdown, see our guide on Monument Valley fees and hours and last-entry times.
When to take a guided tour instead
Roughly half the park, including Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa, is only accessible with a licensed Navajo guide. A guided tour also gets you cultural context you cannot get on your own and is the answer if you drive an RV or want backcountry access. Summer tours sell out, so book ahead.
Weather and timing
During monsoon season (July to September), sudden storms can flood and close the dirt loop. Any time of year, arrive with margin before the last-entry cutoff. Staying 25 minutes away in Kayenta lets you hit the loop early when light is best and washboard traffic is lightest.
Start the Loop Early
Wetherill Inn is 22 miles from the gate, so you can be first on the Scenic Drive. Check availability or call 928-697-3231.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive through Monument Valley without a tour?
Yes. The 17-mile Scenic Loop is open to private vehicles during operating hours; no guide is required for that road. Backcountry areas like Mystery Valley do require a licensed Navajo guide.
Can a regular car drive Monument Valley?
A standard sedan can manage the dirt loop in dry conditions with slow, careful driving, but a high-clearance SUV is more comfortable. RVs, vans, and motorcycles are not allowed.
How long does the Monument Valley Scenic Drive take?
Plan on 2 to 3 hours to drive the 17-mile loop with stops at the overlooks.
Are RVs allowed on the Monument Valley loop?
No. RVs, camper vans, trailers, and motorcycles are prohibited on the Scenic Drive. Take a guided tour instead.
Source: Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation — Monument Valley (Scenic Drive vehicle rules).