Monument Valley Entrance Fees in 2026: What Changed January 1
Last verified July 10, 2026 by the Wetherill Inn front desk: Monument Valley (Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation) entry is $10 per person.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park charges a per-person entry fee of $10 as of 2026, payable at the entrance booth by card. The park is run by the Navajo Nation, not the National Park Service, so the America the Beautiful / National Park Pass is not accepted. Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation raised fees across its tribal parks effective January 1, 2026.
- Entry fee: $10 per person
- National Park Pass: Not accepted (sovereign tribal park)
- Payment: Credit/debit card at the gate
- Distance from Wetherill Inn: 22 miles / about 25 minutes
- Managed by: Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation
Last verified July 10, 2026 by the Wetherill Inn front desk. Fees change; we update this page when they do.
How much does it cost to enter Monument Valley in 2026?
The Monument Valley entry fee is $10 per person as of 2026, confirmed by our front desk with Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation. Children under 10 typically enter free. The Navajo Nation updated tribal park fees on January 1, 2026. For comparison, some nearby Navajo parks charge different rates (Antelope Canyon permits run about $15 per person).
The entry fee covers access to the visitor center and the self-drive 17-mile Scenic Loop. Guided backcountry areas (Mystery Valley, Hunts Mesa) require a separate fee paid to a licensed Navajo tour operator.
Why isn’t the National Park Pass accepted?
Monument Valley sits on the Navajo Nation, a sovereign tribal nation that operates its own park system. It is a Navajo Tribal Park, not a unit of the National Park Service, so the America the Beautiful pass, senior passes, and military passes do not work here. This surprises many visitors, so budget for the per-person fee even if you carry a federal pass for other Southwest parks.
How to pay and what to expect at the gate
Pay by card at the entrance booth just past the visitor center turnoff. There is no reservation required to enter and drive the loop yourself during operating hours. Arrive with enough daylight to complete the drive: last entry for the Scenic Loop is roughly 3:30pm in summer and 2:30pm in winter. See our companion guide on Monument Valley hours in 2026.
Stay 25 Minutes From the Gate
Wetherill Inn in Kayenta, Arizona is 22 miles (about 25 minutes) from the Monument Valley entrance, the closest comfortable base for an early start. See our rooms, check availability, or call the front desk at 928-697-3231.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monument Valley free with a National Park Pass?
No. Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park and does not accept the America the Beautiful pass or any federal park pass. You pay a per-person tribal park fee at the gate.
How much is Monument Valley per person in 2026?
$10 per person as of 2026, confirmed with Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation. The Navajo Nation updated tribal park fees on January 1, 2026.
Do you need cash to enter Monument Valley?
No. The entrance booth accepts credit and debit cards. Cash is not required.
How far is Monument Valley from Kayenta?
About 22 miles, or a 25-minute drive north on U.S. Highway 163 from Wetherill Inn in Kayenta, Arizona.