Monument Valley Hours in 2026: Summer vs. Winter and Last Entry
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park runs on seasonal hours that change through the year and can shift for weather or tribal observances. Because the times are set by the Navajo Nation and update periodically, always confirm the current hours directly with Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation before you visit. This guide covers how the hours generally work, the last-entry rule that trips people up, and the time-zone quirk to plan around.
Hours change seasonally and by weather. For today’s hours and last-entry times, check the official source:
Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation — Monument Valley
- Hours: Seasonal — longer in summer, shorter in winter (confirm current times with the park)
- Scenic Drive: Closes to new entries earlier than the park itself, so arrive with daylight to spare
- Closed: Thanksgiving, Navajo Nation Family Day, Christmas, New Year’s Day
- Time zone trap: The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time; the rest of Arizona does not
- From Wetherill Inn: 22 miles / about 25 minutes to the gate
Last updated: July 2026. Always verify current hours with Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation.
What are Monument Valley’s hours?
The park keeps longer hours in summer and shorter hours in winter, and it publishes the exact times on its official site. Rather than rely on a number that may be out of date, check the current hours straight from Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation when you plan your day. Our front desk is also happy to tell you the hours we most recently confirmed — call 928-697-3231.
The rule that matters most: last entry
Whatever the seasonal hours are, the park stops admitting vehicles onto the 17-mile Scenic Loop earlier than its closing time so everyone can finish before dark. If you want to self-drive the loop, do not cut it close to closing — arrive with a comfortable margin. Staying nearby in Kayenta makes it easy to reach the gate for a morning start when the light is best and crowds are thin.
Watch the time zone
The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time, but the rest of Arizona does not. From spring through fall, park time is effectively one hour ahead of Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Page. This catches visitors out constantly, especially with tour reservations. See our guide to the Navajo Nation time-zone trap.
Holiday closures
The park closes on Thanksgiving, Navajo Nation Family Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. If your trip falls near a holiday, confirm directly before driving out.
Stay 25 Minutes From the Gate
Wetherill Inn in Kayenta is 22 miles from the entrance, so you can time your visit around whatever hours are posted. Check availability or call 928-697-3231.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find Monument Valley’s current hours?
Check the official Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation site for Monument Valley, which lists current seasonal hours and last-entry times. Hours change through the year and can shift for weather, so confirm close to your visit.
Does Monument Valley have different hours in summer and winter?
Yes. The park keeps longer hours in summer and shorter hours in winter, with the Scenic Drive closing to new entries before the park itself. Confirm the exact times with the park before you go.
Is Monument Valley on Arizona time?
No. The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time while the rest of Arizona does not, so from spring through fall the park is effectively an hour ahead of Flagstaff, Page, and Phoenix.
Is Monument Valley ever closed?
Yes, it closes on Thanksgiving, Navajo Nation Family Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and hours can change for weather.