Valley of the Gods | Jay Dash Photography

Winter in Monument Valley

Need a reason to visit Monument Valley in the winter? We’ll give you two: no crowds and no heat. This Navajo Tribal Park at the Utah-Arizona border showcases colossal mesas, wind-swept buttes and sandstone spires that leap out of a vast desert. Sure, a Monument Valley winter is chilly, but the dramatic landscape — sans crowds — warms the winter traveler’s soul.

Learn more about Monument Valley Visiting Native Nations

Winter Weather in Monument Valley

December and January bring the coldest weather to Monument Valley. Snow can fall anytime between November and March, however, it’s typically light enough to melt in a day or two without impeding road traffic on the scenic 17-mile Tribal Park Loop. Because of this, a dusting of snow sprinkling the red rock is considered a photographic fortune.

As with any region in Southern Utah, flash flooding can occur due to extreme weather. This is infrequent, but winter-visitation best practices advise visitors to check weather reports frequently.

Average Daily High and Low Temperature

Oct.	Nov.	Dec.	Jan.	Feb.
69/46 F 20/7 C	53/34 F 12/1 C	42/25 F 5/-4 C	42/25 F 5/-4 C	48/29 F 9/-2 C

Monument Valley offers a natural splendor during the winter.

Photo: Jay Dash Photography

Vibrant red rock against stormy skies.

Photo: Dakota Gatien

Stop by the Twin Rocks Trading Post in nearby Bluff.

Photo: Jo Savage Photography

Winter Camping & Lodging

Monument Valley’s landscape is massive, but winter accommodation options closest to the park are thin. A handful of unique campgrounds sprinkle the Utah side of Monument Valley including the KOA, Hummingbird Campsite, Monument Valley Airbnb and Monument Valley Tipi Village. Goosenecks State Park is another winter camping option that's about 35-40 minutes away from Monument Valley.

Within the community of Monument Valley, Goulding’s Lodge offers the most amenities including WiFi, a sundeck, gym, history museum and market. The Stagecoach Dining Room restaurant serves up southwestern and Navajo cuisine. Choose from rooms, suites, villas or the RV campground with full hookups.

A little farther away, San Juan County hosts motel, hotel and resort options. The San Juan Inn in Mexican Hat is a 40 minute drive from Monument Valley. The town of Bluff offers the Desert Rose Resort and Bluff Dwelling Resort & Spa that are an hour away. Both towns have limited restaurants and amenities, and no grocery stores, so plan ahead in the winter months.

Winter Camping

Winter Travel Tips

Check weather apps frequently to avoid sudden extreme weather.
Pack a warm hat, gloves, insulated coat, waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes, and traction cleats like Yaktrax. (Read: "Stay Warm in Southern Utah: How to Pack for a Winter Trip")
The entrance fee for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park overlook is $20 per vehicle up to four people ($6 each additional).
Private vehicles are allowed to enter the park as far as the main viewpoint at the visitor center. In addition, 25 private vehicles at a time are allowed on the 17-mile Tribal Valley Loop (SUV required). Entrance to the loop is regulated by a free permit upon arrival; permits are first come, first served. Winter loop drive hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guided tours are available, and may be a quicker way to gain access to the Tribal Valley Loop.
Permits are required for backcountry hiking, camping, filming and various special uses such as weddings.
This is a Navajo Nation Park on sovereign Navajo Nation land — not a national park — so national park passes will not grant access.

How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter

Monument Valley

Robbers-Roost_Hiking_Southern-Utah_Winter_Burr-Andrew_2019

The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah

Written By Jeremy Pugh

For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.

Winter in Southern Utah, Southeastern, Southwestern, Solitude, Responsible Travel, Camping and Backpacking