Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
386.00 ft (117.65 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
4.10 mi (6.60 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

There are not a lot of places one can go without a guide in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The loop road and the Wildcat Trail are exceptions, and both start at the same location. While the loop road is beautiful, it is a harsh and dusty ride on dirt roads with tour trucks and cars flying by. The Wildcat Trail, in contrast, is an amazing opportunity to enjoy Monument Valley's splendors, and the solitude and quiet is a treat that no visitor to this park should pass up. It does get very hot and dry, so an early morning or late afternoon hike is best for this trail. Additionally, the light for photos is generally much better early or late in the day.

The trailhead is right by the campground entrance and a large parking area. The first part of the trail drops down a few hundred feet to the valley floor and stays pretty level for most of the route. The views of the East and West Mittens and Merrick Butte are constant throughout the hike; in fact the trail circles completely around the West Mitten Butte, allowing for views from all sides. At the far end of the loop, formations that are hidden from the campground and the visitor center area come into view: Big Chief, Castle Butte, and The Bear and Rabbit. At some points along the trail, residences and ranches of some of the Navajo people are visible. This illustrates an aspect of the tribal park that is different from national parks. About 19 Navajo families live in Monument Valley, raising sheep and cattle and growing some crops. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Navajo Park Pass (per vehicle)

Pros

Spectacular scenery. Few other visitors.

Cons

Very hot in summer.

Trailhead Elevation

5,510.00 ft (1,679.45 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park

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