Monument Valley vs. Valley of the Gods – What’s the Difference?
Scribbled by Claire ◊ 15 Aug 2024
Have you heard of Valley of the Gods? Well, it’s kind of similar to Monument Valley and is a potential alternative option for a southern Utah road trip! To help you decide, we’ve given overviews of what Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods are, why you should visit, fees, places to stay, information on the famed scenic drives, plus their differences and the similarities.
Monument Valley is an iconic Native American site and tourist attraction in southern Utah – it’s on almost every prospective American southwest road trip itinerary.
But have you heard of the neighbouring Valley of the Gods? This lesser-known sandstone valley, just under around the corner from Monument Valley, is often likened to its famous counterpart, and even occasionally called ‘Mini Monument Valley’ by some. This isn’t surprising, since the two sites are less than an hour apart and share an enormous number of similarities.
Over the years, I’ve driven past Valley of the Gods many times and been intrigued (the name alone makes it sound mystical and exciting, doesn’t it?). So, eventually, we took a totally unplanned trip around the area on the way to Monument Valley. It was an excellent decision – the scenery is magnificent, there are no fees and best of all, no crowds! We’d highly recommend more people visit.
We’ve written about our time in both areas and, for some unfathomable reason, thought we’d compare the two in case a visitor to the region only had time for one!
IN THIS GUIDE //
Monument Valley vs Valley of the Gods
ARE MONUMENT VALLEY AND VALLEY OF THE GODS THE SAME?
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
WHICH IS BETTER?
– COSTS
– ACCESS
– LOOP DRIVE LOGISTICS
– CAMPING
– ACCOMMODATION
– CROWDS
– SCENERY
– CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
WHO’S THE WINNER?
SO, IS MONUMENT VALLEY WORTH IT?
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
A MAP
WHERE TO NEXT?
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Are Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods the Same?
No, Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods are completely separate sites!
Equating them as the same place is a common misconception, conceivably because the two locations have similar terrain, and both also have the word ‘Valley’ in the title.
A Brief Introduction to the Valleys
These destinations offer plenty to any traveller to the American southwest. Here is a brief summary of each:
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a massive, 143 square mile Native American site, full of striking Navajo sandstone buttes and cliffs. It’s likely that visitors have the seen the famous panorama of the Gerrick and Mittens buttes on a film, television, social media, or even as a screensaver – it’s the iconic view.
Visiting Monument Valley is more than just having this legendary moment though. To truly experience the insane scenic beauty on offer, the best way is to traverse the 17-mile Monument Valley scenic loop drive. This impressive dirt road navigates between the enormous buttes that are difficult to see from the viewpoint area.
Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is a smaller, quieter, more rugged region, with similar, but slightly less imposing landscapes than Monument Valley. Access is, once again, via dirt road and the loop road running through the region is also 17 miles.
This region is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is technically part of the Bears Ears National Monument. It’s rarely visited – we went in perfect weather during peak season and there was nobody there.
So, Which is Better?
Here, we’ve broken down the similarities and differences between Monument Valley (MV) and Valley of the Gods (VOTG) into eight categories, describing the benefits of each and why you should visit. (Can you tell I used to be a scientist – I’m insistent that we will get numerical results from this).
1. Costs
MV | the fee to enter Monument Valley is currently $8 dollars per person (children under 8 are free), this provides entry for one full day plus access to the scenic loop drive, but not any tours. Tours are pretty pricey, at a minimum of $70-80 per person for a several hour tour of the scenic loop road (worth doing if you do not have a suitable, high clearance car).
VOTG | access to Valley of the Gods is completely free, as is dispersed camping in the area.
Winner | Valley of the Gods
2. Access
Both Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods have pretty rough roads if you’re driving a low clearance sedan!
MV | the beginning of the Monument Valley loop road is steep, potholed and rough, and the further down you drive, the sandier it gets. There are also occasional rocky sections to navigate. However, we bizarrely saw a Mustang down there at the furthest point, so it’s definitely possible to get around if you’re determined. I wouldn’t take a low clearance rental though.
VOTG | Valley of the Gods is flatter, for the most part, and is generally easier apart from one area right at the apex in the middle (roughly around 37.313560, -109.857668). There is also almost no traffic there, which is a blessing and curse – if you get stuck, there’s nobody around! Once again, I would not be keen taking a low clearance rental around this loop.
Both roads are a nightmare if it rains, so avoid driving either scenic loop in wet weather (or if rain is forecast).
Winner | it’s a tie!
3. Loop Drive Logistics
As discussed above, the loop drives for Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods are both rough dirt roads that traverse terrain between the towering buttes of both sites.
They are even the same length – 17 miles each.
MV | the Monument Valley loop road starts and finishes at the main visitor parking and Tribal Visitor Centre, with the loop following a strict one-way anti-clockwise route. This means there’s little ‘exploration’, as such. There are pull out areas to have a look around, but, mainly, you just traverse the incredible scenic road in one direction.
VOTG | Valley of the Gods begins and ends in different places (so it’s technically not a loop within the Valley itself) and can be driven in either direction. The western entrance is adjacent to Moki Dugway, and the other is off route 163 to the east. Because the land is public, it is possible to hike, wander, camp, or just hang out, anywhere along this route. You can also turn around and drive back to a bit you missed. There are also no opening or closing hours.
Winner | Valley of the Gods
4. Camping
MV | Monument Valley has a campground associated with The View Hotel, nearby The View Cabins. It’s not the best campground to be honest, although the views are pretty epic. There aren’t really any proper sites, there are minimal facilities, plus it’s hilly, windy and very sandy (terrible camping combination). The sites are tiny too, so don’t rock up with a large tent above 5’x8’. Plus, don’t forget the extortionate camping fee of around $42 per night in addition to the entry fee.
VOTG | this is where Valley of the Gods shines. The area is managed by the BLM and dispersed camping is available all along the loop. We saw a handful of RVs down there around the 17-mile loop (but no actual people) and the ‘sites’ they had chosen were epic – couldn’t think of a better place to camp, honestly. There are even incredibly clean portable toilets at either end of the loop too. Best of all, this experience is totally free.
Winner | Valley of the Gods
5. Accommodation
MV | Monument Valley has on-site accommodation, including The View Hotel and Cabins (they’re extremely pricey for what you get but the location kind of makes up for it). There is also the neighbouring historic Goulding’s Lodge, named for Harry Goulding, who first introduced Monument Valley to Hollywood. Monument Valley is also 22 miles (35 kilometres) from Kayenta, a decent size town which has some moderate motel options.
VOTG | Valley of the Gods is far more remote, with fewer options for accommodation. The tiny settlements of Mexican Hat and Bluff are the closest but have few choices.
Winner | Monument Valley
6. Crowds
MV | Monument Valley is a world-renowned landmark. This brings in the crowds, in the thousands (literally – Monument Valley receives over 400,000 visitors a year). Luckily, a fair number of these visitors remain at the viewpoint and visitor centre, however, the driving loop will definitely never be empty. Don’t forget the tour groups, too.
VOTG | Valley of the Gods does not have close to the same number of visitors as Monument Valley. Many people drive right past an entrance to this incredible road and don’t give it a second look. We didn’t pass another car during the entire 17-mile trip.
Winner | Valley of the Gods
7. Scenery
MV | Monument Valley is celebrated for its highly recognizable, extremely photogenic backdrop. The 17-mile loop drive is hands-down one of the most beautiful scenic drives I’ve been on – and I’ve driven a hundred thousand miles around the United States alone. It’s (almost) second to none. Occasionally the views are obstructed by cars in front of you (driving inexplicably slowly), but for the most part, it’s just superb. Some of the most impressive views in the entire southwest are definitely found in Monument Valley.
VOTG | The loop drive around the Valley of the Gods has similar red buttes, cliffs and rocky outcrops (lots of them named), but it lacks the dramatic sheer precipices and stature of Monument Valley. The road itself feels more vast, vacant and extensive, because the scenery is more spread out.
Winner | Monument Valley
8. Cultural Importance
MV | although both areas have historical meaning to the Native American residents who inhabit the area (the entire of this part of the southwest does), Monument Valley is sacred and has enormous cultural significance to the Navajo people. A visit to Monument Valley provides a window into the Native American history of the region and there is more to gain than just photographs of panoramic views.
VOTG | Valley of the Gods has no such opportunities, it’s just incredible nature.
Winner | Monument Valley
CAR HIRE FOR YOUR SOUTHWEST ITINERARY
We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trip in the United States, with Discover Cars. They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them.
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TAKE A LOOK BELOW OR CHECK CAR RENTAL
Monument Valley vs Valley of the Gods – The Winner
Technically, according to the above scores, it’s:
Monument Valley 4; Valley of the Gods 5
So Valley of the Gods wins!
However, if I had to choose which loop drive to do again, I’d probably choose Monument Valley. I think the $8 per person price tag is pretty reasonable if you are able to self-drive one of the more scenic routes in the southwest.
However, all the amazing benefits listed above about Valley of the Gods, like epic camping, route flexibility, zero crowds and beautiful scenery are free. Totally free; and I found this astounding. If I were looking for an epic camping experience, Valley of the Gods would be an obvious choice. There’s nothing better than being alone in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes of the region.
So, is Monument Valley Worth Visiting?
Yes, Monument Valley is worth visiting.
We’ve visited Monument Valley several times previously (and paid the entry fees), but never experienced the legendary Monument Valley driving loop. This means we only really saw a tiny fraction of the park. I’m not sure that those first visits were worth it for the ticket price, but our most recent outing certainly was.
In an ideal world, you’d visit both Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods during your trip. They’re close by each other, and nearby many other fascinating places to visit. If you’re interested, check out our post with 10 amazing things to do around Monument Valley (one of them happens to be Valley of the Gods!).
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
There are several options for accommodation nearby both Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods. These include Monument Valley itself, Gouldings, Kayenta, Mexican Hat and, slightly further out, Bluff and Blanding. Most options in this area are kind of expensive for what you get, but the below are the best of the bunch.
We’ve stayed in all these towns over the years, and here are our hotel recommendations for each area:
Nearest Monument Valley:
Monument Valley – The View Hotel or The View Hotel Cabins (there is also a camping option). These have the best views of the Mittens and Garrick Butte, but come at an extreme price for the room quality. Don’t be sucked in by the good view.
Goulding’s Lodge – this is just opposite the entrance to Monument Valley, so is in a perfect location, with a pretty setting in the opposite cliffs. We actually stayed in a cool little cabin in the campground that we absolutely loved (we were supposed to camp but it was snowing). Check availability at Goulding’s Lodge.
Kayenta – this is a larger town south of Monument Valley and has some traditional motel options, the best being the Hampton Inn Kayenta Monument Valley. It’s a decent, modern motel, but pricey.
Nearest Valley of the Gods:
Mexican Hat – this tiny, quirky little town is a bit of an experience. It would be my least favourite choice to stay, but if you do, we recommend Hat Rock Inn (recently renovated) or the San Juan Inn (super friendly). They are the best of the bunch.
Bluff – this wild west, Navajo outpost style town has a few decent options for accommodation, by far our favourite being the Desert Rose Resort and Cabins. It was surprisingly pleasant for the area and definitely one of the nicest places on this list.
Blanding – this is a pretty unassuming town, with a few decent accommodation options. Out of the three motels we’ve personally stayed in, Stone Lizard Lodge is by far and away the winner. It’s got cute decor, a decent breakfast and the price is perfect for what you get.
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Monument Valley vs Valley of the Gods – Map
Below is a savable Google Map of everything in this post.
To view these sections individually, select the icon in the top left corner of the map.
To save the map, click the star next to the title.
Where to Next?
I loved both Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods. They’re noteworthy in different ways and, where one lacks, the other exceeds expectations. If you’re travelling with a highish clearance vehicle, they are both easy to drive and well worth the time.
Valley of the Gods, in particular, is such an underrated gem in Utah (especially considering how accessible it is). It’s so close to many tourist-heavy places, yet escapes all the negativity that usually comes along with enormous crowds.
I hope this little comparison helps you plan your getaway and that you have an amazing trip! Take a look a our favourite photogenic, crowd-free spots in southern Utah for more offbeat options like this!
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Thank you, Claire + Nick
