Butler Wash Ruins is an archaeological site that consists of a group of well-preserved ancient structures that were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. The site is located near the edge of a sandstone mesa and offers spectacular views of the surrounding canyonlands.

The main attraction at Butler Wash Ruins is a hike that takes you through the ancient structures and around the nearby rock formations. You can see how the Ancestral Puebloans constructed their buildings using local sandstone, and how they incorporated the natural features of the landscape into their design. There are several different trails that you can choose from, depending on your level of fitness and the amount of time you have available.

The site is also home to a small museum, which features exhibits about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the area.

Detailed Guide

Butler Wash Ruins

Goosenecks State Park is a beautiful and unique natural wonder located in San Juan County in Utah. The park is named after the winding, deep canyons that the San Juan River has carved out over millions of years, creating a series of stunning gooseneck bends. The park is situated on a mesa overlooking the San Juan River, offering breathtaking views of the canyons and the surrounding landscape.

You can simply take in the views from the main parking area, or wonder around on several easy hiking trails. This is a unique location slightly off the beaten path, making it a great stop on your adventure.

Goosenecks

House on Fire is a popular photography destination located in the South Fork of Mule Canyon. It is named for the striking resemblance the rock formations have to a house on fire when the sunlight hits it just right. The ruins themselves are not very large, but they are still a fascinating piece of history to behold.

The hike to House on Fire is roughly 2.5 miles round-trip and is considered a moderate hike with some scrambling and steep sections. The trail is well-marked and leads hikers through the beautiful Mule Canyon, surrounded by towering red rock cliffs.

House on Fire

John Ford Point is a popular viewpoint in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, named after the famous Hollywood director who filmed many western movies in the area. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley, with its iconic red sandstone formations and towering buttes, set against a backdrop of blue sky and distant mesas. The view is considered one of the most beautiful and photogenic in the park, so don't forget your camera.

Stand in the same spot where John Ford once stood and imagine what it was like to be on a movie set in the Wild West.

John Ford Point

Moki Dugway is a steep and winding dirt road carved into the side of a cliff in southeastern Utah. The road is approximately three miles long and climbs 1,200 feet in elevation, offering incredible views of the surrounding area. The road was built in 1958 to provide access to a uranium mine in Cedar Mesa, but now it is mainly used by adventurous travelers seeking stunning panoramic views of the rugged canyonlands below.

You can stop at several viewpoints along the way to take in the breathtaking scenery, including the San Juan River Valley and the Valley of the Gods. The road is open to all vehicles, but drivers are advised to exercise caution and be prepared for challenging conditions.

Moki Dugway

Monument Valley Drive is a scenic route that takes you through the stunning red rock formations of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The 17-mile drive winds through a vast, open landscape dominated by towering mesas and buttes, including  West Mitten, East Mitten, and Merrick Butte. The route has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements, and has become an iconic symbol of the American West.

You can stop at designated viewpoints along the way to take in the breathtaking scenery, snap photos, and learn about the history and culture of the Navajo people who have inhabited the area for centuries.

Monument Valley Drive

The Monument Valley Overlook is one of the most iconic viewpoints in America — a perfectly straight stretch of U.S. Highway 163 that disappears into the distance with towering red sandstone buttes rising on either side.

This is the exact spot where Forrest Gump famously stopped his cross-country run in the 1994 film, and it remains one of cinema's most recognizable landscapes. Many visitors recreate the scene, and the road is quiet enough to do so with a little patience.

From the overlook, you can see the famous Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte, Elephant Butte, and many other formations sculpted by erosion over millions of years. It is one of those rare cases where a famous filming location looks exactly like it does on screen — and often even better in person.

TIP: The view is particularly striking at golden hour, when the low light turns the buttes into glowing columns of deep red and orange. Time your arrival for late afternoon on the drive into Monument Valley for the best combination of light and logistics. No entry fee — just pull off on the east side of the highway.

Monument Valley Overlook (Forrest Gump Point)

Navajo guided tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the iconic landscape of the American Southwest through the eyes of the Navajo people. The Navajo are the largest Native American tribe in the United States, and their history and culture are deeply intertwined with the red rock formations of Monument Valley.

We selected a few vetted, top-rated providers for this experience, including epic photography tour. During the tour, visitors will have the chance to see some of the off the hidden locations only accessible to Navajo people.

The Navajo Guided Tour is an unforgettable experience that provides a deeper understanding of the rich cultural and natural heritage of this stunning landscape.

Guided valley tour

Sunset valley tour

Guided sunset tour

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Novajo Guided Tour

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I’d consider Goulding's Lodge if you want a stay with some history. The spa is a nice bonus.

The Grand Circle hosts some of the most bizarre landscapes on Earth, all just a few hours apart. From tiny beautiful canyons like Antelope to the Grand Canyon itself, with tons of outworldly places in between — this road trip will blow your mind.

Goulding's Lodge is a historic hotel located in Monument Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding red rock formations. The lodge features comfortable rooms and suites, many with private balconies or patios, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking scenery. The decor is inspired by the Navajo culture and includes traditional artwork and crafts. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center during their stay.

The on-site restaurant, Stagecoach Dining Room, offers a unique dining experience with a menu featuring regional and Navajo-inspired cuisine.

Goulding's Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring Monument Valley and the surrounding areas, with guided tours available to nearby attractions such as Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa.

Goulding's Lodge

Embark on the ultimate road trip with all the parks and regions of the Grand Circle.

Full Grand Circle

Not as grand, but still a circle, with the most stunning parks of Utah and Arizona.

Small Circle

Standing tall and proud, the buttes of Monument Valley embody the spirit of the American West. A guided tour reveals the magic of this sacred land, seen in countless films and photographs.

Goulding's Lodge

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