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Welcome to Monument Valley Tribal Park!

Park History

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, established in 1958, is a 92,000-acre area on the Arizona-Utah border, within the larger Navajo Nation Reservation. It's managed by the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation and is renowned for its towering sandstone buttes and mesas. The valley, known to the Navajo as Tsé Bii? Ndzisgaii ("Valley of the Rocks"), holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Navajo people.

Geological History:
Millions of years ago, the area was a basin where sediments accumulated, eventually forming a plateau. Natural forces of wind and water then eroded the plateau, carving out the distinctive buttes, mesas, and arches that characterize Monument Valley. The red color of the rocks comes from iron oxides in the siltstone.

Human History:

Early Inhabitants:
The area was first inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans (formerly known as Anasazi) around 1200 BCE.

Navajo Presence:
The Navajo people arrived later, settling in the area and giving it its current name, Tsé Bii? Ndzisgaii. 1864 Long Walk:
In 1864, many Navajo were forced to relocate to Bosque Redondo in New Mexico, but some, including Chief Hashkéneinii, hid in the valley and nearby areas.

Return and Establishment:
The Navajo returned to the area after the 1868 treaty with the U.S. government, but Monument Valley was initially excluded from their reservation.

Tribal Park Creation:
The valley was designated a Navajo Tribal Park in 1958, marking a significant step in Indigenous land management and cultural preservation.
Cultural Significance:

Sacred Space:
Monument Valley is considered a sacred place by the Navajo, with specific formations holding spiritual meaning.

Hogan Symbolism:
The Navajo traditionally viewed the valley as a giant hogan (traditional dwelling), with the Mittens representing hands and other formations representing specific elements.

Navajo Code Talkers:
The area also played a role in World War II, with Navajo Code Talkers using their language to transmit vital messages.

Modern Monument Valley:

Tourism and Economy:
The park is a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours and opportunities to experience the landscape and Navajo culture.

Navajo Nation Management:
Monument Valley is managed by the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, and visitors are encouraged to respect the cultural and natural environment. -- Source Google



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