THE WILDCAT TRAIL
The only self-guided trail in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
trail info
Location: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii, Arizona, USA
Distance: 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
Time: 1.5 - 2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy
Park fee: $8 per person (National Park passes are not accepted).
Permit Required: No
Bathrooms: At campground and visitor centre - none on trail.
Water: At campground and visitor centre - none on trail. Bring plenty of water - there is no shade!
Directions: Start point in Google Maps.The trailhead is just south of the View Campground. This is a loop trail.
Description
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located in the Navajo Nation. The Navajo (Diné) name for Monument Valley is Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii, meaning “Valley of the Rocks”.
It’s famous for its sandstone rock formations including the "Mittens" - two buttes each formed of a thick tower of rock with a thin spire alongside it - making them look like a gigantic pair of mittens. They were formed over millions of years through erosion and geologic uplift, and shaped by the forces of wind, ice, and water. Monument Valley and the Mittens have starred in many movies and TV series, from westerns to cartoons.
The Wildcat Trail loops around West Mitten Butte, giving spectacular views of East Mitten Butte and neighbouring Merrick Butte. It’s an amazing opportunity to get close to these iconic natural monuments!
The trailhead is by the View Campground, we were camping there and we set off after watching the sunrise from our campsite. It was late October but the sun was still extremely intense, and there’s no shade - so setting off early is a good idea! Wide brimmed hats and plenty of water are also recommended.
The trail is maintained and waymarked, it mainly follows a wash so be careful of flooding after rain.There are signs along the way identifying various plants such as narrow leaf yucca, and Mormon tea. It can be done in either direction, but we followed the arrows - which lead you anti-clockwise.
Although the park was busy, we didn’t see anyone else on the trail. I found hiking the Wildcat Trail an absolutely incredible experience, and highly recommend doing it if you can!
This is the only hiking trail you can do in the park without a Navajo guide - but if it whets your appetite and you’d like to do more hikes, you can find authorised guides here or at the Tour Booth.
Always remember to Leave No Trace! Stay on the trail, and don’t climb on the rock formations, or collect rocks or plants. Have fun, respect this Navajo Tribal Park, and follow the rules and regulations.
