Monument Valley Dark Sky Area
Monument Valley, AZ
The remote location of Monument Valley far from city light pollution creates exceptional dark sky conditions for astrophotography. The Milky Way can be photographed arching over the iconic buttes during moonless nights. The dark sky quality is enhanced by the Navajo Nation's minimal artificial lighting.
Photography Guide
- Best Time
- night
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Shot Types
- astrophotographylong-exposurewide
- Best Seasons
- springsummerfall
Gallery
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Nearby Places
Monument Valley, AZ
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Iconic sandstone buttes and mittens rise 1,000 feet above the desert floor in this Navajo tribal park. The East and West Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte form one of the most recognized landscapes in the American West. A 17-mile unpaved scenic loop drive provides access to the major formations.
Monument Valley, AZ
The Mittens Overlook
This overlook near the Monument Valley Visitor Center provides a direct, unobstructed view of the East and West Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Southwest. At sunrise, the buttes glow deep orange and red against a lightening sky.
Monument Valley, AZ
Tear Drop Arch
Tear Drop Arch is a small natural window in a sandstone formation that perfectly frames Monument Valley's distant buttes. The teardrop-shaped opening creates a natural compositional frame for landscape photography. It is located in the backcountry and requires a Navajo guide to visit.