curiosa & explorando

I’ve camped in some cool places before, but sleeping in a tipi (or teepee) on an Indigenous Reservation wasn’t even on my life bingo card. Because hello? You can see this on my instagram highlight.

Continuing our trip from Valley of the Gods, remember when I said it would be more like a layover rather than a full-on adventure? That’s because our next stop is just an hour away: the iconic Monument Valley.

Unlike most of the places I’ve mentioned before, this is not a national park. This is a Tribe Park, where the Navajo culture took root centuries before the Spaniards entered the area in 1581. I could keep going on with the history side, but let’s focus.

The landscape overwhelms. The fragile giants of rock are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs and trees, and windblown sand, all bathed in the valley colors.

One day is just enough to explore. To enter the park, you’ll have to pay a small fee, about 8 US dollars per person. The attraction is a 17-mile scenic loop. As always, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to drive around. But if you don’t have one, no worries. You can join a guided tour in a Jeep with local operators who’ll take you deep into the valley, sharing stories and insights along the way. These tours usually last 2–3 hours, and the bonus is that some landmarks, like the Ear of the Wind, are only accessible with guides.

A few points to see: Mittens and Merrick Butte, the Wildcat Trail, John Ford’s Point, Three Sisters, and the famous Forrest Gump Point on Highway 163.

Like I said, this is a one-day experience, but you can definitely stretch it out and explore more. The most popular hike is the Wildcat Trail, a 1.5-mile loop. You’ll need to sign in and out at the Visitor Center, and I recommend doing it at sunrise because: less people, and since it’s a popular one…

You also have the option for other backcountry experiences. You’ll need a permit, which you can get from the Visitor Center. If you’re headed to the San Juan River, that permit is available at the Welcome Center. Just a reminder: this is a desert. Have fun, but proceed with extreme caution.

Once you completed the loop, stop at the View Hotel for lunch or dinner and panoramic views. This is one of the options where you can stay. You also have the option to stay at Goulding’s Lodge, just outside the park (but it’s so close that feels inside).

Now, my recommendation is for sure the Tipi Village. Yours truly does love a little comfort (more like a lot of it), I won’t lie — but hear me out: I’m all for the experience. This is not a fancy stay, but you’ll have the option to camp, bring your RV or sleep in theirs handmade tipis.

Fun fact: Did you know that this reservation is one of the biggest in the country? And did you also know that this tribe played a crucial role in helping defeat Japan during the World War II? How could you not stay here?

This place is more like a hostel experience. I know, I just said I like comfort. And to be VERY honest, I’m not a fan of hostels, but I was pleasantly surprised. The bathrooms and common areas are clean and well-kept. The only downside for me was the shared bathrooms. But for a one-night experience? Count me in. Oh, and did I mention they’re pet-friendly?

At night, the sky will leave you speechless. At the same time, after a day under the desert sun, all you can think about is your bed. And let me tell you — that bed is so comfy, it feels like it’s hugging you. The nights get chilly, and you’ll fall asleep in minutes.

And just like that, we’re ready to continue our road trip, but this time to our final destination: Zion National Park!