Location : Monument Valley on Utah-Arizona Border
Trail type : Loop
Trail Length : 4 miles
Difficulty : Moderate
Trails traversed : Wildcat trail
Monument Valley is one of the most underrated parks in Arizona and Utah. The overwhelming red landscape with sandstone masterpieces will make you feel that you are on Mars. One of the most memorable sunset and sunrise I have ever seen have been in this park.
Despite its vastness, Monument Valley Park offers only one self-guided trail, which is the Wildcat Trail. But the route covers some world-class scenery as it takes hikers for a walk through the world-famous Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte.
The trail starts and ends at Indian Route 92, which is at the northwest corner of the Visitors Center parking lot. Although the route is flat for the most part, you will have to trudge through fine sand over a short, steep uphill section, due to which this hike has been rated as moderate.
Along the trail you will see the buttes this park is famous for, up in the distance. You will feel like you stepped back in time into the Wild West. If you would like to extend your hike, you can even circle around one of the buttes to experience their majesty as they tower over you. You will pass by a number of interesting looking dead tree trunks and if you are lucky you may even come upon the skeletal remains of cattle.
The trail is well defined with very low foot traffic, but fully exposed with no shade. It is best explored during the cooler months of Spring and Fall. Below are a few pictures taken during our hike.
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