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Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley

Oljato-Monument Valley, Arizona

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

3.98 miles

Elevation Gain

397 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jared Blitz

The draw is the ability to walk a loop trail into Monument Valley around one of the Mittens without requiring the services of a Navajo guide. Being able to get so close to one of those 1500ft behemoths gives a different perspective than viewing from The View hotel.

When facing The View from the parking lot, Wildcat Trail is off to the left where the campground is located. It's a 3.2 mile, self-guided loop that takes you around the West Mitten Butte.

If you're hiking during the summer be sure to go early and bring a lot of water. You're fully exposed on the trail, and even though it's short it's easy to underestimate the desert heat.

I hiked during the winter. I definitely recommend a heavier jacket due to the cold temperature and wind chill.

The trail offers a different perspective of Monument Valley than you can get on the 7 mile car loop.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic

Reviews

I can’t remember ever doing this but I do. It is awesome but sometimes it was a bit loopy😂🤔 The clowns were irritating, hence we enjoyed the option of the hammer or the claw! It was so worth the long hike, however you must bring the following along with your catchy pop song. 🥂🐹🤣😷🙏 Don’t forget your magenta raincoat. If you do, you become a magical 🦄. There was an extremely lengthy maze. Talk about wild adventures! 🐯 and 🦁 roam freely among the locals in search of their home, to only find M&M packs and cats that dress like

I was surprised - we did this hike on a beautiful Saturday morning and saw only 2 other people the entire time (we saw just as many horses wandering around as we did people walking). This trail is the perfect way to experience Monument Valley + give yourself some perspective as to just how big West & East Mitten Butte are. Your trip to Monument Valley won't be complete unless you walk this trail.

We made sure to have this on our list of places to check out when we did a huge loop trip around Southern Utah. Simple, yet one of my favorite places in the Southwest.

We took this hike in the beginning of September and it was incredible! Still very hot at that time of year, definitely bring plenty of water. Its not a very difficult hike, but as the post mentions the heat can get to you fast because there isn't any shade or relief along the way. Getting up close and personal with the West Mitten Butte might just be your most memorable experience in Monument Valley.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at The View Campground in Monument Valley

Drive the Scenic Loop of Monument Valley

Explore Hunts Mesa at Monument Valley

Hike to Goulding Arch

Explore Forrest Gump Hill

Goosenecks Viewpoint Trail