Central Monument Valley, Arizona

Monument Valley Portfolio | Central Monument Valley | Mystery Valley | Hunt's Mesa | Eastern Monument Valley

The area south of the 17-mile scenic drive and just south of Thunderbird Mesa contains a cluster of nice arches in close proximity. Many of these are seen in a standard commercial tour of Monument Valley. It takes a half-day to visit these arches. All of these arches are within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and a Navajo guide is required for any visitation. For larger images and map locations, click on the thumbnail images below.

EAR OF THE WIND is a pothole natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. It is one of several nice arches which are included in the commercial Monument Valley tours that go to the area south of the self-guided loop drive.
Ear of the Wind
EYE OF THE SUN is a cave type natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. Notice the person below for scale. It is one of several nice arches which are included in the commercial Monument Valley tours that go to the area south of the self-guided loop drive.
Eye of the Sun
UNNAMED ARCHES. These two small arches would normally not be included here because of their small size. However, the rightmost arch in the photo above has been used by several famous photographers to frame a Monument Valley vista. To assist those interested in finding this arch, it is included here. The pair is located on the west end of Submarine Rock, southwest of Eye of the Sun.
Unnamed arches
MOCCASIN ARCH is a large pothole natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. It is one of several nice arches which are included in the commercial Monument Valley tours that go to the area south of the self-guided loop drive.
Moccasin Arch
BIG HOGAN is a cave natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. It is located very close to Moccasin Arch. It is one of several nice arches which are included in the commercial Monument Valley tours that go to the area south of the self-guided loop drive.
Big Hogan
HIDDEN ARCH is a cave natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. Even though it is located close to Moccasin Arch and Big Hogan, it is often not included in the regular commercial Monument Valley tours, so you may need to request it.
Hidden Arch
DONUT ARCH is a pothole natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. It is located on the top of an isolated butte (known as Saddle Rock) so can only be viewed from a distance.
Donut Arch

Monument Valley Portfolio | Central Monument Valley | Mystery Valley | Hunt's Mesa | Eastern Monument Valley

Return to Arizona Gallery

The Natural Arch and Bridge Society