Monument Valley

Proposed National ParkArizona and Utah
The buttes and mesas of Monument Valley spread across the red desert floor
All proposed National ParksMonument ValleyNo active campaign
Location
Navajo Nation/Arizona/Utah
Current protection
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, US-163
Status
No active campaign; tribal park
Tier
Tier 1 · National Park
Undiscovered America
Featured in the film and the book

Why should it be a National Park?

This sprawling desert landscape of red rock mesas and buttes is as famous as it is beautiful. Publicized in westerns, commercials, desktop backgrounds, and calendars the world over, Monument Valley is so picturesque and iconic that it's almost pointless to describe its beauty or unique character. While Monument Valley is well-known because of its aforementioned fame, the truth is that this area is sparsely populated and doesn't draw in as many visitors as it could. There is a small tourism industry that revolves mainly around a large visitor center with shops, locals selling tribal wares, and tours... but increased visitation may bring the struggling region into a better financial situation. At the same time there is a portion of the community that cherishes their separation from modern crowded culture, and rightfully so. National Parks have always had the struggle of showcasing their grandeur to visitors, while also remaining unchanged by the same increased visitation.

Obviously, this idea of including Monument Valley alongside the other equally impressive and important sites recognized by the National Park Service would be controversial, but if considered, it would also unify the best natural landscapes across the American landmass. The National Parks label should be available to all the iconic natural wonders across the country, regardless of who manages them. It has worked at Canyon de Chelly, and if wanted by the Navajo, it could work here.

The history of National Park Campaigns

A National Park was proposed for Monument Valley in 1931 (Roger Toll's "Navajo National Park," backed by Director Albright) and again through a 1933 bill to expand Navajo National Monument into a large park; both died against Navajo opposition, and in 1958 the Navajo Nation created its own tribal park instead — the model for the Diné park system.

Distinct National Park attempts
2 (1931; 1933)
Other designation attempts
tribal park 1958

Sources

  • NPS Canyon de Chelly NM Administrative History
  • Hal Rothman, Navajo National Monument: A Place and Its People (1991)
  • Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation history
  • Hal Rothman, Navajo National Monument: A Place and Its People (NPS, 1991)
  • Wikipedia, List of proposed National Parks of the United States
Know of a campaign? Tell us
  1. 1909

    Navajo National Monument (Betatakin/Keet Seel); 1910 Rainbow Bridge NM.

  2. 1931

    Toll/Albright "Navajo National Park" (Monument Valley + Canyon de Chelly, with Navajo and Rainbow Bridge NMs as detached units); rejected by Commissioner of Indian Affairs Charles Rhoads; Albright separately declares Monument Valley a candidate for federal protection after a 1931 inspection.

  3. 1933

    Bill to expand Navajo National Monument into a large park, defeated by Navajo Tribal Council opposition over residents and grazing. The bill was drafted and sent to the Navajo, who did not approve it; it was never introduced.

  4. 1933–38

    Rainbow Bridge–Monument Valley Expeditions (Ansel Hall), scientific surveys; do not credit them with the park proposal unless confirmed.

  5. 1939

    John Ford's Stagecoach makes the valley famous; Harry Goulding's trading post.

  6. 1943

    The Navajo pass a resolution asking to control all national monuments on their reservation.

  7. 1958

    Navajo Tribal Council creates Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (29,817 acres; $275,000 appropriation), the first tribal park.

  8. 1960s–2020s

    Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation expands the system (Four Corners, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Little Colorado River tribal parks); no federal park proposal since.