minibarzine.
hotel elev8
flagstaff
AZ
issue no.6
June 2025
travelers experience
webzine
Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii – Monument Valley
Before humans inhabited the area, the region was a lowland basin. Over uncountable years, erosion from the ancient Rock Mountains laid down successive layers of sediment. These layers gradually cemented together, and relentless pressure from beneath caused a slow, steady uplift. This uplift lifted the horizontal strata uniformly, raising them one to three miles above sea level, ultimately transforming the original basin into a sprawling plateau.
Over countless eons, natural forces like wind and water have gradually eroded the land, carving into and peeling away layers of soft and hard rock on the plateau's surface. This slow erosion process has revealed the stunning natural formations that make Monument Valley so iconic today.
From the visitor center, visitors are greeted with the renowned panorama of the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. Guided tours are available through Navajo operators, who take visitors into the valley in Jeeps, providing narrated journeys through these legendary formations. Certain sites, such as Ear of the Wind and other notable landmarks, can only be explored with a guided tour.
During the summer months, the visitor center offers Haskenneini Restaurant, which serves a delicious blend of Navajo and American cuisines, along with a film, snack, and souvenir shop. Restroom facilities are available year-round. Just one mile prior to the center, numerous Navajo vendors set up roadside stands, selling arts and crafts, native foods, and souvenirs.
Support local! Buy Navajo!
Hiking Trails: Wildcat Trail, a 1.5-mile loop located in Monument Valley. Visitors should sign in and out at the Visitor Center before exploring this trail. It offers an up-close experience of the stunning desert landscape and iconic rock formations of the valley.
When visiting Monument Valley, don’t miss the 17-mile loop drive, which offers stunning views of the iconic rock formations and scenic landscapes. Please be aware that during the monsoon season, the terrain can be very rugged, with deep sand dunes, making driving challenging. Motorcycles and RVs are not allowed on this loop for safety reasons.
Travelers should anticipate longer wait times during peak season from May to September, when increased visitor volume can cause delays. To ensure safety, please follow all posted signs, stay on designated routes, and remain alert. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing—such as a hat, t-shirt, long sleeves, and comfortable shoes—since weather conditions can change quickly. Carry water with you at all times to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, so please plan accordingly for a safe and enjoyable visit.
DOG FRIENDLY!
Hotel Elev8 Flagstaff is your basecamp for adventure in Northern Arizona. We are located centrally to the best that the area has to offer.
From the San Fransisco Peaks to Wupatki Indian Ruins, from Northern Az University to Walnut Canyon or beautiful Sedona...we are close to it all. Even the Grand Canyon is just 80 miles away. Within a few hours drive you can see such wonders as the Painted Desert, Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot National Monument and the Petrified Forest.
Feeling like taking in the local flavor? We are minutes from historic Rte 66 and Downtown Flagstaff which boasts fine eateries and amazing breweries.
Feeling adventurous? Winter is the time to visit the Arizona Snowbowl. Its just 20 minutes from our Hotel. And warm summer weather will inspire you to peek over the Oak Creek Canyon overlook which leads to a refreshing family day at Slide Rock State Park finishing up with an amazing dinner with a view in beautiful Sedona.
Hotel Elev8 Flagstaff was designed to make your visit a unique and comfortable experience. From our hip lobby to our spacious rooms this is the place to be. Plus, our rates are fantastic and our service is unparalleled.
Hotel Elev8 Flagstaff
2285 E Butler Ave,
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(928) 774-1821