Monument Valley
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Will Monument Valley be open for the “ring of fire” solar eclipse on October 14? No, the iconic destination within the Navajo Nation on the Arizona-Utah border will be closed for five hours during the “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse, as confirmed by a public notice dated Friday, September 15, displayed on the website of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
The notice states:
“Please Be Advised the Navajo Tribal Parks will be in observance of the Eclipse on October 14, 2023 in regards to cultural beliefs during the eclipse. Navajo Tribal Parks will be Closed from 8:00 am and will reopen at 1:00 pm.”
Monument Valley Tribal Park is located in the Navajo Nation, spanning northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. There are approximately 400,000 tribal members in this region.
Navajo Cultural Beliefs
In Navajo culture, the event is known as jóhonaa’éí daaztsą́ (“the sun is dead”), and it signifies the rebirth of the sun after the event. Many Navajo people will be fasting and praying during this time. It is expected that local businesses will be closed, and visitors are encouraged to follow the Visit With Respect guidelines.
The letter from Adeline Tohannie, Park Manager at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, states that the 17-mile scenic drive and park will be closed, with a few staff members who are willing to work being responsible for observing and enforcing the park closure.
Home to the iconic sandstone formations known as “mittens,” Monument Valley will experience the solar eclipse between 9:10 a.m. MDT and 12:01 p.m. MDT on October 14. The “ring of fire” will be visible in the area for approximately 4 minutes and 16 seconds, starting at 10:29 a.m. MDT, according to Timeanddate.com. It is important to use solar eclipse glasses to safely observe the entire event.
Scenic Locations
Monument Valley Tribal Park is one of many scenic locations in the Four Corners region—where Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico meet—along the narrow 125-mile-wide path where the “ring of fire” will be visible. This path extends from Oregon through Texas, although most Americans will only see a partial solar eclipse.
Goulding’s Lodge, located nearby, will be open and will have solar eclipse glasses available for sale to both lodge guests and visitors. Another location close to Monument Valley Tribal Park that will be open for the eclipse is Goosenecks State Park, where the Ring of Fire Fest event will be taking place ($5 admission fee). The event will feature telescopes, solar binoculars, food booths, and some free solar eclipse glasses.
Note: When visiting remote locations, expect limited facilities and resources. It is important to come prepared with a full tank of fuel, food, cash, toilet paper, and ice, as these items may not be readily available in the area.
I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
