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Monument Valley has been on my bucket list forever, and I’m so happy I finally made it! Those iconic red rock formations are even more stunning in person. You probably recognize them from Forrest Gump, especially that famous running scene. Since I wanted to experience both the sunset and sunrise views, I decided to stay overnight at Goulding’s Lodge, one of the few accommodation options in the area. It turned out to be the perfect choice.

Why I Chose Goulding’s Lodge

There aren’t many hotel options in Monument Valley, so availability goes fast. I booked my stay about a month in advance and ended up with a queen room since all the kings were already taken. The lodge is a little pricey for what you get, but it is worth it because the property offers many on-site amenities and the location cannot be beat.

It is also dog friendly, which was a huge plus since Kuma was traveling with me on our cross-country road trip from Tampa to Las Vegas.

Checking In & First Impressions

Check-in was quick and easy. The staff had my paperwork ready in a neat little folder, and we were assigned Room 312, located near the restaurant, which was very convenient. When I read “upper level,” I thought it meant stairs, but it actually meant we would drive up a small hill to reach the building. No stairs, which was a nice surprise.

Lovely view of the massive rock by the hotel room

The best part was being able to park right in front of our room. When you have luggage and dog supplies packed for a long road trip, that kind of setup is a lifesaver.

As soon as we pulled in, I was in awe. A massive red rock formation stands right in front of the property, and it instantly feels like you have stepped into a movie scene.

Cars parked on the Gouldings Lodge property — Love that we were able to park right in front of our hotel room

The Room

Our queen room was simple but comfortable. It had a cozy bed, a pull-out sofa, a small desk, and a medium-sized fridge that was big enough to store snacks and drinks. The Wi-Fi was spotty, and my cell service actually worked better, which is understandable given how remote the area is.

Gouldings Lodge Queen Bed room — The queen size room was outdated but met our needs

TV on top of dresser in hotel room — TV, mini fridge, and coffee maker were provided

Outdated bathroom at Goulding's Lodge — Bathroom was also outdated but everything worked great

The bathroom was a little dated, but it worked fine. The water pressure could have been stronger, but the temperature was perfect. I also appreciated that the room had a ceiling fan, something I rarely see in hotels anymore.

The best surprise was the private terrace right outside our door. It had a small table and chairs with incredible views of Monument Valley. I loved sitting there with my morning coffee, even though the coffee from the restaurant was a bit lukewarm. It was still so peaceful to soak in the desert stillness. Even Kuma enjoyed lying outside and watching the scenery.

View of big red rock from terrace — Lovely view from our terrace

Back porch terrace area of the hotel room — Love that we had a back porch terrace area as well

Closet space with a luggage rack, iron and ironing board

Dining at the Stagecoach Restaurant

Dining options around Monument Valley are very limited, so having a restaurant on-site is a big plus. Goulding’s Stagecoach Restaurant is just a short walk from the rooms. It serves American comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast favorites, along with regional dishes like fry bread topped with powdered sugar and honey.

Stagecoach Restaurant exterior — Stagecoach Restaurant

Chicken Fingers and Fries at Stagecoach Restaurant

For dinner, my boyfriend ordered a hamburger, and I had chicken fingers. The food was simple but satisfying after a long day on the road.

The next morning, we came back for breakfast. My omelet was delicious and filling, though I wished the coffee had been hotter. Even after a refill, it was still lukewarm. Despite that small detail, it was nice to enjoy a full breakfast after an early morning of sightseeing.

Delicious omelette at Stagecoach Restaurant

Chicken Fried Steak at Stagecoach Restaurant

Other On-Site Amenities

One thing I really appreciated about Goulding’s is how self-contained it is. On-site, they have:

A gas station and grocery store
A gift shop and small museum
Laundry facilities
An indoor pool
RV park and campground
Guided Monument Valley tours

It’s basically a tiny desert village and has everything you need in one place.

Catching Sunrise and Sunset at Monument Valley

The famous Forrest Gump Point is only about 15 minutes from the lodge, which makes it very easy to visit for both sunrise and sunset.

We went out for sunset first, and there were quite a few people there, but still plenty of space for everyone to take photos. The next morning, we went again for sunrise, and it was completely worth the early wake-up. The light was softer and the colors were more vibrant. If you only have time for one visit, go at sunrise. You will not regret it.

Walking down an empty road at Monument Valley — Sunrise at Monument Valley

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Monument Valley and want to make the most of your time, Goulding’s Lodge is a fantastic choice. It’s dog friendly, conveniently located, and full of amenities that make desert travel so much easier. The views are incredible, the staff is friendly, and even though the Wi-Fi is weak and the coffee could be hotter, the overall experience is completely worth it.

Kuma gave it two paws up, and I completely agree.