Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez signed a resolution Tuesday to re-open the tribal parks at 50 percent capacity. The Navajo Department of Health is expected to release a new Public Health Emergency Order outlining safety protocols and requirements. A mask mandate remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.
The parks are expected to reopen on Thursday July 8th.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center has announced some changes to the way tours will be conducted through the 17 mile scenic loop that includes The Mittens, and John Ford Point. Those areas will no longer be accessible by self guided private vehicles. Instead visitors will have to be accompanied by a guide or be on one of the organized tours.
Louise Tsinijinnie with Media Relations for Monument Valley Tribal Park said the park will be operating at 50 percent capacity. Visitors will arrive at the gate to the tribal park and secure a guided tour before entering the park. Once half capacity numbers have been reached incoming tours will hold until a like number have departed. To achieve some space between tours a 45 minute buffer between groups will be maintained.
The resolution was approved by the 24th Navajo Nation Council on June 25th, 2021. The resolution counters the 8 resolutions enacted during the height of the pandemic aimed at reducing transmission of the Covid-19 virus on the Navajo Nation. .
The parks under direction of the Navajo Nation in Utah that are affected are: Four Corners Monument, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, and Monument Valley Tribal Park.
For more information about Monument Valley, the tours and hours of operation call the Monument Valley Tribal Park at (928) 871-6647
