Arizona’s Monument Valley — a sacred part of the Navajo Nation spanning the border of southeast Utah and northern Arizona — has played a central character in some of the most iconic American films of all time. That includes many by John Ford, a pioneering director known for elevating the Western genre into an art form from the late 1930s through the mid-1960s. Through visually captivating films such as “Stage Coach,” “Fort Apache” and “The Searchers,” Ford explored themes of frontier hardship and the American identity amid Monument Valley’s towering buttes and mystical emptiness.

Beyond Westerns, the valley’s red rocks and vast skies were featured in “2001: A Space Odyssey” as an alien planet and in “Forrest Gump” during the title character’s cross-country run. Other cinematic classics such as “Easy Rider,” “Back to the Future Part III” and even Disney’s “Cars” have also captured the area’s quintessential Western scenery. To experience it for yourself, take a road trip through Monument Valley and surrounding destinations — all brimming with iconic scenery, rich Native American culture and the artistry that’s inspired generations of creatives.

Southwest Beauty in Phoenix, Arizona

Fly into Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and head to the Desert Botanical Garden. Inside the 140-acre park, more than 50,000 desert plants thrive alongside the eye-catching red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Wander the short hiking trails, learn how plants adapt to the unique environment and encounter live pollinators in the butterfly pavilion. Then rest up at your hotel in downtown Phoenix, a walkable area that’s also home to the hip Roosevelt Row arts district.

In the morning, explore the Heard Museum, a nonprofit institution dedicated to American Indian art and culture. Don’t miss exhibits such as Home: Native People in the Southwest, which features nearly 2,000 items, from jewelry and pottery to a full-size pueblo. Before hitting the road to Flagstaff, spend a few hours at the Musical Instrument Museum, which offers a tour of the world’s music through its collection of over 15,000 instruments and related objects from across the globe.

Old West Charm & Starry Skies in Flagstaff, Arizona

Cruise into Flagstaff, a high-elevation mountain enclave tucked along Route 66. Snap some photos in the historical downtown, where the streets are illuminated by vintage neon signage and turn-of-the-century buildings house shops, restaurants and breweries. Then grab a bite at Diablo Burger, a locals favorite serving beef sourced from Arizona ranches, or Fat Olives, a buzzy spot for Neopolitan-style pizza. About 10 minutes from downtown, browse exhibits centered on the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

When the sun goes down, find out why Flagstaff was designed as the world’s first International Dark Sky City. At Lowell Observatory, visitors can admire constellations through high-powered telescopes and stargaze from the open-deck observatory. Then take a short drive to Wupatki National Monument — one of Arizona’s 13 Dark Sky Parks — to see breathtaking celestial views above ancient Puebloan ruins and bask in the peaceful stillness of the area. The scenic park road is open 24/7, allowing motorists to drive to various points for seeing the Milky Way and planets.

Inspiring Landscapes in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

After a late night of galaxy chasing in Flagstaff, grab a cup of coffee and start the 280-kilometer journey (about three hours) to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Make the most of your time by booking a tour led by a Navajo guide, who will take you to the best views of photogenic buttes and mesas immortalized in countless movies and offer meaningful commentary about the cultural and spiritual importance of the land. Local Navajo outfitters offer daytime expeditions on foot or horseback, as well as sunrise, sunset and stargazing tours. 

Prefer to explore on your own? Hop on the 27-kilometer loop drive and stop at overlooks such as John Ford Point to see sweeping panoramas of the sun-kissed craggy buttes featured in the famous director’s films. Book a room at Goulding’s Lodge — a historical hub that was pivotal to bringing Hollywood to the valley. At the on-site Goulding’s Museum, learn about founder Harry Goulding, the lodge’s legacy as a trading post and cinematic landmark, and the history and resilience of the Navajo Nation.

Dramatic Rivers and Canyons in Page, Arizona

In the morning, continue into the heart of Arizona’s canyon country with a stop in Page. Landmarks in and around the city deliver some of the Southwest’s most awe-inspiring backdrops, from the sculpted rock formations of the Colorado Plateau to the blue-green waters of Lake Powell. Begin with a visit to Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves dramatically below a sandstone overlook just outside town. Stunning photo opportunities are accessible via a hike to the 305-meter overlook from a parking area off Highway 89. 

Page is also a gateway to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, a quieter, forested counterpart to the more visited South Rim (accessible from Williams and Flagstaff). Open seasonally from late spring through fall, the North Rim offers cooler temperatures and a sense of solitude that heightens the canyon’s scale and beauty. Spend the night at one of the city’s comfortable hotels or vacation rentals before embarking farther on the Route 66 leg of your trip.

Route 66 Lore in Williams and Kingman, Arizona

Route 66 played a vital role in shaping the USA’s legendary road trips and pop culture, and towns like Williams and Kingman keep that legacy alive. From, drive south to Flagstaff and west toward Williams, one of Arizona’s most beloved Mother Road towns and another gateway to the Grand Canyon. Check out the neon signs, classic diners and quirky shops celebrating Route 66’s golden age in the historical downtown. Pop into the Gallery in Williams to see works by more than 40 northern Arizona artists, and browse cases of pottery, jewelry and other by Navajo and Hopi artists at Thunder Eagle.

Continue west along preserved stretches of the highway through quiet desert towns before arriving in Kingman, where railroad history and road-trip culture intersect. Learn more at the Arizona Route 66 Museum, where murals, dioramas and artifacts capture the history of the route, and the Kingman Railroad Museum, which houses three operating model-train displays. After a night in one of Kingman’s vintage motels, hit the road early and cruise northeast to Las Vegas.

Larger-Than-Life Landmarks in Las Vegas, Nevada

Your road trip ends in Las Vegas, whose neon glow, dramatic architecture and anything-goes energy has drawn filmmakers since the early 20th century. Begin at the historical downtown’s Neon Museum, an outdoor gallery of restored signs that chronicles the city’s evolution, including midcentury motels, Rat Pack-era casinos and bold visuals that defined Las Vegas as an entertainment capital. Cruise the Las Vegas Strip, a world-famous boulevard lined with dozens of hotels and casinos of all sizes. It served as a backdrop for countless films, from classic Hollywood productions such as “Ocean’s 11” and “Casino” to modern blockbusters like “The Hangover.” 

No visit is complete without seeing The Sphere — the largest spherical structure in the world at 112 meters tall and 157 meters wide. Watch the mesmerizing exterior screen, a giant digital canvas of LED panels; or catch a bucket-list-worthy show or concert inside. Recount your epic adventures over dinner at an iconic steakhouse or celebrity-chef restaurant on the Strip before flying out of Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) the next day.