Even the casual traveler is familiar with US National Parks [1], but did you know Navajo Native Americans also run their own park system? The tribe's most famous is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, located in Navajo Nation [2]. Straddling Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley will take your breath away thanks to large rock formations rising out of the red earth. They resemble monuments placed there by ancient giants. For the past few centuries, Monument Valley has been part of the Navajo Nation reservation, which has a total of 200,000 Navajos living on it. But it also is the site of pre-American history, as the Ancestral Puebloans settled in the area around 1200 BC before leaving mysteriously 700 years ago.

If you're taking a road trip to Utah's well-known Mighty Five National Parks [3], seriously consider adding Monument Valley to your itinerary. While there, you can stay at either The View Hotel [4] or Gouldings Lodge [5]. I visited for two nights this Summer and highly recommend booking a local Navajo tour guide. For three hours, our guide, Harry Nez from Dineh Bekeyah Tour company [6], took us around in an SUV (the air conditioning was amazing) while pointing out significant sites and sharing more about Navajo traditions. During a break in the shade under an impressive rock formation, he even treated us to an improvised musical performance on his flute. I also appreciated a chance to hear about experiences on the reservation outside of what you see as a tourist, as Harry shared stories about modern Navajo family life as well insight into the tough employment situation.

A visit to Monument Valley is pretty low-key. There's little cell service and few restaurant options. Since the park is located on the semiautonomous reservation, you have to follow the tribe's laws, which includes no alcohol — at restaurants or in your hotel room. But a tasty Navajo taco or fry bread will distract you from the lack of booze. Take the opportunity to appreciate the vast desert and big sky. You may get the sense that you've landed on the set of a classic American Western, which is only natural since famed director John Ford filmed 10 movies in Monument Valley, including John Ford's 1939 breakout film Stagecoach. Need more inspiration? Here's a list of 10 reasons to add Monument Valley to your must-see list.

The Drive In

The road approaching Monument Valley from the town of Mexican Hat is nothing short of iconic. The monuments emerge in the distance like a mirage. The most famous formations you'll want to see once you arrive include The Mittens, Three Sisters, John Ford's Point, Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chai, and Ear of the Wind.

The Navajo Culture

Many of us learned about Native American reservations in history class, but getting a chance to visit one provides a next-level educational opportunity. Book a Navajo guide to make the most of it.

The Jewelry

Inside the park, you can shop for handmade jewelry. It makes the perfect small souvenir if you packed lightly.

The Heritage

During our tour, we met the granddaughter of Monument Valley legend Susie Yazzie [7], who passed away in 2013 at the age of 93. The younger Yazzie carries on her grandmother's practice of demonstrating weaving and other Navajo traditions to visitors of the park.

The Food

While in the park, be sure to try a Navajo taco or fry bread, a delightfully fluffy bread whose taste slightly resembles a beignet.

The Surreal Rocks

Our guide took us to quiet spots in the backcountry, including this rock formation said to resemble both the head of a Navajo man (see the ponytail?) or an eagle, depending on which way you look at it.

The Personal Tours

During our beak in the shade, our guide Harry played us a tune on his traditional instrument.

The Wildlife

Considering the dry, desert heat, you may be shocked to see cattle and even wild mustang horses roaming the park.

The Historical Homes

On the park, you'll come across hogans, traditional homes for the Navajo people.

The Hollywood Legacy

Monument Valley has a rich film history. Classic John Wayne Westerns like Stagecoach were filmed there, as was Back to the Future III and part of Forrest Gump. It's still used today for film, TV, and commercial filming.