West and East Mitten Buttes
The Mittens
Two isolated sandstone pillars that look like a pair of mittens, the most iconic image of Monument Valley.
The West Mitten and East Mitten stand about 300 meters tall. They are made of De Chelly sandstone and a lower slope of softer rock. They are named for the upright 'thumbs' that make them resemble mittens. You can photograph them from the Visitor Center terrace or from stop 1 on the Valley Drive. Around the equinoxes, at sunset, the shadow of the West Mitten falls onto the East Mitten, creating a 'mitten shadow' phenomenon that draws many photographers.
Opening hours
Viewable all day
Nearby sights
- Merrick Butte
- Wildcat Trail
- Valley Drive
- Elephant Butte & Camel Butte
- The View (Monument Valley Visitor Center)
- North Window Overlook
- The Three Sisters
- John Ford's Point