Agathla Peak
Mountain Volcanic plug landmark towering above Navajo lands
Agathla Peak, a volcanic plug near Monument Valley, rises sharply above desert highways; visitors photograph it on scenic drives and respect its Navajo cultural significance.
Agathla Peak is a solitary volcanic plug in northeastern Arizona on the Navajo Nation, noted for its dark, steep-sided silhouette. Its summit reaches roughly 7,099 feet (2,164 meters), making it a prominent landmark in the region.
The peak is a visible landmark for drivers and visitors to the Monument Valley area and the surrounding high desert - it stands as a steep monolith distinct from the flat mesas nearby. Its sheer flanks and isolated form make it a frequent subject for landscape photography and geological study.
The feature is the erosional remnant of an ancient volcanic neck composed of resistant igneous rock; surrounding softer sediments have been stripped away over geologic time. It has long been a landmark within the Navajo Nation and the greater Colorado Plateau landscape.
Located in northeastern Arizona within Navajo Nation lands, the peak sits west of the Utah border and is commonly viewed from highways and viewpoints serving the Monument Valley and Kayenta areas.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is approximately 7,099 feet (2,164 meters) above sea level.
- Geology: A volcanic plug - a resistant igneous core left after erosion of surrounding sedimentary rock - that stands prominently above the surrounding plain.
How to Get to Agathla Peak #
Visible from US Highway 160 north of Kayenta, Arizona; the usual visitor viewpoint is from roadside pullouts along US‑160. Access onto the formation requires permission from Navajo Nation authorities.
Tips for Visiting Agathla Peak #
- Early morning gives the best light on the monolith and cooler temperatures for shorter hikes.
- Respect the Navajo Nation and nearby tribal lands - approach from public access viewpoints and follow signage; do not trespass on restricted areas.
- Use a high-clearance vehicle to reach many of the roadside pullouts off US 160 and local backroads.
Best Time to Visit Agathla Peak #
Best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures and clear vistas; summers can be very hot.
Weather & Climate near Agathla Peak #
Agathla Peak's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 34°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 7 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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