Agathla PeakAgathla Peak at a Glance
About Agathla Peak
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -6° - 6° | -3° | 16 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 9° | 0° | 15 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 13° | 4° | 16 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 18° | 10° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 24° | 16° | 11 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 30° | 22° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 34° | 25° | 26 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 32° | 24° | 29 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 11° - 27° | 19° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 20° | 13° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 12° | 3° | 20 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 7° | -2° | 21 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
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.