monument valley best tours

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Colorado (CO) » 15 Best Monument Valley Tours

15 Best Monument Valley Tours

Translated into the language of the Native American people who call the area home, Monument Valley means valley of the rocks.

Located on the Colorado Plateau, it is characterized by immense stretches of multicolored sandstone buttes, the tallest of which tower more than a 1,000 feet over the desert floor below.

The valley sits between the southwestern states of Arizona and Utah, within the borders of the reservation of the Navajo Nation.

In the ‘30s, it was a hotspot setting for western films, though today it’s largely the realm of Native Americans and tourists from all over the world.

1. 2 ½ Hour Monument Valley Tour with Backcountry Access

You’re probably thinking that a measly 2 ½ hours won’t afford much time to see the area’s breathtaking sights, but previous tour guests agree that’s just not the case.

This small-group tour is only accessible with a local Navajo guide, giving it a unique cultural aspect not found on other tours.

Attractions include the Three Sisters, John Ford Point, and Sleeping Dragon, to name just a few.

After the sightseeing portion, it’ll be time for immersion into the local culture as you visit a Navajo home, interact with the residents, and watch a fascinating demonstration of traditional rug weaving.

2. 3-Day Iconic American Natural Beauty Tour from Las Vegas

The glitz and swank of the Las Vegas strip is definitely worth checking out when in the American southwest, but the region’s natural wonders tend to make Sin City pale in comparison.

This 3-day tour begins in Vegas and includes stops at many of the country’s most celebrated sites.

Zion National Park, Lake Powel, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley are among the tour’s highlights, and visitors tend to use words and phrases like breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and magnificent to describe the things they saw and experienced.

You’ll also learn about the area’s rich movie tradition, and about the Native American’s who have called it home for countless generations.

View Prices & Reviews

3. Monument Valley 3-Hour Tour

Monument Valley is such a mesmerizing natural wonder that it’s best experienced in small groups.

Participants in this three-hour tour will be whisked to the valley’s gems in an African safari-style open-top vehicle, which beats a cushy air-conditioned van any day.

Stops include the Big Hogan, Sun’s Eye, Sleeping Dragon, and John Ford Point, which was named after the famous movie director from the early decades of the 20th century.

Tours include fascinating narration from an experienced guide, access to areas that aren’t open to the general public, a stop at a traditional Navajo village, and a ceremonial music performance as well.

4. 3-Day Tour of Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley & Horseshoe Bend

In the history of the universe, nobody has ever described Monument Valley as lame, boring, or just so-so.

It’s really that breathtaking, and when combined with other epic natural wonders like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, it makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

The tour begins and ends in Las Vegas, lasts from Wednesday until Friday, and also includes a Jeep tour of the Navajo Reservation with stops at the red rocks of Sedona and the Valley of Fire.

Along the way, you’ll learn from your guide how the stunning landscape was formed over eons of erosion by wind and water.

5. Antelope & Grand Canyons, Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley Tour

The rugged landscapes of the southwest were just made to be explored by 4 x 4, and this multi-day combo tour gives guests the opportunity to do just that.

It’s a rugged 3-day excursion that includes Bryce and Zion National Parks, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

Needless to say, it’s a whirlwind tour that’s a big hit with amateur photographers and lovers of the great outdoors.

Tours are generally limited to 14 participants, giving everyone a uniquely intimate experience.

It’s also possible to upgrade to a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, and hiking and Native American cultural side trips are included as well.

6. 7-Day National Parks Small Group Tour

For those who’ve got a full week to dedicate to seeing the American west’s most iconic sites, this 7-day tour is just the ticket.

You’ll camp under the stars, walk the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, hike through amazing geological formations, and probably have the time of your life in the process.

Sunrise and sunset are both magical times, so you’ll experience both in all their majesty at Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon as well.

There’s also a Jeep tour with a Navajo guide in Monument Valley.

Participants must be at least seven-years-old, but it’s not wheelchair accessible.

7. Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Zion National Park Tour

Have three days and two nights to spare?

Interested in being wowed by some of North America’s most stunning terrain?

If so, read on, because this natural wonders combo tour of Arizona and Utah is probably a perfect fit.

Activities include visits to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Monument Valley, and Zion National Park in Utah.

You and your travel companions will walk among Navajos, tour the desert by Jeep, and if the spirit moves you, opt for an unforgettable helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon.

A full day is spent at Monument Valley, and a guided hike is available in Zion as well.

8. 3 Hour Sunrise of Monument Valley

The otherworldly structures that dot the southwest landscape are the stuff of legend, and their names are usually pretty dramatic too.

The Big Hogan, Sun’s Eye, Sleeping Dragon, and the Totem Pole are a few of the most colorful; they’re all included on this brief but jam-packed tour of Monument Valley.

You’ll experience the sunrise like never before as your guide leads you to a scenic overlook near the iconic Totem Pole.

You may just be inspired to paint a masterpiece after witnessing how the sun’s peaking rays turn the impressive natural formations into colorful monoliths from bygone eras.

9. Monument Valley 4×4 Tour

There’s just something extra special about being led through Monument Valley by an experienced Navajo guide.

After all, the Navajos have called the area home for eons, and they know more about it than anyone.

The tour lasts about 2 ½ hours and visits most of the sites the others on the list do. But unlike some, you’ll be shuttled around in an open-air vehicle and spend time learning about Native American culture as well.

Depending on the weather conditions, you may also be whisked to areas that are only accessible when visited with a member of the Navajo Nation.

10. Hunts Mesa Overnight Campout

For really outdoorsy types, there’s no better way to experience Monument Valley than by hiking and camping.

Sure, the desert is full of poisonous snakes, tarantulas, and scorpions, but thankfully, they seem to avoid campers at all costs.

This overnight camping tour of Hunts Mesa lasts about 20 hours and includes amazing scenery, ample time to explore on foot, and tales of local lore around a crackling campfire in the canyon’s fading light.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

In short, it is – but it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back issues, or those with less than moderate levels of physical ability.

11. 1 ½ Hour Tour of Monument Valley’s Valley Loop Drive

It may sound implausible, but it’s possible to take in the wonders of Monument Valley in less than two hours.

You won’t hike, bump over the terrain in an off-road vehicle, or mingle with Native Americans, but you’ll see much of what the valley has to offer from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.

That makes it a great choice for those with limited time, and who are traveling with young children and older family and friends.

The tour follows the Valley Loop Drive and offers multiple opportunities to stop and photograph the unforgettable things you’re seeing.

Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

12. 2 ½ Hour Guided Tour of Monument Valley

If you’ve noticed a recurring theme in the aforementioned Monument Valley tours, it may be that longer isn’t always better.

That’s good news for travelers with limited time and budgets.

This 2 ½ hour tour covers nearly 30 miles of indescribably beautiful natural features, but you’ll also get access to petroglyphs from the ancient cliff-dwelling Anasazi people who seemed to up and vanish without a trace centuries ago.

The tour also covers ground inside the Navajo Tribal Park, from which arches, towering formations, and deep canyons are readily seen.

Multiple departure times are offered to accommodate travelers with varying schedules.

13. Monument Valley Sunrise Photo Tour

Monument Valley is one of the most photographed sites in the southwest, and this 3-hour evening tour was designed with diehard shutterbugs in mind.

Guided by experienced and enthusiastic photographers, it consistently leads guests to the perfect vantage points at just the right time to capture the moment forever.

You’ll need to rise well before the sun to reach the Totem Pole on time, but according to previous guests, it’s a small price to pay.

There’s also a 3-hour sunset tour that heads out in the late afternoon, so consider doing both, with lunch and a nap in the middle.

14. Monument Valley Tour

This small-group tour of Monument Valley gives guests the opportunity to tailor their experience to fit their personal interests.

The tour includes stops at the two Mitten Buttes, the Three Sisters, and Elephant Butte. For those who’d like a little cultural interaction, it’s possible to rub elbows with Native Americans, see how they live, and take in a traditional music show.

All tours are conducted in an open-air vehicle and led by an experienced and knowledgeable Navajo guide, so you’ll see and learn about things that those on other tours won’t.

Click the link below for a full list of options.

15. Basic Tour of Monument Valley

Loop tours are great for those who want to begin and end their day in the same location. This 17 mile Monument Valley tour is a popular option for those with less than three hours to spare.

It hits all the major attractions for which the valley is known, and offers guests the chance to stop and photograph the sights from a number of vista points along the way.

There’s also a stop at an authentic Navajo Hogan and a rug-weaving demonstration presented by Navajo women as well.

The tour’s length leaves plenty of time in the day to hook-up with other excursions to equally impressive attractions in nearby national parks.

15 Best Monument Valley Tours:

• 2 ½ Hour Monument Valley Tour with Backcountry Access
• 3-Day Iconic American Natural Beauty Tour from Las Vegas
• Monument Valley 3-Hour Tour
• 3-Day Tour of Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley & Horseshoe Bend
• Antelope & Grand Canyons, Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley Tour
• 7-Day National Parks Small Group Tour
• Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Zion National Park Tour
• 3 Hour Sunrise of Monument Valley
• Monument Valley 4x4 Tour
• Hunts Mesa Overnight Campout
• 1 ½ Hour Tour of Monument Valley's Valley Loop Drive
• 2 ½ Hour Guided Tour of Monument Valley
• Monument Valley Sunrise Photo Tour
• Monument Valley Tour
• Basic Tour of Monument Valley

CLOSURES MAY BE POSSIBLE, DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Monument Valley Tour Operators

Navajo nation park & recreation.

To book a guided tour in Monument Valley, please select a tour operator from the list below.

There are tour guides available upon arrival.

Hours of Operation:

The Monument Valley 17- mile loop is accessible by vehicle only. You can purchase Entry Fee and Guided tour upon your arrival. RV’s, Camper van’s, motorcycles and Large SUV’s or Off-Road Vehicles are Prohibited on the valley drive. Valley drive has rough terrain and deep sand dunes.

Entry to all Navajo Tribal Park areas are enter at your own risk. Dogs are Prohibited at all Navajo Tribal Park locations.

Designated Hiking Trails are at your own risk. We ask that you sign in/out at each location for trail usage. Trails are open during Navajo Tribal Park Hours of Operations 8am to 5pm. Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for unpredictable weather, always stay hydrated and be aware of your surroundings.

The mask mandate has been lifted and the use of a mask is at your discretion.

All Navajo Tribal Parks are Closed on: Thanksgiving Day, NN Family Day (day after Thanksgiving), Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Security will be on duty and monitoring the area.

MORE INFORMATION: PLEASE REVIEW.

Monument Valley Guided Tour Operators

• Bennett Tours   ph. 928-221-9975
• Sacred Monument Tours, LLC    toursacred.com   ph. 435-727-3218
• Phillips Photography Tours   monumentvalley.com     ph. 928-429-0040
• Explore Monument Valley  ph. 928-429-1959
• Navajo Spirit Tours   ph. 435-444-7773
• RGJ Inc dba Goulding’s Tour    ph. 435-727-3225
• Roy Black’s Guided Tours   ph. 928-429-0637
• Valley View Guided Tours  ph. 435-485-0103
• Monument Valley Tribal Tours     ph. 385-347-6243
• Monument Valley Holiday Tour   ph. 928-489-1732
• Mitten View Tours        ph. 928-429-4672
• Hunt’s Mesa Off-Road Trails – UTV Tour  Call/Text: 928-302-8398
• Monument Valley Tribal Tours  ph. 385-347-6243
• Tinhorn Tour   ph. 928-489-9128
• MV Dineh Bekeyah Tours   ph. 928-409-0088
• MV Twin Warriors Tours   ph. 928-429-8628
• Sandstone Tours     ph. 435-200-5450
• Monument Valley Rain God Mesa Tours   ph. 928-606-9422
• Monument Valley Safari, LLC     ph. 435-220-0539
• Three Sister Navajo Guided Tours    ph. 602-327-2472
• Blackwater Tours    ph. 435-727-3312
• Monumental Tours    ph. 435-444-9529
• Tinhorn Tours    ph. 928-383-0783
• Monument Valley Tours   ph. 435-727-3313.

Horse Trail Rides

• Dineh Trail Rides  ph. 928-209-2692
• Tse Bii Trail Rides  ph. 928-489-2593

San Juan River Tours

• Tse’kooh Outfitters    ph. 928-301-7060
• Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures  ph. 505-239-8505
• Dzil Taah Adventures, LLC.  ph. 928-429-8531.

Top Tours in Monument Valley, UT

Monument valley tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Private Tours
• Photography Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Shopping Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Monument Valley Tour

2. 2.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Backcountry 4×4 Tour

3. Monument Valley Daytime Tour - 3 Hours - Navajo Spirit Tours

4. 3.0 Hours of Monument Valley's Sunrise or Sunset 4×4 Tour

5. 2 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour

6. Sunset Tour of Monument Valley

7. 1.5 Hour Tour of Monument Valley's Loop Drive

8. Dreamcatcher Evening Experience in Monument Valley

9. Monument Valley Extended Backcountry Tour

10. Private Monument Valley Tour

11. 1 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour

12. 3.5 Hours Mystery Valley Navajo Spirit Tour

13. 2.5 Hours Monument Valley Historical Sightseeing Tour by Jeep

14. Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley

15. Ultimate Utah Bundle Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

16. Mystery Valley Tour 3.5 -4hrs (TSNGT)

17. Scenic Monument Valley Tour

18. 3.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Cultural 4×4 Tour

19. Stargazing Tour of Monument Valley

20. Tour Monument Valley with a Navajo guide (1.5hr TSNGT)

21. Navajo Tribal Park Monument Valley Self-Guided Driving Tour

22. 25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

23. Monument Valley Backcountry Tour

24. Monumental tours

25. Monument Valley 4x4 Tour

26. Tear Drop Arch Tour (TSNGT)

27. Monument Valley Hogan Overnight Experience

28. Monument Valley Tour from Flagstaff

29. 2.5 HR tour (TSNGT)

30. 1.5 Hour Jeep Tour in Monument Valley

What travellers are saying.

• Monument Valley Tour
• 2.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Backcountry 4×4 Tour
• Monument Valley Daytime Tour - 3 Hours - Navajo Spirit Tours
• 2 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour
• 3.0 Hours of Monument Valley's Sunrise or Sunset 4×4 Tour
• Navajo Spirit Tours
• Monument Valley Tribal Tours
• Dineh Bekeyah Tours
• Monument Valley Safari
• Phillips Photography Tours - Day Tours
• Navajo Guided Tour Service
• Goulding's Monument Valley

Monument Valley Safari

Guided off-road adventure tours, choose from our most popular tours.

• Most popular
• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

3.5-Hour Monument Valley Tour

Cover more ground and fully immerse yourself in the culture and history of Monument Valley as you embark on a guided tour with an expert Navajo local.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

2.5-Hour Monument Valley Tour

Private monument valley tour.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Monument Valley, an enchanting land of sandstone wonders and cinematic allure. Join the legendary Don Mose, your charismatic Navajo guide, as he unveils the secrets of this sacred terrain that go beyond the ordinary tourist trails.

• Hour Glass 7 hours

7 Hour Hunts Mesa Tour

Embark on an unforgettable guided tour with us and delve into the heart of this extraordinary and pristine landscape. Our expert guides will lead you through the secrets of Tse’Bii’Nidzisgai, revealing its hidden stories and the cultural significance intertwined with Diné Biyakah (Navajo Land).

• Hour Glass 18-20 hours

18-Hour Hunts Mesa Overnight Tour

Capture dramatic views from 1,600 feet above the valley floor. From atop Hunts Mesa photographic opportunities abound, with sandstone monuments and canyons sprawling out in every direction.

Native American Hoop Dance

For centuries Native American Hoop Dancing has been a ceremonial and artistic form of storytelling performed by the First Nation People. Colorful hoops made of willow or reed are manipulated

• Clock Sunrise departure & 8 a.m.
• Hour Glass 5.5 - 6 hours

Private Storytelling with Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald

Travel into a restricted area of Monument Valley or Mystery Valley to find a special set-up where you meet and hear stories from one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers, Peter MacDonald.

Yá'át'ééh! Welcome!

A tripadvisor top 5 outdoor activity in monument valley.

Traveling with a native Navajo through Monument Valley was a wonderful experience! Our guide, Bobby, provided such enriching information and stories about the geology and history of the land and its people. We were able to travel off the beaten path to visit a hogan where we were treated to a weaving demonstration as well as more fabulous land formations. Highly recommend choosing this tour.

My sister and I wanted to see Monument Valley, but we didn't know what tour company to use. My sister chose Monument Safari Tours and I am so glad we went with them. Our Guide was Tony and he made our tour a really unforgettable experience. He was so knowledgeable and interesting. We went on the sunset tour and it was absolutely beautiful!

This was a fabulous experience to get to the Hunts Mesa. Excellent driver and guide. I went solo with the Navajo guide and got dropped off alone along the mesa while he went to prepare the camp and the food. He picked me up as planned just at sunset. Great food, great lodging (thick sleeping bag for the cold night).

We had an outstanding sunrise tour with Navajo guide Toney. He was extremely knowledgeable and took us to some outstanding locations in the Monument Valley backcountry. He even helped us take some creative photos. It was truly a magical experience that we will never forget! Worth every penny!

Our tour was fab - in a 4x4 across the sand and over rocks - and then we got to climb up rocks. We saw amazing rocks so it was a great family tour that everyone enjoyed thoroughly. Would definitely recommend.

Our family’s roots run deep in Monument Valley. Tracing back seven generations, our family has been exploring this part of the Navajo Nation since the early 1800s. As members of the Native American Navajo Tribe, our beliefs, language and spiritual practices are very much an integral part of our daily lives. For this reason, when you take a tour with us, you will be exposed to much more than Arizona’s stunning landscape - you will learn about the history, culture and lives of the Navajo.

We provide Navajo guided tours of Monument Valley and the surrounding attractions. Our team consists of eight members; all local and all Navajo - united with one goal, to welcome visitors into our home with kindness and professionalism. Enjoy one of our many tours while our team shows you the area with expert knowledge and local information.

What to Expect from Our Tours

We offer a variety of tours, each designed deliberately to accommodate an array of budgets, physical abilities and preferences. Our scenic and cultural tours range from 2.5 to 6 hours. Our photography tours range from 3.5 to 18 hours. Furthermore, we delight in arranging custom tours - from Navajo cultural performances to photography shoots of Native Americans in traditional regalia.

Read our short tour booking policy before you call!

Adventurous Monument Valley

Scenic monument valley tours in arizona.

• Most popular tour!

Scenic Monument Valley Tour

Experience Monument Valley’s highlights in 1.5 hrs. Tour the 17-mile loop in an open-air safari vehicle, see iconic landmarks, and learn Navajo history from a local guide.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• User Ages 6+

Discover Stunning Landscapes at the Oljato-Monument Valley

Welcome to the best experience of Adventurous Monument Valley Tours, where we offer a unique blend of cultural, historical, and scenic explorations on private Navajo land. Dive into the heart of Navajo culture with our guided tours that have received stellar reviews from visitors from all over the world!

We take you beyond the ordinary with our luxury and affordable options, ensuring that you get to witness the best of Monument Valley in a way that suits your preferences. From the magnificent sunrise tours to the breathtaking sunset tours, and from day tours to overnight tours, we have it all. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly adventures, private tours, or photography tours, our offerings are designed to cater to every need.

Ready to see more than Monument Valley? Our tour options extend to Antelope Canyon as well. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of these natural monuments, with the help of our skilled Navajo guides who bring the history, culture, and geology of these lands to life during your journey.

Backcountry Tour

Explore Monument Valley’s restricted backcountry. Capture photos at Ear of the Wind, visit Anasazi ruins, and learn Navajo history from a local guide. This Arizona tour is ideal for photographers. Book online!

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Join our Top-Rated Monument Valley Tours ★★★★★

Nat was a great tour guide. He took us to the upper canyon and from the minute we boarded the bus, he made a point to let us know he's only plan was to give us a great tour. He took lots of pictures for us, explained everything, and was overall more than I would have ever expected.

It was a fantastic tour. Lydell was tremendous. Helpful, knowledgeable, interactive. And a great photographer!! Not only would we recommend this tour, we would go back!

Absolutely worth the experience and with brilliant and supportive tour guides. Our guides were not only enthusiastic with information but also in advice and assistance with clients taking the best photos. The canyons were breathtaking and the drive was incredibly fun with the company vehicles.

We had a amazing tour guide, Nate. He offered a lot of information and was able to answer all my questions. He helped with setting up my phone so I had professional pictues. This tour guide is well worth the money and highly recommend going. A once in a lifetime.

THE 10 BEST Monument Valley Tours & Excursions

Monument valley tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Private Tours
• Photography Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Shopping Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

31. Monument Valley's Mystery Valley 4×4 Tour

32. Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour

33. Monument Valley Day Tour from Flagstaff

34. Full Valley Tour 2.5 Hrs.

35. The Grand Circle Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle

36. Monument Valley Day Trip from Sedona

37. 7 Hour Hunts Mesa Tour

38. Monument Valley/Navajo Indian Reservation from Sedona/Flagstaff

39. Ultimate American Southwest Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

40. Monument Valley and Canyonlands National Park Combo Airplane Tour

41. Hunts Mesa Overnight Campout

42. Scenic Express tours 1.5 hrs

43. Monument Valley Tribal Park Day Trip from Sedona or Flagstaff

44. Blackwater Tours - Extended 2.5 Hour Tour - 2 person minimum

45. Blackwater Tours - Standard 1.5 Hour Tour - 2 Person Minimum

46. Monument Valley's 3.0 Hours Cultural Tour

47. Monument Valley Day Tour from Sedona

48. Deluxe Tour of Monument Valley 4:00pm

49. Deluxe Tour of Monument Valley 3:15pm

What travelers are saying.

Monument Valley Guided Tours

Whether you see Monument Valley on a Jeep tour or a hiking tour, you will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the world! Join experienced Navajo guides to get a glimpse into the rich culture of the families who dwell in the Monument Valley. Learn the history of this amazing location and witness its breathtaking natural landmarks on an unforgettable journey. Book your tour today!

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours
• Tags Jeep Tour

Monument Valley Jeep Tour

This complete package Jeep tour brings you through the restricted area in the backcountry of Monument Valley to see pictographs, ancient ruins, cliff dwellings, and more.

• Hour Glass 17 hours
• Tags Camping

Monument Valley Hogan Stay

An overnight all-inclusive camping experience in an authentic Hogan in Monument Valley. Includes food, drinks, entertainment, and multiple tours.

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Dreamcatcher Tour Monument Valley

Spend the evening seeing the best of Monument Valley, from natural landmark photo opportunities, a Navajo Hogan and petroglyphs to cultural demonstrations, a Navajo dinner, and campfire entertainment.

Monument Valley Sunset Tour

Explore the majestic natural arches, bridges, and buttes at the perfect time to see the sun set over the expansive landscape of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley Sunrise Tour

This 2.5-hour tour starts at approx. 5 a.m. (time subject to seasonal change) and includes our “Navajo Loop” and “Off the Beaten Track” tours of Monument Valley while the sunrise lights up the landscape.

• Hour Glass Minimum of two hours required
• Tags Photography

Monument Valley Photography Tour

Many famous and amateur photographers from all over the world have called upon our experience and knowledge of both Monument Valley and Mystery Valley to shoot the pictures of their artistic dreams.

• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Mystery Valley Jeep Tour

Imagine unveiling the secrets of the old legacy of the Anasazis. Like strands of early-morning mist, the mystic legends of these Ancient Ones float through and pervade the area known as Mystery Valley.

• Hour Glass 6 hours
• Tags Hiking Tour

Mystery Valley Hiking Tour

On this strenuous six-hour hike, explore the painted walls, ancient dwellings, and rock arts of a legendary time in the past that left such a mystic legacy on the area of Mystery Valley.

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Hunts Mesa Hiking Tour

This somewhat strenuous five-hour hike follows a switchback climb to the 1,200-foot Hunt’s Mesa, one of the highest plateaus in Monument Valley.

Off the Beaten Track Trail Hiking Tour

This 3.5-hour trail hike unfolds the sights of delicate, breathtaking arches and natural bridges that withstand the contrasting, massive buttes of Monument Valley.

• Guides & Tips
• My Bookings

Monument Valley

Monument valley tours - loop driving, monument valley tours reviews.

A guided tour is definitely the best way to see and learn about Monument Valley. We got close up to amazing rock formations with ample time for picture-taking, and explanations of everything we saw.

Shannon was a great tour guide! Very sweet and soft spoken! Loved all the history and background behind every rock formation. Would totally recommend and for sure coming back for the Night tour ✨with Three sisters tours

Chris was a great guide and very flexible. We booked an 11am tour and the weather condition (fog) resulted in zero visibility. Chris suggested rescheduling the tour at 2pm or earlier if the fog lifted. He was accurate in his prediction and gave us a wonderful tour. Interesting and insightful information about Navajo culture. Highly recommend Chris and this tour company

Our tour was truly amazing. Kris was an excellent driver and guide. He shared so much history and information about the culture, beliefs and lifestyle. We have such an appreciation for the beautiful Navajo land now. We plan to come back again in a couple years to do it again.

This was an experience we have been wanting to do for five years and so glad we finally did. Our driver/guide Rib was amazing. Incredibly informative and patient. Chris at Monument Valley and Muskogee at the canyon were also excellent. Only downside was we were taken unawares at how strenuous the climbing in the lower antelope canyon was. It was worth it, but at times was somewhat frightening. Myako couldn’t have been more helpful and patient.

Thank you, very Good job!

Great experience. The booking process was very easy and straightforward. We were able to get the tours on the dates/times we wanted. Very pleased with how easy and straightforward this was.

Wonderful experience and very nice guides.

Just waiting on the confirmation. Otherwise, it was smooth as silk. Thank you.

Cheryl was awesome! She educated us about the Navajo reservation and the people. She made the tour very enjoyable. Thanks, Cheryl.

We spend a wonderful time thanks to our very communicative driver guide.

Absolutely outstanding! Our guide was very helpful with photography tips to make sure we had the best experience possible. The canyon, though, speaks for itself.

We booked online. It was not easy but got a helpful call from a representative to finalize. All good.

We did a tour on April 30th with Three Sisters Navajo Tours at Monument Valley. We chose the 2.5 hour tour--open air truck, it was amazing! Our tour guide, Amory, was knowledgeable about everything--he gave us history of both the Navajo legend and the English stories. We saw things we didn't even know existed. Amory knew so much about movies filmed in Monument Valley, which was fun snd interesting ad well. Time and money well spent!

Very helpful!

Very easy to book

Very friendly and caring, great photographic skills

Our tour guide was really funny interesting and talkative. He helped us take some pictures that were even better covers of some magazines. We love him so much.

Our reservation is automatically confirmed once we booked the order. The process is really time-saving and convenient.

We got the chance to visit the restricted area and saw a lot of amazing attractions. Since it was 2.5 hours long, we got plenty of time to shoot beautiful pictures and shared with my friends through Ingram immediately. They all felt jealous. Come and visit!

Appreciate for this memorable experience.

I’ve travelled many countries and places. Monument Valley is the only place that I want to come back and visit again.

We selected this tour for taking wedding dress photos. You can’t imagine how beautiful my love looked under the sunrise. We’ve decided to bring our children here in the future to take family photos! Thanks for the experience and excellent service.

Monument Valley was not on my traveling plan at first. I drove passed it on my way to Antelope canyon. The beautiful view was impressive. I can’t stop myself driving back and signed up this tour to see this ancient land more closely. Thank god I didn’t miss such a great place on my road trip.

I am a professional photographer and spent a whole day here in order to record the sunrise and sunset. I will never forget moments I experienced here. Thanks for the gift of nature.

The sunrise tour begins at 6:30am and the outside is pretty cold. We regret not wearing warm clothes.

Remember to clear the storage of you camera and leave enough space. I promise you will not stop using cameras every second during the tour. I love it.

Our tour guide is very friendly and experienced. He known this area pretty well and shared many interesting things with us.

Trust me, if you take the sunset tour, don’t forget to have a look of the star-shining sky above your head. Unbelievable and unforgettable!

Please remember to do enough sun protection when join this tour. The illumination is very strong. But this place really deserves a visit.

The most spectacular natural landscape I ever seen.

Where is Monument Valley?

Monument Valley is located on the southern border of Utah with northern Arizona. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation, and is accessible from U.S. Highway 163.

When is the best time to visit Monument Valley?

Monument Valley is accessible to visitors year round. Because of the location of the Valley the weather conditions range from cool in the winter to hot in the summer. The time of year to visit depends on what conditions most suit the visitor.

What is the time zone of Monument Valley?

All tour times are based on Mountain Standard Time. There is a 1 hour time difference between Utah and Arizona so keep that in mind when you are booking.

Are tour vehicles comfortable to seat?

Our vehicles are open air trucks that seat 12 people comfortably or you could reserve a closed in vehicle. We do have pet friendly vehicles. Please be sure to reserve and specify which you prefer.

Any things to prepare?

Wear hiking shoes, bring a fully charged phone or camera, and a hat and raincoat if the weather permits.

• MCW Podcast
• North Carolina
• West Virginia
• South America
• Playlists & Books
• Shop Our Instagram & Gear
• Packing Guides
• Trip Planning
• Inspiration
• Magnolia & Pine
• Work With Us

Monument Valley: The Ultimate First Timer’s Travel Itinerary

Most of you know Monument Valley because Forest Gump ran across America. Pictures of the famous Highway 163 with towering red monuments in the background are sprawled across Instagram, from the park’s 350,000 visitors a year.

What To Expect: Driving through Monument Valley was somewhat shocking for us – and we’d almost compare it to a bit of culture shock . Being from Kentucky, neither of us had spent a ton of time out West and we weren’t prepared for the spectacular landscapes. From the swirling red desert to the towering monuments… it somewhat felt surreal . On our trip through the Southwest, we had already been to the Grand Canyon and we were still overwhelmed by the beauty of it all!

Monument Valley Navajo Park stretches across the 26,000 square mile Navajo Reservation in Utah and Arizona. The entrance to the park is in Utah – but you’ll technically be driving through the Arizona side to see all of the most famous rock formations.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO How Much Does Monument Valley Cost? $20 Per Car ** Park Hours: Hours change with the seasons. Check here. Is Monument Valley In Arizona or Utah? Both. Best Time To Go To Monument Valley? Spring and Fall. Best Hotels: Goulding’s Lodge , The View Hotel Closest Airport: Page Airport Can I Use My US National Park Pass: No

** There is an additional $6 a person fee if your car has more than 4 people, and ages 9 and under are free. This cost does not include guided tour tickets. At the time of writing this article – normal private car tours have not resumed. Make sure to book your tickets in advance! (See guided tours below!)

Navajo History

While most people know Monument Valley by its common name – the park also has a Navajo name: Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii. No tour of these fascinating monoliths would be complete without sharing the history of the people whose land you’re driving on!

The first peoples to inhabit the area were the Anasazi Indians in 1200 B.C.E. There is still evidence of their dwellings and pictograph cave drawings in protected areas around Monument Valley. (To access these historic relics – see the Mystery Valley tour below!)

Spanish settlers from the 17-18th century frequently roamed the parts of the desert but there is little evidence that they ever entered or found Monument Valley. With frequent clashes between the Spanish and the Navajo who called themselves Dine, (in English ‘The People’), no outsiders have ever truly settled in what the Navajo considered a sacred place.

• The Spiritual Background of Monument Valley: To the Navajo people, different parts of this region represent different things spiritually. Some spaces between the monoliths were considered ‘doors’ while others were considered the hands of dieties.

The Navajo people did not officially own this tract of land until the late 1920s/early 1930s. That’s less than 100 years!! Now home to the Navajo Nation, over 100 people from the Navajo tribe still live and work in the valley to manage and preserve this natural wonder. Other Navajo Tribal Parks include Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Dine’ Heritage Area, Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park, and Little Colorado River Gorge.

• FUN FACT: Wild horses can still be seen roaming in Monument Valley! The Navajo people help manage the herds that run in Utah Valley, and there are regular ponies belonging to the tribe rounded up in pens near the scenic loop.

With all that the Navajo people have endured over the years due to settlers, please be deeply respectful. Don’t carve anything into their land and practice strict Leave No Trace principles!

Monument Valley Driving Tours

If you’re doing a self-paced tour through Monument Valley – you’ll likely be able to cover the 17 miles of the park in one day. This is what we did and absolutely loved it for our first time there.

NEW REGULATIONS AS OF 2021 At the time of writing this article – the Navajo Nation had just reopened the park. To do the full 17-mile Monument Valley scenic loop drive – you will have to book a tour. Private vehicles are not allowed at this time to limit capacity and protect the health and safety of the Navajo people. Before planning your trip – make sure to book in advance with one of the tour options we’ve shared below. If you’re willing to risk getting a tour or not, you can also potentially get a spot in one of the daily tours at the parks Visitors Center. Spots are not guaranteed.

After entering the park from Highway 163, visit the visitors center to pay your $20 visitors fee. Take a moment to walk around and look at the exhibits featuring local geology and Navajo culture!

You may then start your driving tour of Monument Valley past The View Campground.

P.S. Something we loved about visiting Monument Valley that you’ll notice right away: it’s not corporate. Even with the sheer volume of people who visit every year – it’s still a local feeling operation and feels like one of the more authentic American experiences!

• Driving Speed: We went no more than 20 miles and hour throughout our entire tour. If you’re short on time – don’t plan to rush through. Just see what you can see!

Scenic Driving Points

There is so much to see on the Scenic Loop – you could go back three or four times and notice something new every time. With that being said – there are a few major formations and gorgeous viewpoints that your guide will point out right away! (Even if you’re not with a guide – most of these fascinating waypoints are pretty easily identified.)

These are the 11 major sites to be on the lookout for while driving :

NO. 1 THE MITTENS AND MERRICK BUTTE: The most recognizable and most photographed section of Monument Valley, comprised of West mitten, East Mitten and Merrick Buttes. It’s where we stopped for the first photo in this post! There is a large area where you can park on your driving tour and take photos! Highly recommend having a tripod and a wide-angle lens!!

NO.2 ELEPHANT BUTTE: Doesn’t look like an elephant but it is MASSIVE! Like the kind of thing you just do not expect to be popping up out of the ground.

NO.3 THREE SISTERS: One of our favorite shots from the trip was at Three Sisters. The sun shone perfectly through three sisters perched high on the hill with a plane trailing close by!

NO.4 JOHN FORD’S POINT

John Ford’s Point is famous for many reasons. It’s a popular horseback riding tour spot, with people getting epic shots into the Valley down below – and also a famous movie scene!! Named after the director John Ford, this scene was in Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and many more! To get here – make sure you follow the map and take a right instead of following the trail to the left along the main Valley Trail. There are shops and such there so you’ll know you’re in the right place!

• Oljato Navajo Trading Post: Close to John Ford Point is an area with little shops and the histoic national monument ‘Oljato Navajo Trading Post’. While no longer in use – you can still grab a frybread snack from Linda’s Frybread stand closeby!!

NO.5 CAMEL BUTTE: This formation is closer to the road and allows visitors to see striations in the rock. Take a moment to think about how these monuments formed over millions of years!

NO.6 THE HUB: A phallic-shaped formation that you can’t miss. (Insert hand covering face emoji here lol..) This formation is another that’s close to the road and allows you to see layers of sediment and rock that have formed over time.

NO.7 TOTEM POLE AND YEI BE CHEI

Where Are Totem Pole and Yei Be Chei: If you look closely in the background of the photo above – you’ll see the spindly columns of red rocks that form Totem Pole and Yei Be Chei. Totem Pole is farthest to the right and the jagged line of the other column formations is Yei Be Chei. NO.8 You can also see Sand Spring from this point! Sand Spring is where you can truly experience the red sands of the desert near the parking area for the Totem Pole lookout.

NO.9 ARTISTS POINT OVERLOOK: Driving back away from Totem Pole, head towards the loop and take a right. You’ll pass another giant formation called Spearhead Mesa , and before continuing on the loop you’ll see an offshoot to the north of Spearhead Mesa . This road will take you to the viewing area for Artist’s Point. Named Artist’s Point for a reason – this spot offers picturesque views of the Northern side of Monument Valley.

NO.10 NORTH WINDOW OVERLOOK: After leaving Artist’s Point, continue back towards the scenic driving loop and take a right. The first road you come to on your right will take you to North Window Overlook. Standing between Elephant Butte (left) and Clay Butte (right), you’ll have incredible views of East Mitten Butte and small portions of Merrick Butte to the west.

NO.11 THE THUMB: When you’re done admiring the view at North Window Overlook – head back towards the scenic loop. Before you continue driving, you should run smack dab into The Thumb. As the last official stop on the scenic loop, take your time enjoying this unique formation. As one of the only rounded formations in the park, this is where The Thumb takes its name from!

Booking Guided Tours in Monument Valley

There is so much to see and do – it can be somewhat overwhelming in reality? The sky is bigger than anything you’ve ever seen and if you’re from the East Coast or anywhere in the mountains, it’s an odd feeling being so out in the open.

If you’re not sure about driving through the park yourself – we highly recommend taking a guided tour of the park.

Guided tours of the park can be purchased through the Get Your Guide links below to support Navajo Nation! These tours are only available with Navajo Guides. (These tours are also great if you’re short on time and you want to see the best of Monument Valley in a few hours!!)

• Stargazing Tours – With nothing around Monument Valley for miles – stargazing here is one of the last places on Earth you can really go with no light pollution ! See the Milky Way for miles above the purple and red hues of the valley below!
• Scenic Loop Tour (Stopping at John Ford’s Point) – 2.5 Hour Tour – Explore backcountry with a Navajo guide and see landmarks that you can only access with a guided tour.
• Extended Monument Valley Tour & Backcountry Access – 3.5 Hour Tour – Explore deeping into the wilderness of Monument Valley with your Navajo tour guide!! Perfect for photographers – you’ll be allowed extra time at each stop.

All guided tours with Navajo guides will be in open-top guide trucks. 5-6 people can sit comfortably per tour!

Hiking Trails in Monument Valley

Because Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park isn’t a National Park – what you can see is extremely limited. To really get the most of your Monument Valley excursions, most people want to hike and get up close to the monuments. There is only one trail to be able to do that without a Navajo Guide: Wildcat Trail.

• Wildcat Trail – This 3.2 mile loop will take you around Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. This trail is moeratly difficult and will take you 2-3 hours to complete. (You’ll proabably stop for pictures alot!)

A LITTLE GEOLOGY LESSON! One of the best parts about visiting Monument Valley is the deep red clay and sands that swirl through the desert. Whether you’re hiking or driving – do yourself a favor and really pay attention to the desert around you. What Are The Rocks Made Of? The rocks are an interesting mix of red, purple, and blue hues throughout the day! These colors are made possible by deposits of different minerals throughout the soil. Iron oxides give off red hues and magnesium oxide gives off purple and blue hues!! FLORA & FAUNA: Vegetation of Monument Valley: Juniper trees, yucca, Russian thistle AKA tumbleweeds, and Navajo Tea. Flowers of the region: Purple Smallflower Fishhook Cactus, Yellow Hairspine Pricklypear Cactus, and Desert Tobacco (White Flowers) Animals in Monument Valley: Sparrows, Lizards, Rattlesnakes, Desert Cottontail Bunnies, Antelope Squirrel, and Coyote

Other Places To See Around Monument Valley

If you have time to spare, there are other tours around Monument Valley not specifically on the 17-mile scenic loop. For more hiking adventures – you’ll want to book one of the tours below to gain access to off-road hiking adventures.

The 17-mile scenic loop is the most epic part of the area though so if you have to choose between doing the main loop and other tours – you won’t regret doing the main loop!!

• Mystery Valley – Where you can see the petroglyphs from the anceint Anasazi settlements throusands of years ago!
• Teardrop Arch – This tour will be a 2 hour adventure through Horse Shoe Canyon to see Pearl Drop Ruins along with Teardrop Arch. One of the most highly reccomended tours after the Scenic Drive on Trip Advisor!
• Lower Monument Valley – Typically included with ‘backcountry’ tours and extended tours of Monument Valley that we’ve listed below. You’ll get to be up close with Totem Pole and other scenic spots that you can’t do while on the Scenic Loop.
• Hunts Mesa – The best overnight tour!! Camp out, grill steaks and enjoy the views from this 1200 foot tall mesa in Monument Valley!

Leave a comment below if you’ve done any other tours we should include in this first-timer’s guide to Monument Valley!

What To Pack For Monument Valley

Because Monument Valley is around very few other destinations – you’ll most likely be staying overnight. Beyond your normal toiletries, there are a few factors to consider.

• Are You Hiking or Driving The Park? Depending on how you plan on getting around the park, you’ll have different needs. If you’re driving the park, make sure you pack comfortable clothing to be in the car and your normal travel shoes. If you’re hiking the park, make sure to pack hiking boots.
• A Note For Hikers – If you’ve never been to the American Southwest, keep in mind that it’s an incredibly dry climate. Day 2 our lips were peeling because we’ve never been so dehydrated!!! Pack a reuseable water bottle/hydration bladder for hiking.

Regardless of whether you hike or drive the park – make sure you plan to put extra water in the car. We had reusable water bottles that we constantly filled with gallon jugs we kept in the trunk.

• Food: There is not much around the area for miles. We highly reccomend poacking all sorts of road trip snacks to get your through the day!! Get our guide here for the best healthy road trip snacks!!

Another thing to remember – Monument Valley lays in the Utah Desert. The temperature swings in large ranges between when the sun is highest at midday – and when the sun sets. Between these two extremes – you can go from hot to cold pretty quickly! Other items to include while packing for Monument Valley:

• Layers – Plan on at least bringing sweatshirts even in the dead of summer for the evenings!
• Camera or a Go Pro ( We took our Go Pro and it was a great choice!!! The air is so clear you’ll get some really stunning shots!)
• Reuseable Water Bottle

Restaurants Near Monument valley

As we mentioned before – there really isn’t much around Monument Valley. Finding restaurants can be somewhat difficult in the more popular months. HENCE the reason we highly recommend packing snacks!! That way you’ll at least be able to tide yourself over until you can grab a meal.

TRADITIONAL NAVAJO FOODS When you’re in the area, you’ll have the opportunity to try some traditional Navajo foods. Typically corn, beans, and grains are the main staples in Navajo dishes, with a familiar Mexican-style spice profile. What you may not have had before is frybread! Frybread is a slightly sweet cake, similar in texture to a funnel cake without sugar. Use it to sop up all the last bits of deliciousness!

The best places to eat around Monument Valley from closest to farthest are:

• Haskenneini Restaurant (0 miles): Only open during the summer months, this restaurant is inside the Monument Valley Visitor’s Center. They specialize in Navajo and American cuisines.
• The View Restaurant (1 mile) : Navajo tacos and plenty of veggies. This spot isn’t necessarily amazing food but it’s close and convenient when there isn’t much else around. (In The View hotel)
• Amigo Cafe (29.3 Miles/39 minutes): We hghly reccomend this spot in Kayenta for breakfast burritos! Expect Native American/Mexican cuisine with no fuss.
• Blue Coffee Pot Restaurant (29.5 miles/40 minutes) : A good little crossover between Native American cuisine and American food. Think burgers and breakfast sandwiches on frybread!

How To Get To Monument Valley

Plan to drive into Monument Valley mid to late afternoon from your previous destination. The closest airport is Page or Flagstaff (depending on how many layovers you have – one may be faster than the other.)

• Most people fly into Las Vegas to do a American Southwest Roadtrip. That’s what we did and what we would recommend as far as traveling if you’re not from the region.

If you’re from anywhere close to Monument Valley, flying isn’t worth your time. It’s literally not close to anything. (That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time! It’s absolutely worth the 3-4 hour drive out of your way!)

DIRECTIONS TO MONUMENT VALLEY:

• From Las Vegas, Through Zion National Park, to Monument Valley: Starting in Las Vegas means you’ll take Interstate-15 from Las Vegas all the way to Zion National Park for about2 hours. You can either stop here in Zion National Park in Utah, (which we highly reccomend!) or continue on to Monument Valley for another 4.5 hours.
• Directions From The Grand Canyon in Arizona to Monument Valley (3.5 hours): AZ-64E for 1 hour to US-160 E towards Monument Valley. You’ll be on this highway for almost two hours! Then get off onto Main Monument Valley Road for the last 16 minutes of your journey.

You’ll be driving from your previous destination either from Utah or Arizona and all of a sudden giant rocks rise up in the distance. Signs will start pointing you towards Monument Valley and since there’s nothing else around – it’s hard to miss!

We also recommend booking your rental car in advance. With rental car shortages all across the country – booking a rental car at the airport last minute may be difficult! We booked a jeep months in advance because we knew that it would be difficult to get one so close to our trip.

Nearby Attractions

Since you only need one day in Monument Valley to really experience everything it has to offer – make sure to include these nearby attractions on your itinerary! (Most of these are within 6 hours from Monument Valley so it’s easy to add to your American Southwest road trip!)

• Forrest Gump Point: to get those spectacular shots, drive North of the Utah side of Monument Valley to US-163 Scenic, Mexican Hat, UT 84531. (Click the link for Google Maps directions!)

Monument Valley is also one of our favorite destinations for getting out where there are very few people. There are a few destinations left in the United States that lack the massive crowds that frequent many more popular destinations. If you’re looking for a more private hiking experience – read our guide to the most underrated hiking destinations throughout the United States!

If we were planning two separate trips – we would suggest starting in either Las Vegas or Sedona.

Trip Itinerary Starting in Las Vegas:

• Las Vegas – Get our full 24-Hour Las Vegas Guide here .
• Don’t forget to stop at the Neon Musem in Las Vegas – it was the best part of our trip there!
• Valley of Fire (Off I-15 on your way to Zion)
• Zion National Park

Trip Itinerary Starting in Sedona:

• Sedona – Hike to the Hidden Soldiers Pass Cave!
• Grand Canyon
• Antelope Canyon

After you’ve seen Monument Valley from either direction add these stops to extend your trip!

• Mexican Hat & Goosenecks State Park
• Valley of The Gods – Very similar to Monument Valley but much less touristy. You’ll see the Mexican Hat formation on the way
• Bryce Canyon National Park

The Best Time To Go to Monument Valley

The American Southwest is special in that it’s truly beautiful all throughout the year. The red clay and desert-like landscape mean that no matter when you go – you’ll take stunning photos and have epic sunsets.

For the most comfortable temperatures, we recommend going spring and fall. Temperatures in the winter stay in the 40s and 50s, and temperatures in the summer are usually above 90 most days. Since this is also the most touristy time to visit (school is out), the fall and spring tend to be less crowded.

When we visited in November – the weather was epically beautiful. We are hoping to visit again someday soon in the spring to see all of the desert wildflowers and cactus bloom!

• No matter when you visit Monument Valley – you’ll be sure to have one of the most stunning sunsets you’ve ever seen in your life! Get our guide here for the Prettiest Sunsets Across The USA .

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN MONUMENT VALLEY? Most people only need about a day and a half – so it can be part of a much longer American Southwest Tour.

Pin This Post!

Make sure to subscribe to our blog , snag all of your road trip basics (below), get your travel insurance , and have fun jamming to a new playlist !

Until next time friends,

Thanks for sharing!

Evan and Shelby

Sharing beautiful places, sustainable & slow living tips, + good food from across the globe. You can probably find Shelbs creating a new playlist or editing photos, and Ev researching the latest and greatest in all manner of travel gear and tech. We're so happy you're here taking a moment to read and slow down a little.

You May Also Like...

Best parks in louisville, kentucky for a relaxing afternoon, a weekend unplugged in monongahela national forest, west virginia, the ultimate guide to transportation in italy.

Sarah Wilson

This is one of the best detailed posts I’ve discovered about Monument Valley. I’m planning a road trip to the States, although being European I have to wait a bit so this is probably a 2023 trip now, I hadn’t realised that the tours on offer were run by Navajo guides, that makes me even more keen to book. I’m planning to do the full scenic route, some hiking and I’d love to do some star gazing.

I’ve been wanting to visit MV and remember seeing it on Forest Gump! I had plans to go last year and even booked a room, but the pandemic shut down the area so I had to cancel my plans. Looks like some areas are limited for safety, but glad to hear it’s back open to visitors. Loved the brief history and I can’t wait to visit soon.

Too bad we had to skip this on our visit to the Southwest, but we plan to make a stop in the future. Not just from Forrest Gump, but I also recognized Monument Valley from the old western movies. I think I will wait until everything is back to normal so we can do our self-guided tour when visiting.

Amazing itinerary made, very helpful. A long way away from me, like a distant dream, but reading this gave a good picture of the place and how the places can be visited.

I also visited the American Southwest for the first time this year. Isn’t it incredible?? I can’t wait to go back, and Monument Valley looks like the perfect next destination. It’s crazy how relatively close it is to the Grand Canyon despite having such a different vibe to it. I also love to hear that it’s not overly commercial. Trying the local food would definitely be a highlight for me, especially the frybread. It sounds delicious!

Leave a Reply Cancel Comment

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What to Do In Aruba: A Romantic & Practical 1 Week Itinerary

How to do self-guided atv excursions in aruba.

Home > USA Parks > Monument Valley > Monument Valley Tours: The Best Guided Tours in the Navajo Nation

Monument Valley Tours: The Best Guided Tours in the Navajo Nation

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Visiting Monument Valley is definitely a top destination for most people who are planning a trip to the West Coast . Besides being a true masterpiece of nature, its fame has grown out of all proportion since director John Ford immortalized it, when it appeared for the first time in a movie in his film Red Shadows (starring John Wayne). The importance of the American director’s work is underlined by the fact that the John Ford Point , one of the most famous and appreciated observation points in the area, is dedicated to his memory.

How do I organize a tour of Monument Valley? You may ask. To answer this question you must first decide how you want to visit it . You are faced with two options, either you do it on your own or you take a guided tour . We will now try to evaluate the pros and cons of the two choices and look at all the Monument Valley tours from which you can choose.

Why Choose a Guided Tour?

Monument valley safari, 3-hour tour of monument valley at sunrise or sunset, 90-minute tour of monument valley, mystery valley tour in lower monument valley, tours departing from flagstaff and sedona, air tour and jeep tour of the monument valley, 5-day tour exploring native american cultures, combined tour departing from las vegas.

To tell the truth, the road is still passable even with cars that are not four-wheel drive, but it is a very personal choice. For example, I didn’t feel comfortable (probably nothing would have happened, but if something were to happen, it could have spelled disaster for my vacation) and after giving it some thought, I preferred not to take the risk. If you want to learn about additional factors to consider when planning a trip to Monument Valley, you can also take a look at our article dedicated to the climate of Monument Valley .

Here are the advantages of a guided tour:

• If you choose a guided tour of Monument Valley , first of all, there will be a guide available to assist you. This is certainly a good thing, since you will be accompanied by someone who knows the area very well and can show you all the secrets and curiosities of the valley, so you don’t necessarily have to study up beforehand what you are going to visit. Remember that these places have a great spiritual value for the Navajo and it is very interesting to learn about their stories and beliefs.

• Organized tours will allow you to enjoy truly unique experiences , such as joining Monument Valley horseback tours or seeing views on trails that otherwise would be inaccessible  if you were going along Valley Drive on your own.

On the other hand, you may need to take into account may be the cost of the tour , but this is something that only you can judge. So let’s see which tours are available by dividing them according to the place of departure.

Tours Departing from Monument Valley

The meeting point of these tours is from the parking lot of The View Hotel , which is located at the beginning of Valley Drive. The price of these tours does not include admission to Monument Valley , which you can pay upon arrival at the park. With regard to the times that the tours are scheduled, we recommend that you pay close attention to the unique time zone of Arizona and the Navajo Nation in order to avoid unpleasant misunderstandings. In order to get to the tour on time, we recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure of each tour.

More information about the tour

In Lower Monument Valley, you will also find  Hunts Mesa , a plateau that gives you a unique view of the valley below, that we described in another article -> Hunts Mesa . The area is very remote and the only way to visit it is through a Navajo guided tour that will allow you, not only to visit this area that does not see as much tourism, but also to spend the night camping on the plateau. Departure is about 5 hours before sunset from the parking lot of The View (but there is also the option to get picked-up from the main hotels in Kayenta ). You will arrive at the plateau is about two hours before sunset. While you are taking all your photos, the guide will take care of setting up the area for the night. In the morning, you can admire the beautiful landscape at sunrise!

In addition to the tours that we have described, there are others managed directly by the Navajo Indians, which will give you the opportunity, for example, to go horseback riding along the trails of the Monument Valley. You can find all the information about these tours by visiting their official website , although in many cases you can book your tour only by phone or email, without receiving much additional information before the tour.

If you are staying in the nearby town of Sedona , you can advantage of this tour as well. Simply indicate Sedona as your place of departure when you book the tour.

Tours departing from Phoenix

Although Phoenix , Arizona’s capital city, is quite far from Monument Valley (about a 5-hour drive), there are two tours that depart from here. Let’s look at the details of these tours.

Unfortunately, you will not be flying over the entire Monument Valley area , but you will have the opportunity to visit it, once you land, with a 4×4 vehicle that will take you to see the characteristic rock formations of the valley. Once the tour is over, you will have lunch at Goulding’s Lodge , which is included in the price, before resuming your flight back to Phoenix. The entire tour lasts approximately 8 hours and does not include hotel pick-up service, which can be arranged for an additional fee. A contribution of approximately $20 for fuel will be added to the total price. The aircraft used for this tour are all high wing planes , which will allow you to enjoy the view from your windows without being obstructed by the airplane’s wings.

On the first day, you will be taken to Sedona , where you will take part in a jeep excursion to discover the mysterious energy vortices in the area. The second day will be dedicated to visiting the Grand Canyon National Park . On the third day, you will visit Monument Valley, where you will also see a live demonstration in the Navajo hogan . On the fourth day, you will visit the Homolovi Ruins, the Hopi Cultural Center and the Walpi village in the First Mesa . The last day is dedicated to returning to Phoenix. The price of the tour includes pick-up from the hotels, 4 nights at the hotel, jeep tours and excursion to the Monument Valley, plus all entrance fees to the places you will visit. Meals are not included.

NOTE: Currently, this tour is not available.

In addition to Monument Valley, you will be able to visit  Antelope Canyon , the natural wonders of Sedona , Horseshoe Bend , Lake Powell and Valley of Fire . Included in the price of the tour is a guided tour, transport in a 15 -passenger van or bus (depending on request), two nights in a hotel with breakfast included, a jeep tour of Monument Valley with lunch and access to the facilities you will visit. Not included in the price are pick-up service and lunches when not specifically mentioned.

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Filippo Nardelli

I have a degree in History of North America and have always been fascinated by the United States.

Related posts

White Pocket in Arizona: a marvel in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

The Wave in Arizona – A Complete Guide to get your Permit

Things to Do in Kolob Canyons, a beautiful and remote area of Zion National Park

Traveling from Las Vegas to Yellowstone: recommended on-the-road itinerary

Leave a comment cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

No products in the cart.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Be Right Back contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Horseback Riding in Monument Valley: Our Experience + 4 Best Tours You’ll Love

Save to Find It Later!

Are you looking for the best experiences for horseback riding in Monument Valley ? We’ve got you covered! As a  traveling couple , we’ve experienced horseback riding in Monument Valley ourselves while on our USA road trip . We are really excited to share our unforgettable experience with you along with all of our tips to have the best time!

We were so excited to see Monument Valley at sunrise that we decided to go all in with a horse riding Monument Valley experience. But we were also a bit worried about picking the right tour for it! Note that horseback riding in Monument Valley is only possible with a tour and takes you through paths that are otherwise not open to the general public. This makes the experience even more unique and unforgettable.

In this post, we share both our horseback riding in Monument Valley Utah experience , which is one of the best date ideas in Utah and Arizona, and the best Monument Valley horseback tours so you can have an unforgettable experience together.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.   This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Our Top Pick for Horseback Riding in Monument Valley:

Me and my wife figured that, on a trip to Monument Valley, you simply have to do horseback. We’re happy we booked a tour with Sacred for two hours as time just flew by! We took plenty of great photos on our relaxing but breathtaking journey. The guide was great and they seem to be treating the horses good as well. – Ken, USA (More reviews here)

2 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour

• Main sites such as Mitten Buttes + Merrick Buttes + Sentinel Mesa
• Max 3 travellers for top private experience
• Sunset and Sunrise rides available

Best horseback riding in Monument Valley

In this section, we are sharing our favourite Monument Valley horseback riding tours. Whether you’re road tripping through Arizona and Utah , or specifically travelling to Monument Valley, these tours will be the highlights of your trip!

1. 2 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour , one of the best Monument Valley horse riding tours

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Imagine you and your partner riding on a magical journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Monument Valley. This is what you’ll get with this 2-hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour, which is a 4.5-star rated adventure. Conveniently located, the stables are right next to the Monument Valley Visitor Center, ensuring easy access. This also ensures that you don’t have to arrange a shuttle to get down Valley Drive which is much better (See below for our experience)!

This ride offers an up-close view of the dramatic Mitten Buttes, Merrick Buttes, and the towering Sentinel Mesa along with other sand stone formations and plenty of trails.

Whatever your riding experience or skill level, you’ll be matched with a horse perfectly suited for you. Don’t worry though, from our own experience, the horses can handle even the toughest trails without being guided!

And what makes this experience truly special is the intimacy of the tour. With a maximum of just three travelers (sometimes four if all from the same group), it feels personal and serene. Safety is paramount, so helmets are provided to all riders along with cowboy hats for some fun photos. This particular journey is orchestrated by the renowned Sacred Monument Tours Monument Valley.

One thing to note about this horseback riding Monument Valley Utah tour: it’s best to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure ample preparation time.

So why do we definitely recommend this tour as our first pick?

Firstly, this horse back riding Monument Valley tour is intimate! In our own experience, it was just us and one other, and the feeling of freedom it granted was unparalleled. So we’re definitely pro-small group tours!

In such a small group, there’s also even a chance to gallop, which was one of our favourite parts of the tour.

Further, the tour’s start location, adjacent to the visitor centre, eliminates any logistical hassles. You won’t need to arrange for a shuttle. You can simply park by the stables.

Two hours strikes the perfect balance — any longer can become wearying, while shorter durations might leave you feeling unfulfilled and wanting more time to really absorb the experience. The exclusive trails you’ll traverse aren’t open to the general public, ensuring a unique experience.

And if you choose the earliest tour at 8 am during October, you might even witness the tail-end of a majestic sunrise. All in all, it’s an adventure you and your partner shouldn’t miss.

These are all the reasons we highly recommend this tour! But here are some reviews from recent travellers so you don’t have to only trust our word:

Robert was a genial and knowledgeable guide. The horses were gentle and well maintained. The views were astounding, and the trails occasionally challenging. We enjoyed the ride immensely. – Leon, USA (Read more Sacred Monument Tours reviews here) Me and my wife figured that, on a trip to Monument Valley, you simply have to do horseback. We’re happy we booked a tour with Sacred for two hours as time just flew by! We took plenty of great photos on our relaxing but breathtaking journey. The guide was great and they seem to be treating the horses good as well. – Ken, USA (Read more reviews here)

What’s included: cowboy hats and helmets, suitable for all levels, Mitten Butte, Merrick Butte, Sentinel Mesa and more viewpoints, time for photos, possibility to gallop, small group (MAX 3 people)

🗓 Check availability here

2. Upper Monument Valley Horseback Riding Tour

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✅ Book it!

For couples seeking a unique adventure in the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley, the Upper Monument Valley Horseback Riding Tour is a splendid choice. With a remarkable 4.5-star rating, this one-hour journey offers an experience that’s both intimate and unforgettable.

Particularly if you or your partner are on the older side or tend to experience muscle aches, this one hour long tour is tailored to ensure comfort while not compromising on the visual spectacle.

As you ride through the Upper Part of Monument Valley, you’ll witness nature’s masterpieces including the Sleeping Bear, Sitting Hen, and Eagle Mesa. These, along with numerous unique red sandstone formations, will definitely make your eyes sparkle like it did ours.

The exclusivity of a private tour means it’s just you, your partner, and the vast expanse of nature – adding a layer of intimacy to the adventure. You can also choose a Monument Valley sunrise horseback riding tour or even at sunset!

Similarly to the sunrise in Arches National Park , the sunrise in Monument Valley is absolutely stunning. The valley, under the soft hues of the rising or setting sun, offers a mesmerizing backdrop, making it a date you and your partner will cherish forever.

Sunset riding horseback is wordless… and Louis is the best guide possible! We appreciate so much this experience. We suggest everyone to do it. – Salvatore My family and I had an amazing experience with Luis. The horse riding was very beautiful and exciting. Luis is very nice and keeps checking if everyone is doing okay and helps us when needed. – Vera, USA (Read more reviews here)

What’s included: Sleeping Bear, Sitting Hen, Eagle Mesa, Upper part of Monument Valley, private tour, Monument Valley horseback riding sunset and sunrise tours available

3. 1 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour

For a brief yet immersive escape into the captivating landscape of Monument Valley, we recommend the 1 Hour Monument Valley Horseback Tour for you and your partner.

This highly-rated tour, boasting a commendable 4.5 stars, ensures an intimate experience with its small group setting of a maximum of three people. Courtesy of Sacred Monument Tours, riders are offered the choice of wearing provided helmets or embracing the authentic feel with cowboy hats.

As you embark on this journey, marvel at the iconic Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte, and the towering Sentinel Mesa. One of the thrilling aspects of this tour is the possibility to gallop through the majestic terrains, given the guide’s permission.

Speaking of guides, many adventurers have sung praises for Dion, who not only showcases the mesmerizing terrains but also enriches the experience with his insightful narratives. It’s an hour of awe and adventure that we believe you and your partner will cherish.

This is definitely a great tour, similar to our first pick, except it’s shorter. So we recommend this one if you’re short on time or if your physical condition might suffer from a longer tour.

What an amazing way to see a portion of monument valley and experience a bit of what life would have been like years ago. Our guide was a great guy and provided lots of insights and stories. Would highly recommend. – Terri Ann, USA Our ride was WONDERFUL! I rode Ten Horn ( I think I’m remembering correctly) and my guy rode Monte, who we loved. Monte is QUITE a funny one. Ten Horn is tall and beautiful. Dion was our guide, and was amazing! We actually got to run on our horses after we gave our permission to do so. We learned a lot of history from Dion that we’ll value. A must do! Ty Dion, Ten Horn, and Monte!! – Elizabeth, USA (Read more reviews here)

What’s included: helmets, cowboy hats, small group (Max 3 people), Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte and Sentinel Mesa

🗓 Check availability and this horseback riding Monument Valley price here

4. Wild West Trailride Tours

If you’re seeking an alternative horseback riding experience near Monument Valley, we wanting to touch on the Wild West Trail Rides Monument Valley Tours for you and your partner. Nestled in Mexican Hat, a short distance from Monument Valley, this tour has garnered positive reviews from fellow adventurers.

From our personal experience, there are a couple of aspects that some might find inconvenient. Firstly, they only accept bookings by phone or in-person, which might be a bit inconvenient when planning a trip. But if you’re in the area and have some flexibility, a prior visit could prove worthwhile.

Secondly, while the trailride offers magnificent vistas of Monument Valley, it operates on the outskirts. This means you might not get as up close to the iconic buttes as some other tours offer. For comparison, our tour took us in the valley of Monument Valley where we rode between the buttes (while keeping some protective distance of course). We felt truly immersed within Monument Valley rather than looking at it from the outside.

Nevertheless, the panoramic beauty of the valley remains undeniable, making it a worthy option for those looking for something a tad off the beaten path.

🗓 Contact: +1 435-459-2626

Can you do an overnight horseback riding in Monument Valley?

For couples yearning for an overnight horseback adventure in Monument Valley, we’re sorry to say it’s not currently an option. From our own exploration and the information we gathered, the latest available horseback riding tour in Monument Valley is at sunset.

However, there’s a silver lining for you and your partner. We personally recommend embarking on the sunset horseback ride to experience the valley’s mesmerizing hues. After your ride, consider a cozy night at The View Hotel, if they have availability. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourselves in the beauty of Monument Valley, even after the sun dips below the horizon.

Is horseback riding in Monument Valley romantic?

Horse tours with a partner are always super romantic. Here’s what you can expect by horseback riding in Monument Valley in terms of romance.

Sunrise and Sunset Rides for Couples

There’s hardly anything more romantic than witnessing the first or last rays of the sun painting the sky with a palette of colors. In Monument Valley, you and your partner have the opportunity to take a horseback ride at either sunrise or sunset. We personally recommend the sunrise ride, as we experienced it, and found it exceptionally special.

Nature’s Connection

Immersing yourselves in the beauty of the Monument Valley landscape, and feeling the freedom of the open terrain, can help you deeply connect with nature and with each other. We’ve done several once-in a lifetime activities together such as taking a private tour to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or watching the Oahu sunsets . There’s always something special about leaving the city and reconnecting with nature.

Sharing such profound moments will help both of you reconnect and create a unique bond. It’s a shared experience in one of the most sacred and magnificent places on Earth.

A Cultural Journey Together

Horseback riding in Monument Valley is not just about the ride, but also about understanding and immersing in the rich cultural tapestry of Monument Valley. It’s a bit comparable to visiting Lower and Upper antelope Canyon , or even Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon . It’s not just about where you are but what it represents, the cultural journey and the power of nature. Together, you’ll embark on a journey, learning about another culture, which can be both enlightening and bonding.

Grounding and Bonding

After the ride, we found ourselves more grounded, with a renewed sense of appreciation for the world around us. We’re confident you and your partner will emerge from this experience feeling even more connected to each other, carrying forward a memory that will be cherished for years to come.

When we visited Monument Valley, we were on our way to Antelope Canyon from Bluff, but it’s also on your way from Moab to the Grand Canyon and Page Arizona, so we highly recommend to make it part of your itinerary if you’re in the area. The grounding and bonding experience is worth it!

Our experience horseback riding in Monument Valley

Our experience booking our horseback riding tour in monument valley.

When we decided to embark on this adventure, we made a spontaneous choice and booked on-site the night before our sunrise ride. While it worked out in our favor, we wouldn’t recommend this approach . Given Monument Valley’s popularity, it’s quite easy to face full bookings. From our experience, we suggest you plan ahead and book online in advance to secure your spot and avoid any disappointments.

Our shuttle experience on the day

On the day of our ride, we arrived bright and early for the sunrise. We didn’t know but the shuttle doesn’t start until later and we had to ride down to the Valley Drive. However, considering the previous day’s storms, driving our own car down the trails wasn’t feasible due to the mud.

After some back and forth, given the delay in the shuttle’s arrival and our booking specifically for the sunrise tour, we had to quickly find an alternate solution. Thankfully, our Navajo guide stepped in and offered to drive us down, after a bit of negotiation. It turned into an unexpected adventure, but we did wonder at one point if we were going to miss the sunrise which would have sucked considering we had paid for that.

For smoother experiences, we recommend booking this experience which has a clear meeting point and doesn’t require you to go down Valley Drive.

Our horseback riding in Monument Valley experience

After a bumpy ride down, we reached the ranch with the horses. The rustic ranch introduced us to our friendly Navajo guides, with Adel leading our tour. Suprisingly, there was a dry toilet there, though no door was attached to it but it was helpful (especially for Marie lol).

As luck would have it, the other couple that was supposed to join us was delayed, turning our group ride into a private experience. The next two hours were nothing short of magical. As soon as we hopped on the horses, we could feel it was the experience of a lifetime.

Riding through Monument Valley during sunrise, passing the iconic Buttes and the John Wayne trail, was an unparalleled experience. Adel, with his vast knowledge, guided us through secluded trails, sharing insights about local flora and their significance.

The serenity of the place gave a sense of peace and grounding within us. At certain stretches, Adel allowed us to gallop, which was some of my favorite parts of the ride. It allowed us to really feel immersed in the landscape, not just as tourists but as humans.

To this day, it is that feeling of freedom, riding in alchemy with my horse that I remember very clearly. Along the way, we paused to capture these memories with photographs.

Our horseback riding in Monument Valley remains one of our most cherished memories. The blend of nature’s beauty and the enriching cultural insights from our guide made it an experience of a lifetime.

We felt a deep connection with the environment and came away with our spirits lifted. From our adventure, we’d recommend the two-hour tour, as it allows you ample time to immerse yourself in the experience.

A one-hour tour, though delightful, might leave you yearning for more. If you and your partner are considering this, we wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. It’s genuinely a 10/10 experience.

Can you tour Monument Valley on your own?

Absolutely! You and your partner have the freedom to drive down to Monument Valley and explore its wonders by yourselves. It offers the flexibility to navigate the scenic trails and admire the majestic buttes, mesas, and panoramic views at your own pace. While a guide can provide insights and unique narratives, the beauty of the landscape is something you can appreciate independently.

Do you need a tour for Monument Valley?

While we value the depth that a guided tour can bring, it’s not strictly necessary. The landmarks and natural formations of Monument Valley are accessible, allowing couples like you to embark on a self-guided journey.

That said, if you do have the means both financial and timely to take a tour, we recommend it. And that, whether it’s a horseback riding tour or a car/walking tour.

Monument Valley on your own

Valley drive on your own.

Monument Valley offers the iconic 17-mile loop known as the Valley Drive, a scenic journey that takes you and your partner past its most celebrated sites and majestic buttes.

This dirt and gravel route, originating and culminating at the Monument Valley Visitor Centre, is perfectly manageable for self-driving. When we visited Monument Valley, we noticed even lower cars navigating the slightly bumpy terrain without difficulty; the key is to maintain a slower pace.

However, a word of caution: while a regular vehicle is often sufficient, after rainfall, the road can get muddy. In such conditions, a 4×4 might be necessary to avoid getting stuck. In extreme cases, if the path becomes too muddy, the loop drive may be closed off to all vehicles, including 4x4s.

It’s worth noting that while the Valley Drive is accessible for self-exploration, the backcountry areas of Monument Valley require a tour to visit. But if you and your partner are keen to understand more about the sites you’re observing without hiring a personal guide, we found a nifty solution.

We recommend this affordable self-guided tour available , which can be easily accessed on your phone, enhancing your journey with rich insights.

Self-guided hiking trails in Monument Valley

For couples seeking a hands-on exploration of Monument Valley, the Wildcat Trail offers the perfect opportunity. It stands as the sole self-guided trail in the area. This 3.2-mile loop gracefully winds around the iconic Mitten Buttes and Merrick Buttes.

It’s a serene way to intimately connect with the region’s natural wonders, offering uninterrupted moments to soak in its grandeur. If you and your partner are eager to tread a path that lets you dictate the pace and experience, we can’t recommend the Wildcat Trail enough.

Alternatively, take a tour

Express safari tour.

⭐️ RATING:  55/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hour | ✅ Book it!

If you and your partner have an appetite for the roads less traveled and sights not often seen, taking a tour is the way to travel through Monument Valley. You can venture out on the Lower Monument Valley tour. This tour is led by a knowledgeable Navajo guide and boasts a stellar 5-star rating.

Traveling in an open-air vehicle, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the iconic Mitten Buttes, the picturesque John Ford’s Point, mesmerizing Yeibichai, the striking Three Sisters Spires, and the majestic Elephant Butte. You also have the opportunity to visit a traditional hogan and be serenaded by a Navajo musical performance was genuinely heartwarming.

Keeping the experience intimate and personal, the tour ensures smaller groups. And for those concerned about the essentials, they’ve got you covered with bottled water to stay hydrated.

Starting at The View Hotel, the tour spans approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. This tour is more than just sightseeing; it’s about immersing oneself in the culture, history, and majesty of Monument Valley. It’s great for couples looking to create shared memories in this iconic landscape, especially if you’re not comfortable with horses.

Our guide Toney gave us a tour of the valley we will never forget. He told us about the geology and the local inhabitants, also the history. He knew all best places and advised on where we could get the best pictures. He sang an Indian hunting song whilst drumming. It was the best tour we have ever done. – Roger, USA Fantastic! We went with a local tour guide from this area. The car was pleasant, the driver was careful. First 3 stops were accessible for everyone and then we could go with the local guide in the restricted area. Every stop he explained us interesting things, and answered our questions. He showed us the best places and where to take the best photos! Below one of the arches he plaid a whistle. As we were laying and facing the opening from the arch! I would recommend this to everyone. – Gerrie, USA (Read more reviews here)

Valley drive Monument Valley map

See here, the map of the Valley Drive in Monument Valley:

Final thoughts: Horseback riding in Monument Valley

Horseback riding in Monument Valley offers a unique and intimate way to explore this iconic desert landscape. Guided by local Navajo experts, you and your partner can ride through the valley’s striking red sandstone buttes and vast mesas, experiencing the profound beauty and history that permeates this sacred land.

Horseback riding Navajo Nation Tribal Park experiences are even better early or later in the day. Sunrise and sunset horseback Monument Valley rides add an extra layer of magic (which we recommend), casting the terrain in a mesmerizing golden hue. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a beginner, the experience promises a deep connection with nature, a glimpse into Navajo culture, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Horseback riding in Monument Valley FAQs

Absolutely! Guided horseback tours are available, offering riders a unique way to explore the breathtaking terrain of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley itself isn’t known for wild horses. The horses you may encounter belong to the local Navajo community and are well-managed.

Any questions on horseback riding in Monument Valley ?  Drop them in the comments or  on insta   @twolostexplorers  and we will get back to you asap.

— SAVE THIS POST —

Did you like this post?  If you liked this post, don’t hesitate to share it by using the share buttons on the side.

Want to save this post?  You can pin the following images on pinterest to save this post.

Mary and Eric

We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.

We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.

With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Valley View Tours

Valley  view tours, yá'át'ééh,, welcome to our home, in monument valley., click here to enter site.

7 top tips for photographing Monument Valley

F or many, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is the American West. It’s been the backdrop to countless movies and the subject of some spectacular landscape photography over many decades, Monument Valley on the Arizona Utah border is a destination that requires some research if you are to get the most out of it. 

The classic view in Monument Valley is of three Navajo Sandstone buttes called West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. There are many other compositions to try your hand at, but the view of these three buttes – as captured while standing next to the visitor center, of course – is the image most photographers want to capture. The joy is to get that image on your own terms, both at sunrise and sunset, and possibly at night, too, without ignoring the rest of the richly photogenic area. 

1. Understand the region

Monument Valley is within the Navajo Nation, the largest land area held by a Native American tribe in the U.S. that covers parts of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. As you stand beside the visitors center in Monument Valley Tribal Park and look at the three buttes you’re looking east and southeast. The position of the rising sun will differ depending on when you go, but at sunrise, you’ll get the three buttes in silhouette, with all three lit up and looking orange in the late afternoon ‘golden hour’ before sunset. It costs $8 per person per day to enter Monument Valley Tribal Park, where official opening hours vary throughout the year. In practice, it sometimes opens at 7:00 a.m. despite that not being advertised. 

2. Find a room with a view

If you want to guarantee being in the right place for sunrise and sunset then stay in the park itself. The View is a hotel beside the visitors center on the edge of the valley with a great view of West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. Even if you get a room with a perfect view for photography, you are yards away from a ringside seat. The best place to stay, however, is a cluster of simple rentable cabins slightly away from the crowds at the top of the valley side that has a stupendous view. Just as good is a basic campground in the sand dunes at the top of the Wildcat Trail. All are managed by The View, a Najavo-owned business.

If you can't get a room/cabin/tent in Monument Valley Tribal Park itself then you'll have to stay outside the park, which generally means staying around four miles away back down Monument Valley Road. The most accessible place to stay is Goulding's Monument Valley, a historic trading post that is now a hotel on one site and, slightly further away, an RV and campsite at another site. Gas stations and grocery stores are available, as is a basic restaurant, though you’re not going to get a view of Monument Valley – and you’ll need to get up that bit earlier to drive into the park. You can book a range of tours at Goulding’s. 

3. Tackle the Loop Road yourself

Most visitors to Monument Valley appear just to take in the view from the visitor center, you can get far deeper into the park without getting out of your car. The Valley Drive is a 17-mile dirt road that is best tackled slowly – particularly the first steep descent – though a 4x4 will help. It’s pretty rough all the way around, though mostly flat, and there are soft sand sections. You can book a tour and see it all on the back of a safari-style truck. Most of those tours do take you down private roads not accessible to those who take their own car, but compared to driving yourself you’ll have a lot less time for photography. While the tourist trucks stop in every third viewpoint or so of the dozen pullouts between the buttes and mesas, if you have your own car you can spend as long as you like. It’s generally agreed that it takes two hours to The Valley Drive, but photographers should plan on four or five hours. It’s best done as early in the morning as possible before the crowds arrive.

4. Take the ‘secret’ photography hike

Although you can stay in the park itself and have to yourself after the gates have closed and before they open, there is a budget option very close by that’s just as good. Before you reach the gates of Monument Valley Tribal Park there’s a Navajo Nation Monument. Take a left-hand turn onto a dirt road and, after a few hundred yards, you’ll reach a couple of campsites called Hummingbird, which you can book on Airbnb. As well as being far cheaper places to stay, whether you're camping or in an RV or campervan, there is a trail that leads from here to the edge of the valley that has genuinely stunning views. It’s the ideal place for a sunset if you’ve just arrived in the region and don’t want to pay the park’s daily entrance fee. It also offers a slightly different view of the three buttes, but is no less dramatic. 

5. Bring the right gear

When tackling a subject as vast as the landscapes of the American West, it's best to come prepared. If you can only bring one lens, make it a zoom lens that covers an effective focal length range of around 25 to 105mm. However, a telephoto stretching to 300-400mm can also be for isolating specific rock formations such as the Three Sisters, and Totem Pole and Yei bi Chei. A wide-angle lens is not so critical unless you are interested in astrophotography, though since The Loop is closed at night you’ll need to stick to the rim of the valley for that (though unless you’re here in early spring and prepared to stay up very late the Milky Way is not ideally positioned). In general, the light pollution and frequent car headlights in the area make Monument Valley less than ideal for astrophotography. 

6. Venture down the WildCat Trail

Few tourists do it, but the chance to get a close-up of one of the famous buttes is not to be missed. A 3.2-mile trail from the valley rim at the visitors center, the Wildcat Trail loops around West Mitten Butte and back up to the rim. It takes a couple of hours and is best done in the late afternoon when the shadows lengthen, with half the walk in its shadow and plenty of opportunities for starburst photography and silhouettes of the mighty butte. You need to sign out at the beginning of the trail and sign in when you return, but be sure to be back at the rim for sunset – it’s the perfect place. Just bear in mind that Monument Valley is 5,550 feet above sea level, so the hike back to the rim is best taken slowly. 

7. Explore the area

Although Monument Valley Tribal Park is the place to head, there are plenty of other spectacular views to be had in the general area. The most famous is a few miles northeast of Monument Valley on Highway 163 at what’s informally known as Forrest Gump Point. It’s actually three separate small parking areas, one of them unnamed and one called Monument Valley Overlook. For all three it’s possible to get an image of the highway snaking into the distance to Monument Valley. It’s an image that's on postcards literally millions of times and not surprisingly the highway is almost permanently covered in tourists trying to snap selfies. If you are a photographer you'll want to avoid all that, which you can do by going to the overlook closest to Monument Valley, which tends to be quieter. Other iconic red rock landscapes in the general area include Mexican hat about 25 miles further along Highway 163 and, about 10 miles further on than that, the fabulous 17-mile loop road called Valley of the Gods – though you’ll need a 4x4 to be safe. 

Check out guide to other great locations for photographers: the best places for photography around the world

Chuckwalla National Monument would protect swath of California desert and preserve a sacred land

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Thomas Tortez Jr. leads a group across a gravelly wash in Painted Canyon, at the spot where his Cahuilla tribal ancestors once lived in a village.

The solar eclipse is underway. Suddenly, a strange yelp echoes from a ridge of craggy outcroppings.

Perhaps the yelp comes from a hiker who’s been struck with awe while climbing ladders into terraced slot canyons that seem to funnel echoes to the heavens.

Maybe it’s a coyote crying out as the moon passes partway in front of the sun, briefly cooling the dry desert wind and bathing bands of red, sandstone and iron green rocks in an otherworldly light.

Or might it be Mukat, the exiled Cahuilla creator god who roamed among the ironwoods, smoke trees, palo verdes and ghost flowers?

Tortez, tribal council chairman of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, spikes the sand with the desiccated yucca stalk that he’s repurposed as a walking stick. He seems at ease with the mystery of the sound and the mystique of this section of the Mecca Hills Wilderness.

Aggressive and impactful reporting on climate change, the environment, health and science.

His people have cherished and watched over this canyon in the eastern Coachella Valley for thousands of years. Now they are among the Indigenous Californians, conservationists and other nature lovers who want President Biden to designate 627,855 acres of desert where the canyon sits as the Chuckwalla National Monument.

Rep. Raul Ruiz, a Democrat who represents the desert communities in eastern Riverside and Imperial counties that border the proposed land mass, joined with California Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler in introducing legislation to support the creation of the monument and to expand Joshua Tree National Park by 17,915 acres.

Chuckwalla sits at the heart of a burgeoning ecological and economic zone — a short drive from the city of Indio and the date farms of Mecca, and near the vast mineral flats and off-grid settlements of the Salton Sea and the towering Santa Rosa Mountains. It would become the fifth-largest land-based national monument in the continental U.S.

In announcing the legislation on the steps of the U.S. Capitol this month, Padilla said he was especially gratified that a coalition came together to craft the monument proposal — Indigenous leaders, community members, environmental groups, recreationists, renewable energy companies and local businesses.

Speaking later by phone, Ruiz touted the monument as important for helping California meet its conservation and climate change goals without encroaching on public lands already designated for other uses, such as green energy projects. Ruiz says his congressional district produces the most renewable energy on federal land in the U.S.

Evidence of these intersecting interests is clear in Chuckwalla, where power lines channeling electricity from solar farms farther east cut across the land.

Ruiz says the design of the monument proposal is distinct in that it gives Indigenous tribes the power to co-manage Chuckwalla alongside the federal Bureau of Land Management.

“In Congress, I really have seen a movement toward incorporating tribal, Indigenous knowledge in land stewardship,” Ruiz says.

Their stolen land in Orange County was given back. Now they’re ready to heal

Orange County returned 6 acres of land to the Acjachemen and Tongva people. Tribal leaders say it’s a small step in a movement to protect their heritage.

Dec. 10, 2023

Co-existence doesn’t come without tension. In another section of desert south of the Salton Sea, construction has started on a $1.85-billion lithium mine and geothermal power plant, prompting some pushback from residents there who argue that developers haven’t adequately weighed the impacts on the environment and public health.

Tortez says pushing for Chuckwalla’s monument designation is hugely important to tribes, given that so many are vying for a stake in the region’s future.

Members of the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan and Serrano nations who call the California desert home worked together to call for Biden to establish the monument using the authority granted to presidents under the Antiquities Act of 1906, which was enacted to safeguard threatened cultures as well as precious lands. The Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe wants Biden to use the same authority to establish 390,000 acres of their ancestral land in Imperial County as the Kw’tsán National Monument .

Tortez says the Antiquities Act was written for places like these.

He notes how bands of rock swirl and stack on top of each other and jut skyward at gravity-defying angles. It’s all the result of millions of years of sediment flows, soil erosion and the endless clash of the San Andreas Fault’s two plates.

“It’s like a timepiece — chapters in history,” he says of the open-faced geology of this canyon.

This place holds the ancestral memory of tribal members too.

Our oceans. Our public lands. Our future.

Get Boiling Point, our new newsletter exploring climate change and the environment, and become part of the conversation — and the solution.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

The landscape may look desolate and unforgiving to an outsider — a setting where Chuckwalla lizards, cactus wrens and western tanagers thrive — but for the Cahuilla it is a paradise.

According to the Cahuilla creation story, Tortez says, the people of this desert were born from a bolt of lightning that lit up the sky and flooded the empty land with life.

“Even the darkness is alive,” he says. “There’s a spirit there.”

Tortez says that his Cahuilla elders on the Torres Martinez reservation, which is a short drive down the hill, acclimated themselves to the arid conditions and 100-degree-plus summer temperatures. They would trek great distances between hidden streams and through slots as narrow as alleyways in order to build up their resistance to extreme thirst.

“You would think of it as odd now, but they would practice not drinking water,” says Tortez, 62. “My mom was born on the reservation — there were no hospitals back then. She remembers running around in the desert barefoot on dirt roads. Imagine doing that now.”

Climate & Environment

Black farmer looks to ancestors to help Californians battle climate change

Inspired by Octavia Butler’s Afrofuturist fiction, a Sonoma County farmer helps Black Californians connect with nature and learn lessons in climate resilience.

Nov. 16, 2023

The Cahuilla learned to live in harmony with all aspects of the ecosystem. They gathered plants and seeds for food and medicine, cut grass to weave baskets and built steps leading to wells to retrieve groundwater. They cremated their dead on wood funeral pyres for three days, to purify the bodies of the deceased and transition their souls back into the Earth.

The Cahuilla also charted trade corridors reaching from the Colorado River to the shores of the Pacific, where coastal tribes traded shell jewelry for obsidian tools and animal skins from the interior.

The ancient trails still exist, Tortez says. Southern Californians know them as State Route 74, which runs west from Palm Desert to the ocean, and Interstate 10, which skirts Chuckwalla’s northern edge.

Tortez’s ancestors didn’t need paved roads or signs. As a young man, he was amazed to learn from older relatives of how ancestors could travel from one hill to the next, through disorienting expanses of sand and rock, yet never lose their bearings.

“If you can imagine, they can remember when their grandparents were able to run up to the mountains with a message and come back down with another message, like it was nothing, like going to Wal-Mart,” Tortez says with a chuckle.

As Tortez contemplates Chuckwalla’s richness, another member of the hiking group, Stephanie Dashiell, an environmental consultant who is manager of the national monument campaign, spots a thorny ocotillo growing high on a cliff.

The canyon is even more awash in colors than usual because of the frequent winter rains : blueish lupines, indigo bushes, pinkish-purple sand verbena, golden desert poppies, powdery desert lavender, mallow blossoms in creamy orange, lemon-yellow brittlebush.

Dashiell, 43, steps in close to enjoy a creosote bush’s telltale aroma of black tar and sand after a storm. With seeds that look like tiny cotton balls, the plant can produce clones of itself for hundreds or even thousands of years.

The flora seen in Chuckwalla are true survivors.

“The plants here have so much grit,” Dashiell says. “There’s not that much left in the Coachella Valley that’s natural like this, where you just have the native species and it hasn’t been transformed into agriculture or golf courses. The desert is really important.”

Even the desert soil has properties which could prove beneficial as the state plans to transform millions of acres into landscapes that absorb more carbon than they release, as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s goal to make California carbon-neutral by 2045.

“Plants themselves sequester carbon but in the desert soils there’s this caliche layer,” Dashiell says. “It’s this compact, hard, almost cementlike layer. A lot of carbon is stored in that.”

California wants to harness more than half its land to combat climate change by 2045. Here’s how

State officials unveiled 81 targets to transform millions of acres in the Golden State into landscapes that can absorb more carbon than they release by 2045.

April 22, 2024

Joining the hike are local residents Camila Bautista of Audubon California, which has championed the monument designation, and Brenda Ortiz, a youth ambassador for the Chuckwalla campaign.

Ortiz, 21, has lived in the Eastern Coachella Valley her whole life.

She says the monument designation is important for other reasons. The valley is exploding not just with industry but with walled-off housing subdivisions, as well as a race track and other attractions.

It can be hard for locals in California’s desert, many of whom are Latinos working low-wage farm jobs, to feel as if the change they see around them takes their priorities into account, Ortiz says.

“We’re always asking for more affordable housing, for more resources for low-income communities, and yet we’re met with these developments that are only meant for a few exclusive members from outside,” Ortiz says. “Some are only a few miles away from trailer home parks.”

A desire to make public lands more accessible to people of color and economically distressed communities drives an effort closer to Los Angeles, where a different coalition wants Biden to expand the San Gabriel National Monument by adding 109,000 acres of wilderness adjacent to the city.

Ortiz says Chuckwalla would be a place where those who don’t normally picture themselves in the outdoors can relax, get exercise and simply be at one with nature.

“I just feel like it’s a project that’s really for everybody,” she says.

Tortez nods. The Indigenous people of the desert have maintained bonds with each other despite forced displacement and the fact that their reservations are carved up to resemble squares on a checkerboard, interspersed with parcels that are not under tribal control.

Chuckwalla will help strengthen their sense of common cause, he says.

Tortez is proud to show a first-time visitor a side of this landscape that some outsiders might miss. He thinks again about his people’s creation story and the plight of Mukat.

Given his awesome yet unpredictable powers, many Cahuilla felt it wasn’t safe for him to live among mere mortals, Tortez says. So Mukat went to live out his days here.

Villagers communicated with Mukat by sending coyotes into the hills to bring back his messages of wisdom and warning.

Once he died and was cremated, it was said that his ashes gave rise to the same medicinal and culinary plants that Dashiell spots during the tour.

“His remains are within this area,” Tortez says. “Everything here spurred from the remains of that creator.”

Tortez stops to gaze at a cliff face that is so red it resembles dried blood and so hulking that humans look tiny by comparison.

The Cahuilla believe that red rocks are evidence of the shaman’s eternal sorrow.

“It’s a sign of his heart bleeding,” Tortez says.

As Tortez speaks, a strong, cold gust suddenly blows down through the canyon, drowning out his voice but filling him with delight.

“He heard!” Tortez yells over the force of the wind. “He can’t be seen, but he’s speaking now.”

This epic slice of Arizona feeds their souls but lacks a basic necessity: Water

More than a third of the Navajo Nation lacks running water. As the tribe nears a pact with Arizona over water rights, a California nonprofit looks to help.

April 7, 2024

More to Read

Native tribes are getting a slice of their land back — under the condition that they preserve it

Jan. 3, 2024

Editorial: Biden should protect more of California’s mountains and deserts as national monuments

Dec. 24, 2023

Opinion: Will the tug-of-war over Utah’s canyon country ever end?

Tyrone Beason is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times who writes about America through the lenses of race and culture. He previously covered the 2020 presidential election. Before joining the paper in 2019, the Kentucky native spent nearly 25 years at the Seattle Times covering the Pacific Northwest. Follow him on Instagram @tyrone_california and Twitter @tyrone_beason.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Many O.C. residents skeptical of election results, potentially swaying key races, poll finds

Housing & Homelessness

Law that ended single-family zoning is struck down for five Southern California cities

Saying the stakes could not be higher, Newsom to speak at Vatican climate summit

Column: We’re wiping out the Southern California steelhead trout. Time to fix that