monument valley tours from phoenix

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• Utah Itineraries

Phoenix to Monument Valley: Exploring Utah's Historic Sites

6 Days   •   1191 Miles

Uncover the history of Utah's canyon country and desert southwest.

Southeastern Utah is unique in that much of it seems as raw, natural and unspoiled as it did hundreds of years ago. You can share the same reverence for these places as the first pre-historic inhabitants and the modern-day  Native Nations  as you embark on this six-day road trip to the Monument Valley region.

Heading north, you can live like the pioneers who settled at Bluff Fort . Or imagine what life was like farming in desert country at the well-preserved Gifford Homestead . Explore an ancient Ancestral Pueblo village or take a Jeep tour through the majestic Navajo lands of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park . Then, explore the ruins of an ancient Fremont Indian village rich with pictographs, petroglyphs and well-preserved artifacts. On the final leg of your journey, follow the route of pioneer explorers as you drive Hole-in-the-Rock Road . Afterwards, discover the wildlife that have long inhabited the Paunsaugunt Plateau, then see them for yourself as you explore Bryce Canyon National Park . This road trip is all about celebrating Utah's open spaces as they are, and as they have been for years.

Start:  Drive roughly five hours northeast from Phoenix to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

End : Kanab, a charming city in Southwestern Utah.

Hours of   Driving:  18+ hours, including the commute to and from Phoenix.

Places to Stay & Local Guides:  Monument Valley is only the first stop of many. This road trip will lead you through many of Utah’s best historic sites. While you may want to spend a few nights camping under the stars, there are many nearby towns with wonderful lodging options, including Bluff, Monticello, Boulder, Escalante, Torrey and Bryce Canyon City. Also, be sure to make advance reservations with local tour guides in order to make the most of your road trip.

Phoenix to Monument Valley

• Hiking the Wildcat Trail
• Newspaper Rock
• Four Corners Area

Day one starts at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an iconic symbol of the American West and the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation. You’ll start with a hike along the Wildcat Trail to see some of the most famous rock buttes in the park. From there, take a drive up to Newspaper Rock in the Indian Creek Unit of Bears Ears National Monument to see one of the most impressive petroglyph sites in the West. Bears Ears is certainly deserving of  a trip all its own , so feel free to add a day or two to your road trip to explore it further. Otherwise, continue onwards to experience the deep cultural history of the Four Corners Area. 

Overnight in  Bluff ,  Mexican Hat  or  Monticello , or at  Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley

Monument Valley to Bluff

• Sand Island Petroglyphs
• The Story of Monument Valley
• Bluff Fort Historic Site

Day two starts with a guided Jeep tour through Monument Valley to cover more ground and see some of the area’s most popular historic sites. From there, it’s on to the quaint and charming town of Bluff. Here you’ll see the unruly route that Mormon pioneers traveled across at the Bluff Fort Historic Site. Don’t miss the petroglyphs and a chance to see the San Juan River at Sand Island.

Monument Valley to Boulder

• Fruita and U-Pick Orchards
• Gifford Homestead
• Anasazi State Park Museum

After a few days exploring Monument Valley, it’s time to head northwest to  Capitol Reef National Park . Here, stark monoliths of red rock stand watch over twisting canyons. As you gaze upon  Capitol Reef’s petroglyphs , consider how the early indigenous people and 19th century pioneers navigated this land. Nearby, the lush orchards and Gifford Homestead are both surviving testaments to the hardy settlers of the scenic valley. After some time rejuvenating in the orchards, head onwards to Anasazi State Park Museum in Boulder to further discover the region’s ancient lifestyle.

Overnight in  Torrey  or  Boulder

Boulder to Escalante

• Hole-in-the-Rock Road
• Lower Calf Creek Falls
• Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon

Now it’s time to continue Scenic Byway 12  to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument . The first stop is a hike to a literal desert oasis — Lower or Upper Calf Creek Falls. It’s no wonder ancient people traveled through and left their mark on the canyon walls. Afterwards, reward yourself with a drink and a treat from  Kiva Koffeehouse , a soulful favorite with magnificent canyon views. Next, having already seen Bluff, you’ll traverse some of the dramatic terrain that kept the early pioneer expedition in check. Stop at fascinating sites like  Devils Garden  and Peek-a-Boo Canyon or, with a high-clearance vehicle and the right conditions, drive the full 62 miles to where the road descends to present-day Lake Powell.

Overnight in  Escalante  or  Boulder

Escalante to Bryce Canyon

• Bryce Canyon National Park

A short drive from Escalante, day five of your road trip explores the  Bryce Canyon region . First stop is the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum , where you’ll find a snapshot of the Paunsaugunt Plateau region’s fauna. Then, a morning in Bryce Canyon National Park can bridge the gap between museum exhibits and your own wildlife viewing memories. After a day rambling through Bryce Canyon it’s onto the charming town of Kanab. As the day comes to an end, drive south on Utah’s Heritage Highway, U.S. 89, to enjoy an evening meal in Kanab .

Overnight in  Kanab

Kanab to Phoenix

• Best Friends Sanctuary
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes
• Welcome to Little Hollywood

Before heading back to Phoenix, take some time to enjoy a Kanab activity of your choice (Read: " 15 Must-do Adventures in Kanab "). Volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as a way to give back and enjoy the uplift that comes from getting to know rescued cats, dogs, horses and birds. Or try sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. You might even enjoy a stop by the Little Hollywood Museum to learn more about the area’s cinematic past.

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Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

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.

Monument Valley Tour - One Day Adventure

Phoenix/sedona - surrounding areas.

ATTENTION: Our n ew Charter Flight Home option (more details below) is only available for tours departing the Phoenix area .

TOUR OVERVIEW – You’ll leave the Phoenix area at 7AM (Sedona area at 9AM) .  It’s approximately 5 hours to Monument Valley from Phoenix (3 hours from Sedona).  The view is never boring.  

Passing through Flagstaff, Arizona’s third largest city, we enter the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.  The landscape dramatically changes.  The Navajo Nation is home to the Painted Desert, and you’ll be driving right through the middle on your way to Monument Valley.  Yet another HUGE bonus to driving.

NEW: Chart Flight Home Option

While we do a great job of keeping you comfortable for the return trip, it’s still another 5 hours in the vehicle (3 hours to Sedona).

Two Options:   ATTENTION, Only available  for Phoenix area departures.

Once you’ve completed your incredible journey through Monument Valley, your Guide will take you to a small local airport, where you’ll board your private charter flight back to Phoenix.  Once you arrive, we’ll have a vehicle waiting to take you to your home/resort (included).

Option #1:   Private charter flight home, without a flyover of the Grand Canyon (flight time about 1 hour 30 minutes).  A bit less money, and of course the quickest option.

Option #2:   A 30 minute flyover of the Grand Canyon on your way back to Phoenix (flight time about 2 hours 15 minutes).  Your pilot will give everyone a narrated tour, and the views will take your breath away.

How do I add the Private Charter Flight Option?

Pick your vehicle and during the reservation process you’ll have the option to add the Private Charter Flight.  Once we see your reservation, we’ll book your return flight.  NOTE: There are rare occasions when a charter flight home is not available.  If this is a case, we will contact you ASAP and advise you of the situation.  ALSO: Weather can influence your flight.  If an unexpected storm makes flying unsafe, your guide will return you by vehicle.  We DO NOT charge for the flight until after we’ve confirmed a flight.

Yes, very remote…

Believe it or not, Phoenix is the nearest large city to Monument Valley, followed by Albuquerque, NM.  Below are the drive times (oneway) from each:

• Phoenix: 5 hours
• Albuquerque: 5 hours, 10 minutes
• Las Vegas: 6 hours, 18 minutes
• Salt Lake City: 9 hours, 45 minutes

VERY FEW are willing to make the journey, it’s simply too far…  One of the reasons we feel it’s so special.  

If you decide to go for it!  make the LEAP!

• You’ll lay eye’s on landscape you won’t find anywhere else on the Planet.
• Monument Valley has a way of putting life into perspective.
• While long, the drive is full of incredible visual surprises, only seen from the ground (hint; Painted Desert).
• It’s not something you’ll ever forget.  A lifelong memory.

Mercedes/Airstream Interstate Lounge (Seats 8)

Our Mercedes/Airstream Interstate Lounge is our EXCLUSIVE rolling resort.  Seating up to 8 Guests, you’re leaving nothing behind.

• A professional/experienced Guide , who LOVES Arizona, and can’t wait to make your day extra special. 
• Our NEW – EXCLUSIVE TOUR OPTION – BOOKING OUT QUICKLY.
• 100% Private.
• Bathroom, Microwave, Kitchenette.
• What you’d expect traveling 1st Class.
• Wide comfortable soft leather seats.
• Room to stretch your legs.
• Rear entertainment system.
• Bottled water included.
• Doesn’t include Monument Valley entry tickets ($6 per-person).
• Doesn’t include lunch.
• email Todd direct at  [email protected]

Mercedes Deluxe Sprinter Van (Seats 14)

Our Mercedes Sprinter is a 1st Class Executive Van.

• email Todd direct at [email protected]

Luxury "Explorer" Van (Seats 8)

Wide, Comfortable Seats

Luxury SUV (Seats 6)

• email Todd direct at   [email protected]

Luxury Sedan (Seats 3)

Legroom Galore

Mobility Scooter - $100

Available when making your reservation as an add-on.

Many of our Guests have physical challenges, which can limit their ability to take advantage of everything the Grand Canyon has to offer.  This simply wasn’t acceptable, so we set to work on a solution!  The mobility scooter to the rescue!

We want ALL of our Guests to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure .  Going on walks with the more mobily family members is an important part of the adventure.  No one should be left behind.

KEEP IN MIND:   The scooter has a max weight limit of 275 pounds.  It’s fantastic for PAVED trails at the Grand Canyon. The most popular trail, the Rim Trail, is perfect for the scooter.  HOWEVER; it will not work at Antelope Canyon , or Horseshoe Bend .

Meteor Crater is located 40 miles East of Flagstaff, Arizona and is the World’s best preserved impact crater.

How does adding Meteor Crater affect your Grand Canyon Tour?  

Meteor Crater is BY FAR the largest detour of all the stops.  It adds about 1.5 hours of driving and takes about 1 hour to explore.

If you’d like to see Meteor Crater, we suggest making it your ONLY stop.  This is still give you about 2 hours at the Grand Canyon.  Plenty of time to see the best-of-the-best overlooks.

Is 2 hours enough time to see everything we want to see at the Grand Canyon?

As far as the overlooks, absolutely. 

NOTE: If you’re planning on doing a hike/walk, you may not be able to see the most remote overlooks in the Park.  Most of our Guests are perfectly fine with this adjustment, since their hike/walk follows the rim of the Grand Canyon.

What you’ll see – Approx. 50,000 years ago a 150 foot iron/nickel meteor blasted a hole in the ground.  At over 2.5 miles wide and 550 feet deep, standing next to it you can’t help but marvel at its size.

Our “Deluxe Package”.

We’ve combined our award winning ground tour “Premium Package” with a private charter flight over the Grand Canyon on the way back to the Phoenix Area.  You won’t find it anywhere else.  We’ve created a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Ground Tour of the Grand Canyon
• Private charter flight over the Grand Canyon and a flight back to Phoenix.

TRIP HOME:   Once finished with your ground tour, your Guide will take you to the Grand Canyon airport, where you’ll board your PRIVATE CHARTER .  After liftoff, your pilot will spend 30 minutes flying over the Grand Canyon before turning South for Home. 

Your flight is about 1:45 minutes, including your 30 minute flight tour.  If you drove?  About 4 hours with stops.

Once arriving at the airport, your private transportation will be waiting to take you to your resort.

UPGRADE YOUR TOUR BELOW

• SEDAN – “Deluxe Package” Upgrade
• SUV – “Deluxe Package” Upgrade
• TRANSIT VAN – “Deluxe Package” Upgrade
• MERCEDES S600 MAYBACH – “Deluxe Package” Upgrade
• AIRSTREAM RV – “Deluxe Package” Upgrade
• MERCEDES SPRINTER – “Deluxe Package” Upgrade

Will appear as option @ checkout

O ur Advantage  – We tailor your helicopter tour around your ground tour,  MAXIMIZING  your experience.

Our Approach  – Todd setout to perfectly blend the ground tour with the helicopter adventure, making BOTH BETTER.  

We’ve discovered that by seeing the remote overlooks FIRST (East end of the National Park), it elevates your helicopter flight to yet another level.  Now when your Pilot points out a landmark below, we’ve already seen it from the ground.

We actually modify your ground tour to heighten your helicopter tour experience.  Rather than go into the Park through the busy South entrance, we’ll swing around the East entrance.  Starting at the East entrance allows us to start with the remote overlooks, ending at the Grand Canyon airport.

The Other Guys  – The odds are someone in your mixed group isn’t doing the helicopter tour, tossing a wrench in everyone’s day.  You’ll be dropped off at the airport, while the rest go into the park.  Both groups end up waiting, wasting valuable time.

The National Park Service has announced that the Grand Canyon National Park has officially received its International Dark Sky Park certification. 

Our Approach  – We adjust our pick-up time, so you leave later.   

SUMMER : From the Phoenix area, Approx. 1PM pick-up (rather than 7AM), 12:30AM return.  Sedona area, 3PM (rather than 9AM), 11:30PM return.  

WINTER :  From the Phoenix area, Approx. 11AM pick-up (rather than 7AM), 10:30PM return.  Sedona area, 1PM (rather than 9AM), 11:30PM return.  

While there are several places to take in the dark, glowing sky, we focus on the more remote overlooks.  Typically, they’re less crowded.

While the entire Park is “Dark Sky” certified, we’ve found that the further away from the historic village, the better.  Many of the remote overlooks don’t have a light bulb within 20 miles.  However, it’s incredible the intense glow that can emanate from a cell phone… 

The remote overlooks offer seclusion, which is perfect for stargazing.

The Other Guys  – Simply, most tour companies don’t offer a tour after dark.  Also, the mixed group tours depend on “seat volume”.  Simply, filling seats.  While AMAZING, most visitors want to go during the day.

Of course your family/group isn’t restrained by these limitations.

Phoenix to Monument Valley: A Guide to the Iconic Desert Scenery

It’s a bit of a drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley, but worth it to explore some of the most iconic desert scenery in the United States.

The sandstone buttes have been commercialized and used as movie set backdrops, but a visit here will give you a greater appreciation for the land, which is managed by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department.

Key Info: Phoenix to Monument Valley

• It’s a 5-hour drive.
• Consider an overnight in Kayenta or Medicine Hat.
• Arriving before the gates open at 8:00am is key!

Where to Stay Near Monument Valley

It’s not a day trip from Phoenix to Monument Valley, so you’ll have to spend the night somewhere.

You can stay in one of a variety of hotels in the nearby town of Kayenta, or right at the big lodge in the Tribal Park.

Another option would be to travel farther north to Medicine Hat, UT.

Maybe combine it with a trip to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, which is about three hours north?

You can use this interactive map to see prices and availability for your dates:

The Best Tours of Monument Valley

While you can drive the loop through the park on your own, there are a variety of tour options at Monument Valley.

Hiring a Navajo guide will get you into parts of the Tribal Park that are inaccessible to the general public.

➡️ CLICK for Tour: With a Navajo Guide

➡️ CLICK for Tour: 4×4 Tour

Horseback Riding Tours at Monument Valley

Horseback tours are very popular at Monument Valley.

➡️ CLICK for Horseback Tour

At the visitor center, the guides will assign you a horse based on your experience, weight, and height.

Over about two hours, the horseback tour will go to the Mitten Buttes and Merick Butte, followed by Sentinel Mesa.

How to Get from Phoenix to Monument Valley

It’s a drive!

In fact, the five-hour drive from Phoenix is what kept me from traveling to Monument Valley for years. It was always just “a little too far” for a drive.

Monument Valley spans the Arizona-Utah border.

The nearest town is Kayenta, which can be used as a base for exploring the region.

What to Expect at Monument Valley

In spots, the sandstone buttes rise from the desert along the border of Arizona and Utah, some of which are 1,000 feet tall.

Right from the visitors’ center, you’ll recognize two of the most famous sites: Mittens Butte and Merrick Butte.

Monument Valley Entry Fee Cost

The fee is $20 per car, and you may have to pay an extra $6 or $8 per person in the car, though we just paid the flat $20.

💡 PRO TIP : Get there early, before the official opening!

The park gates officially open at 8:00am, but the toll booths where they sell tickets open earlier. I’d suggest arriving by 7:30 (or earlier) to line up at the park’s entrance.

At 8:00am, the line of cars inches forward, as a staff member checks each in for the day. It can be a slow process!

The Rules at Monument Valley

The land is considered sacred by the Navajo Nation, and strict rules govern everything from drones to hiking off the roads and trails.

You can take a guided tour, or drive through on your own. You’ll need a guide to go to certain parts of Monument Valley, like Secret Valley and Hunts Mesa.

Drones are not allowed in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Navajo Culture

You’ll learn about the Navajo Nation at the Tribal Park. As you enter, you’ll drive by traditional dwellings, called “hogans.”

Hogans are typically built with logs or poles, which are then covered with a layer of mud. The roof is usually conical or dome-shaped, with a central opening known as the smoke hole, which allows smoke from the central fireplace to escape.

How to Get to Forrest Gump Point

Get up before dawn, and make your way to “ Forrest Gump Point, ” which you can find in Google Maps. It’s between the Arizona-Utah line and Mexican Hat, UT. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll recognize the role this site plays in Forrest’s run across the country.

You’ll catch a beautiful sunrise, over the familiar scene of the long highway leading up to the buttes. It’s US Highway 163, and it’s open 24/7. There are places to pull off to the side to take photos. The speed limit is reduced to 35mph because so many people show up to take pictures walking down the road.

We saw only one other person along the stretch up before dawn to get the best light.

From here, make your way to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which is about 20 minutes south.

Monument Valley in the Movies

The Tribal Park features the vistas made famous in old Western movies. One of the trails is even named after John Wayne.

The John Ford Viewpoint is perhaps the most recognizable. It includes a parking area, a small cafe, a few vendors, and a number of photo ops.

It’s named after the movie director, John Ford, who used Monument Valley in his films from the late 1930s into the 1950s.

Truth be told, I think the best photos here would be at sunset, rather than sunrise… but I’ll have to explore that on my next trip!

How Much Time to Spend at Monument Valley

The 17-mile park loop, depending on how long you stop to take photos at different sites, will take about two hours to drive through.

Hiking off the road is prohibited completely. The visit to this area really just involves driving to different sites to park and take photos.

Best Time to Visit Monument Valley from Phoenix

As always, it’s best to hit Monument Valley in an “off-season.” We went on President’s Day in February of 2022, and the crowds were minimal.

It’ll snow in the winter, and can hit triple digits in the summer.

I’d suggest getting there *before the park opens, to get your car in line at the entry. I’ve had other friends go at all times of the day, and they say it’s been fine … but I do my best to avoid crowds.

The timing works well if you start at the Forrest Gump Viewpoint on the highway before sunrise. From there, it’s a beautiful 20-minute drive to the Tribal Park entry.

FAQs About a Trip from Phoenix to Monument Valley

Let’s go over a few more frequently-asked-questions about a visit to Monument Valley from Phoenix. Some of these were already answered above.

Can you do a day trip from Phoenix to Monument Valley?

Not really. If you don’t mind 10-hours driving time and just a quick tour through the park I suppose it would work. Really, you should spend the night somewhere and make it a two-day trip.

How Many miles is it from Phoenix to Monument Valley?

It’s about 320 miles from Phoenix to the Tribal Park.

What’s the cost to enter Monument Valley?

It’s $20 per car to enter the Tribal Park.

Can you visit Monument Valley in the winter?

Yes, the Monument Valley Tribal Park is open all year.

Is Monument Valley too hot in the summer?

While the heat can reach into the triple digits, Monument Valley is still open all summer. There’s not a lot of shade cover, so you’ll rely on your car’s AC!

What Else is Near Monument Valley?

If you have more time on a trip from Phoenix to Monument Valley, check out these other sites in Northern Arizona. The Page, AZ, area is full of amazing sites to see!

➡️ Things to Do in Page, AZ

➡️ Hiking Around Page, AZ

➡️ Day Trips from Page, AZ

➡️ White Pocket

➡️ Horseshoe Bend

➡️ The Wave

➡️ Alternatives to the Wave

📍 Antelope Canyon (Also in Page, AZ)

➡️ Antelope Canyon X

➡️ Cardiac Canyon

➡️ Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon

➡️ Antelope Canyon in Winter

➡️ Airports Near Antelope Canyon

📍 Elsewhere in AZ

➡️ Snow in Arizona

➡️ Edge of the World

➡️ Camelback Mountain

➡️ Picacho Peak

➡️ Devil’s Bridge, Sedona

Is it Worth the Drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley?

Monument Valley is a unique spot, which holds significant cultural importance for the Navajo Nation. In addition to taking in the breathtaking vistas, you’ll walk away with a greater understanding of the culture and history of the Navajo people.

SandStone Tours

Monument Valley's Top-Ranking 4×4 Vehicle Tour Company!

Monument Valley Tours – Sandstone Tours – 4×4 Vehicle Tours

Monument Valley Guided 4×4 Vehicle Tours!

Yá’át’ééh , “welcome in our navajo language”, explore a renowned part of the wild west.

Sandstone Tours is a certified guided vehicle tour company. Our Navajo guides will take you on an amazing journey through Monument Valley, we stop at numerous points of interest near; spires, mesas, and monolithic sandstone cliffs in an open truck with unhindered views. Get off the vehicle and walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the breathtaking views of one of the Southwest’s most striking landscapes.

⏰ Daylight Savings Time ⏰

November 5, 2023. Daylight savings time has ended in our region, we are the same time as; Flagstaff, Page, Grand Canyon, and Phoenix, Arizona, Moab, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Denver, Colorado.

Our Vehicle tours operate daily .

Sandstone Tours is open seven days a week all-year-around. The “Standard Tour” departs six times daily from the park’s visitor center, the “Complete Tour” departs four times daily, and the “Sunrise or Sunset Tours” leave morning and evening. For more information on prices, duration, and schedules, visit our “Rates & Bookings” page. Reach out to us to arrange a private tour if your schedule conflicts with our departure window.

The Navajo Nation and COVID-19.

Masks are optional, you may see several people still wearing masks. As a precaution, some of our employees may prefer to wear a mask during the tour.

Masks are still required in and around some hospitals and schools on the Navajo Nation.

Our Address and Location:

Sandstone Tours Inc.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Oljato-Monument Valley, UT 84536

Do you have questions?   Let us know!

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (928) 209-6561

On-site Tour Coordinator: (505) 716-7300

© Sandstone Tours Inc. 2023

Road Trip from Phoenix to Monument Valley

If you are hungry for excitement and adventure look no further than this incredibly scenic journey between Phoenix and Monument Valley. You will be spoilt for choice on places to hike, bike, explore and enjoy when you make this memorable trip along Grand Canyon or Petrified Forest National Park routes.

Travel 400 scenic miles from Phoenix to Monument in about 7 hours, and enjoy Cordes Lakes, Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff, Tuba City, Grand Canyon and the forests of Tonto, Sitgreaves, Pinetop-Lakeside plus Petrified Forest National Park.

Some of Americas most beautiful landscapes and renowned sights are found along this road trip, where you can spend time appreciating what the incredible natural landscape has to offer. Make sure to read on to see all the great places to stop, what to do, and where to stay en route.

How far is Monument Valley from Phoenix, and how long will the road trip take?

Travel the Grand Canyon Route taking you from Phoenix to Monument Valley, and this relatively short trip covering 398 miles will take around 7 hours.

If you decide to take the alternative Petrified Forest National Park Route, then you cover 552 miles, and it takes around 9 hours to complete with no detours.

These fairly short journeys could be travelled in a day, however we suggest spending 2-3 days to be able to make the most of the beautiful stops on the way, particularly the world-class Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest stop-offs.

Best road trip route from Phoenix to Monument Valley

This beautiful journey begins in Phoenix, passing through incredible forests, lakes and trails, historical sites, and world-renowned natural phenomena, before reaching the striking sandstone landscape of Monument Valley.

Head along the Grand Canyon Route for a scenic and exhilarating journey, where you can bike across Sonoran Preserve Desert Vista Trailhead, and hike across stunning Cordes Lakes, Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

Stop off to paddle in the picturesque swimming hole at Grasshopper Point, and stopover in the interesting city of Flagstaff. All that before even arriving in the bucket-list destination of Grand Canyon.

A fun final stop off at Tuba City heralds the end of this road trip, where you can walk in dinosaurs' footprints – a memorable journey end.

Take the Petrified Forest National Park Route and you can be sure that a road trip packed with lush forests, impressive mountains and interesting wildlife habitats awaits you.

Enjoy hiking and outdoor pursuits in Tonto and Sitgreaves National Forests, before elk and deer spotting throughout the beautiful trails wandered at Pinetop-Lakeside.

Make a night of it near Petrified Forest National Park, so you can enjoy several trails exploring this unique landscape, before heading to authentic entertainment at Gallup Rodeo and a Shiprock mountain tour.

Grand Canyon Route

Head out of Phoenix along Interstate-17 (I-7) north, where you can admire the hills, cacti and lakes at Cordes Lakes, before stopping to trail at Coconino National Forest. A swim at Grasshopper Point is also ideal on a warm day.

From here you arrive in Flagstaff, packed with monuments and a world-famous observatory. After a night's stay, head along Highway-180 passing Arizona Snowbowl for snow sports, before Kaibab National Forest for wildlife spotting.

Needing little introduction, the iconic red rocks of the Grand Canyon can then be found after heading north along Highway-64. We suggest taking to the sky or the water to get unrivalled views.

Afterwards continue on Highway-160 where a stop at Cameron will lead you to Little Colorado River Gorge, before walking in the footprints of dinosaurs at Tuba City. A great journey end before arriving at Monument Valley.

Petrified Forest National Park Route

From Phoenix head along the Highway-87 where you'll pass the beautiful forests of Tonto and then onto Sitgreaves, ideal for outdoor adventure.

Highway-260 then leads you to Pinetop-Lakeside, great for hiking and deer spotting, before journeying north on Highway-77 then I-40 to Petrified Forest National Forest for a night's stay exploring the biggest forest in the world.

After following I-40 to Gallup, where you can enjoy an authentic rodeo or annual balloon festivals, head north along Highway-491 to discover the impressive Shiprock. It's sure to whet your appetite before arriving at destination Monument Valley.

Best places to stop between Phoenix and Monument Valley

Along this journey there are certainly iconic landmarks. We've picked out our favorite places to stop which will also tick some renowned sights off your bucket list.

Step back in time with a visit to Flagstaff

Found midway along the Grand Canyon Route, you encounter Flagstaff, known for the famous observatory, historical monuments, and gateway to the iconic red rocks of the Grand Canyon.

A first stop to the Lowell Observatory, open since 1894, is a great spot to learn more about the discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto. This exciting center is packed with exhibits and tours, with the Giovale Open Deck Observatory must-see.

Feel like you are stepping back in time with a visit to the unusual ancient pueblo Wupatki National Monument. Home in the past to 100 or more tribesmen, the structures are amazing, and it really is a hidden gem.

Also make sure to visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. A volcanic eruption was responsible for this impressive crater, where you can enjoy a hike, enjoying the vast landscape, particularly pretty during spring and fall.

The beautiful and stylish 4-star High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff is then welcomed after a busy, dusty, day exploring the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. Unwind in the stunning outdoor pool and sauna, or head indoors to take advantage of the games room.

The lovely sun terrace is perfect for an aperitif before heading to the delicious on-site restaurant The General Store, serving American cuisine. Not ready for bed? Enjoy the sparkling evening entertainment after dinner.

This hotel is in an enviable spot, close to many attractions such as the bucket-list sights of the Grand Canyon, as well as several great parks.

READ MORE - Click here for great hotel options

Trek the unique landscape of Petrified Forest

Take the slightly longer Petrified Forest National Park Route, and you will arrive at this forest around halfway along the whole journey. It seems only fitting then to pause for a night to take in the incredible sights here.

Known for the fossils and fallen trees that were around 225 million years ago, and their smooth, brown appearance, there are lots of hot spots to head to.

We suggest making sure the Painted Desert is on the itinerary. There are incredible and unique colors found here, with plenty of lookouts to enjoy the unusual views across the rocks and desert landscape.

The Crystal Forest Trail allows you to see the incredible forest up close. This beautiful trail takes you past the petrified tree landscape, and you will feel like you are in another world.

The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest can be found only a short journey from the renowned Petrified Forest. A new, modern, hotel, which has great-sized rooms and comfy lounges – the king-size beds are ideal for relaxing after all that exploring!

Start your day right with a delicious breakfast buffet at the on-site restaurant, perfect before exploring, with other popular dining options close by including Mesa Italian Restaurant.

Set right next to the Interstate, this hotel is so well located to break up the road trip midway and get to see the wonderful sights of Petrified Forest.

Where to stay when you reach Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable locations in the American Southwest, with beautiful and striking sandstone buttes dotted across the expansive landscape, reaching up to 300 meters into the sky.

A great place to lay your head for the night after visiting this iconic valley is Goulding's Lodge , set in a great location within Monument Valley, very close to this beautiful destination.

The delightful heated indoor pool is ideal for relaxing in after a busy day exploring, or sit back and enjoy the pretty outdoor terrace, with stunning mountain views.

There is also free parking on-site, so no need to worry about your car as you enjoy hiking and exploring this beautiful area.

Things to see on a road trip from Phoenix to Monument Valley

Both the Grand Canyon Route and Petrified Forest National Park Route are packed with jaw-dropping scenery, with so many beautiful places to stop off at and explore by foot, bike, horse, boat or balloon!

Take a look at our suggestions below for where to go and what to do on this wonderful trip.

• Sonoran Preserve Desert Vista Trailhead - Set over 9,600 acres, you can take one of the many trails that span across Desert Hills, Apache Wash and Desert Vista. Also popular for mountain biking.
• Cordes Lakes - Enjoy a wander around the interesting Cordes Lake, with hills, cacti and rock formations also dotted across the landscape. A great stop for a leg stretch.
• Coconino National Forest - This stunning forest is a combination of red sandstone and lush green forest, and is the perfect setting for a hike across one of the many trails suiting all abilities.
• Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area - Very close to Coconino National Forest is Grasshopper Point, a well-known swimming hole surrounded by red cliffs. Very scenic, this is a great spot for a picnic too.
• Flagstaff - A popular stop off given it is so close to the Grand Canyon. It also has several interesting sights, including the Lowell Observatory, where the dwarf planet Pluto was first spotted.
• Arizona Snowbowl - Travel in the colder season and the Arizona Snowbowl should be on the agenda, offering great snow sports, skiing and snowboarding.
• Kaibab National Forest - Spread over an impressive 1.5 million acres, this forest is home to a myriad of wildlife including deer and coyote – just watch out for any rattlesnakes!
• Grand Canyon - Needing little introduction, this world-known area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with incredible sights via South or North Rim. Why not take a helicopter tour to see it all from a bird's eye view.
• Cameron - A stop off in Cameron reveals the sights of Little Colorado River Gorge, 10 miles shy of Grand Canyon. This stop off has incredible views across the gorge, and a great vantage point of the South Rim.
• Dinosaur Tracks - During this fun stop off at Tuba City, you can see the claimed tracks of dinosaurs. Enjoy a local guide taking you through where these incredible species once walked.

• Tonto National Forest - Over 600,000 acres make-up the incredible Tonto National Forest. Head to Cave Creek Ranger District, perfect for outdoor recreation, with Verde River ideal for a paddle on a nice day.
• Sitgreaves National Forest - Perfect for any outdoor adventurer, this area is well liked for hiking and camping.
• Pinetop-Lakeside - Found in Navajo County, this area is great for hiking with an expansive and interesting landscape. Head along Country Club Trail spanning three miles, with the chance to see elk and mule deer
• Petrified Forest National Park - This renowned forest, which is the biggest in the world, is a unique National Park, covered with petrified wood which is smooth and dark to the touch.
• Gallup Rodeo - For an authentic experience in Gallup then head to one of the many rodeos held in the area, with exhilarating viewing of cowboys riding the bucking broncos.
• Shiprock - This impressive rock mountain is prominent on the skyline reaching 7,177-foot-high. You are unable to climb it, but still worth a visit to see its amazing statue.

Best time to go on a road trip from Phoenix to Monument Valley

An excellent year-round destination, it can mostly be enjoyed across any season, with average annual temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

December to March is the quietest time to visit, and you can book without issue for many excursions and accommodation. Snow can fall during this time, but usually it is not heavy and does not hinder exploring the area.

The start of the year can also be the cheapest to travel, with temperatures ranges ranging between 42 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and the opportunity to experience dark skies' territory when moon cycles can be seen.

A great time to visit is early spring, when temperatures usually rise to around 45 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, plus without any winter snow you get to see the wonderful trails across the valley.

During summer, temperatures begin to rise sometimes reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also the busiest time to visit, so if choose this season, make sure to head out early to avoid the glaring sun and busier periods.

Visit in fall, and the weather remains good, however it can get busier with tourists who have a similar idea about visiting when there aren't the larger summer crowds to cope with.

Whatever the season you can be sure that Monument Valley can be experienced in a variety of different ways, from jeep tours and sunset excursions, to hot air balloon rides over this stunning landscape.

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Monument Valley Air & Ground Tour – from Phoenix (MVJ)

Quick Details

• Map Marker Departure City: Phoenix
• User Ages: Ages 2+
• Hour Glass Duration: 7-8 hours

Our Most Encompassing Southwest Tour

From phoenix – flight code: (mvj).

• Scenic, narrated flight over Sedona, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell to Monument Valley
• Four-wheeled drive ground tour, with Navajo guide,  into the Navajo Tribal Park up to John Ford Point
• Navajo taco lunch included (beef or chicken)

Flights may make additional stops.

The Monument Valley tour is by far our most encompassing tour, combining Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Monument Valley all in one tour. Begin your air tour with a scenic, narrated, flight through the Red Rock formations of Sedona; and soar past the San Francisco Peaks, Painted Desert and the Navajo Indian Reservation before arriving at the Grand Canyon.

Upon reaching the Grand Canyon you will be treated to a 20-minute overflight of the Grand Canyon from just 1,000 feet above the rim. Next you will continue on to Page, Arizona, located along the shores of Lake Powell. After a brief stop in Page (depending on aircraft), you will continue along the shores of Lake Powell past Navajo Mountain toward the confluence of the San Juan and Green Rivers en route to Monument Valley.

Land at Gouldings Field, just minutes from Monument Valley, and embark on a guided, 4X4 ground tour into the Navajo Tribal Park for about 90 minutes. Your Navajo guide will give you insights into the culture and beauty of this sacred area. Finally, return to Gouldings Lodge for a delicious Navajo Taco lunch and a little time for the museum or gift shop before returning to the airport for the scenic flight back to Phoenix on a more direct route.

This tour will be booked on a first-come/first-served basis. We will confirm the availability with you after booking.

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• Hour Glass 8-9 hours
• User Ages 8+
• Map Marker Phoenix

Antelope Canyon Hiking / Monument Valley 4×4 Tour – from Phoenix (ACM)

Hike Antelope Canyon and explore Monument Valley in a 4×4! Fly into Page and hike Antelope Canyon then fly to Monument Valley for a 4×4 tour into the tribal park.

Antelope Canyon Tour – Phoenix (ANT)

This aerial, hiking, and lunch combo gives you an incredible scenic, narrated flight over the most beautiful parts of Arizona, from Lake Powell to the Grand Canyon!

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Monument Valley, Grand Canyon and Sedona 2-Day Van Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe or Mesa

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• Returns: Next Day, 7:00 pm
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Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Navajo nation park & recreation.

While visiting the Monument Valley, you will need to try the 17-mile loop drive for a view of the scenic beauty and magnificent formations. Currently, with the monsoon season we want all travelers to know that the valley drive has very rough terrain and deep sand dunes.  Motorcycles/RV’s are Prohibited on the loop drive, due to the rough terrain and deep sand dunes. We ask that travelers be prepared for long wait times and inclement weather during the peak season. Which begins in the months of  May to September, the high volume of travelers will create some wait time. So please be cognizant of your surroundings and please obey all signs, stay on designated routes; stay hydrated and stay safe. The safety of our public and community is our utmost importance. Also, wear appropriate attire as the weather is unpredictable and can change at any time. Wearing a hat, t-shirt, long sleeves and tennis shoes will keep you comfortable and avoid the elements. Including, staying hydrated and have water on you at all times which makes you less prone to heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Welcome to the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. You are experiencing one of the most majestic – and most photographed – points on earth. This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding.

The landscape overwhelms, not just by its beauty but also by its size. The fragile pinnacles of rock are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs and trees, and windblown sand, all comprising the magnificent colors of the valley. All of this harmoniously combines to make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience. Enjoy this beautiful land. While on your travel stop and take a look at some of our vendors on the loop road. Our vendors have beautiful hand crafted jewelry and more. You can buy direct from the artisan, which makes your travel experience so much more to have a momentous keepsake with you while at home.

Navajo Name: Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii – Monument Valley

Hiking Trails : Wildcat Trail 1.5 miles (Sign in/out at Visitor Center).

Monument Valley Hours of Operation:

Park/administration office:   8:00 am to 5:00 pm. monday-friday.

Winter Hours-

Scenic Drive: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Sunday. Last Entry at 2:30 pm, Daily.

Tour Booth: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Sunday.

Summer Hours-

Scenic Drive: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday – Sunday. Last Entry: 4:30 pm, Daily.

Tour Operator Booth: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Sunday.

Monument Valley Closures:

We are Closed during all major Holidays in accordance with the Navajo Nation.

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day

Elevation: 5,564 feet above sea level

GPS Coordinates: N 37.00414 W 110.09889

Backcountry Permit: A Backcountry Permit can be obtained from the Visitor Center, and for San Juan River Permit it can be purchased at the Welcome Center.  Please sign in/out prior to Hiking.  Please proceed with extreme caution. 

Navajo Parks and Recreation is not liable for any damage to vehicle while in loop drive or on Navajo Tribal Park land.

Special Use Permit: Needed for all other types of Land Usage. Photography,  Filming, Weddings, and Paintings.  Please stop by Visitor Center for more information.

Size:  91,696 acres (spans across Utah & Arizona)

Entry Fee: $8 per person, per day.

Additional person: $8 per person, per day, per location.  (subject to change)..

Before human existence, the Park was once a lowland basin. For hundreds of millions of years, materials that eroded from the early Rock Mountains deposited layer upon layer of sediment which cemented a slow and gentle uplift, generated by ceaseless pressure from below the surface, elevating these horizontal strata quite uniformly one to three miles above sea level. What was once a basin became a plateau.

Natural forces of wind and water that eroded the land spent the last 50 million years cutting into and peeling away at the surface of the plateau. The simple wearing down of altering layers of soft and hard rock slowly revealed the natural wonders of Monument Valley today.

From the visitor center, you see the world-famous panorama of the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. You can also purchase guided tours from Navajo tour operators, who take you down into the valley in Jeeps for a narrated cruise through these mythical formations. Places such as Ear of the Wind and other landmarks can only be accessed via guided tours. During the summer months, the visitor center also features Haskenneini Restaurant, which specializes in both native Navajo and American cuisines, and a film/snack/souvenir shop. There are year-round restroom facilities. One mile before the center, numerous Navajo vendors sell arts, crafts, native food, and souvenirs at roadside stands.

Buy local, Buy Navajo!

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Monument Valley

Monument Valley might be the most iconic images of the American Southwest. If you're planning on visiting and want a logistical run down of how to make it happen, here it is. Monument Valley is located on the Arizona and Utah borders in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. There is only one main road through Monument Valley, US 163, which offers the most famous images of Monument Valley. Once you get the park itself, there is an admission fee:

• Per Vehicle Pass: $20 per non-commercial vehicle up to 4 people ($6 each additional passenger)
• Per Individual Pass: $10 per walk-in, bicycle, or motorcycle
• Commercial Pass: (based on capacity of vehicle)
• 1-4 Passengers: $35 (additional $6 each)

Once you're in the park, you'll want to do the Valley Drive. It's basically the only road visitors can drive on without a tour guide. This road is rough but drivable without 4WD; but after a good rain fall, this road is nearly undrivable even for the most capable of vehicles. Valley Drive is 17 miles of dirt road which starts at the visitor center and heads southeast amongst the towering cliffs and mesas. It takes you past 11 numbered stops at the most scenic places, one of the most famous being Totem Pole, the 450 ft spire that is only a few meters wide. A typical journey around the loop takes at least 2 hours. Visitors are not allowed to hike away from the road closer towards any of the formations on the Valley Drive, but there are several guided tours that do take guests on hikes. Typical rates for guided tours begin around $75 for a 2 hour trip and can includes exploring ancient cave and cliff dwellings, natural arches, and even petroglyphs. This is the basic Monument Valley experience. Some visitors get their fill of this magnificent area just by driving the Valley Drive and taking picutres, other guests crave a true Southwest or Native American cultural experience. If you are the latter, it is recommended that you purchase your guided tour and lodging from one of the small Navajo ran businesses. For each visitor who has gone this route, there tends to be a unique and special story that comes out of it.

Going on a guided tour of Monument Valley is highly recommended. Because Monument Valley is on Navajo land, much of the terrain is off limits to visitors without a guide. Part of the reason for this is to preserve the ancient rock formations and the cultural hertiage of this land, but the other reason is because Monument Valley tours and lodging is a source of inccome for the Navajo who live here. It is a priviledge to experience such a spectacular place, and paying for a tour is a great way to preserve and respect this land and its people. Almost everyone who has been on a guided tour has found it very worth while. The ability to walk among the rock formations, through arches, by cliff dwellings and petroglyphs is special, second only to the stories your Navajo guides will share with you. Many of these tours are customizable or even pre-taylored to some of the most popular activities such as photography, horse trail riding or geology tours. No matter which tour you choose, it will certainly be worthwhile.

There are only a couple of options for lodging in Monument Valley. There are two hotels, some cabins, and several camping/RV options. The nearest town is Kayenta, which has a couple more hotels that are more familiar brands. But booking your stay with a Navajo tour company that offers camping on their land is also an incredible experience for those who do not require any amenities. Backcountry permits are also available for those who wish to camp at designated campsites within the park. Find and book Monument Valley hotels, camping and backcountry permits .

Best Monument Valley Tours & Things to Do

4 Day 3 Night Private Roundtrip Tour from Phoenix/Scottsdale

What guests like about this place ».

Private Tour | Tours from Phoenix

Arizona Private Tours

Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Tours from Flagstaff

1.5 Hour Tour of Monument Valley's Valley Loop Drive

Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion National Park 3-Day Tour

Tours from Las Vegas

Cultural Tour of Lower Monument Valley Tribal Park

Monument Valley Sunrise or Sunset Tour

Monument Valley Air and Ground Tour from Phoenix

Tours from Phoenix

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon Experience 3D/2N from Las Vegas

Experience Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon on this 3-day package through some of the most unique and stunning landscapes of the American West.

• Discover the sandstone formations of Sedona
• Take an amazing Jeep Tour in Monument Valley
• Experience the stunning upper Antelope Canyon

2.5 Hour Guided Tour of Monument Valley

3-Day National Parks Tour: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon

In the spotlight.

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PHILLIPS' PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS MONUMENT VALLEY TOURS

We offer vehicle tours, hiking tours, and custom-designed tours including overnight camping and special photographic tours through Monument Valley and nearby Mystery Valley. For our vehicle tours we use comfortable 4 x 4 enclosed vehicles for smaller groups. Depending on your available time, you can choose from the following tours:

John Ford Point Tour

Navajo Culture Tour

Half Day Tour

Monument Valley Sunrise Tour

Monument Valley Evening Tour

Mystery Valley Evening Tour

Night Photography Tour

Photo Guide Service

Guiding serious photographers is one of our specialties. We have worked with many professional photographers and know the changing light of Monument Valley like no one else. A custom guided photographic tour with our photo guides is the best way to realize the full photographic potential of this spectacular and legendary landscape.

For sunrise photos of the Totem Pole, we leave the Visitor Center an hour before sunrise. After sunrise, we then move on to one of three sand dune locations, and depending on available time we might visit two arches. Of course, 4 hours is not enough to exhaust the photographic possibilities of Monument Valley, but this is our shortest tour.

For an all-day photo experience, Our photo guides will take you out 4 hours in the morning and again for 4 hours in the evening. This leaves time in the middle of the day for lunch, napping or sightseeing. For the morning and evening, sunrise-sunset tour, $250 per person.

Custom Group Tours

We enjoy creating custom tours for groups of all sizes. We have also organized very successful workshops for photo groups. Tour operators and organizers should contact us directly with your needs.

Things to Remember

• - We operate on daylight savings time. Utah time, not Arizona time.
• - We start all of our tours from the Visitor's Center in Monument Valley.
• - We have no set time for our tours. You get to set the time for your tour.
• - Highway 163 runs north and south through Monument Valley. 1/4 mile north of Arizona, Utah state line there is an intersection. Turn East. Go 4 miles and you are at the Visitor's Center. There is a $5.00 per person Entrance Fee. This is a Navajo Tribal park, not a National Park. In the parking lot there is an information booth. At the booth ask for Carlos Phillips, Carl Phillips or Ray Begay. We work together.

To Book Your Tour

The easiest way to book your tour of Monument Valley is to call us - at 928 429-0665 or 928 429-0040. We delight in tailoring your Monument Valley tour to your particular interests and needs. In a sense, every Phillips' Photography Tours is a custom tour.

If you would like to arrange a special photo tour, or multi-day tour, or a tour for a large group, it is always a good idea to contact us well in advance. Monument Valley is still a rugged, rural location, almost a wilderness, with only sketchy phone service, and reliable email. So please call us at.

The cellular phone service has good days and bad days, so you might have to call more than once. However, our voice mail system is very dependable, so you can leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. You can always write us (at the address below) or use our contact form and we will get back in touch with you.

Partners that we recommend!

Visit our monument valley partners for the best and most recommended services while visiting us.

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

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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.

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