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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 PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Quick Details

• Tags Category: Photography
• Hour Glass Duration: Minimum of two hours required
• Suggested tour time is between two to four hours

PHOTOGRAPH THE AMAZING SIGHTS OF MONUMENT VALLEY

Ever since the first professional photographer, Josef Muench, entered the area, Monument Valley has been a truly one-of-a-kind photographer’s paradise. Josef came to Monument Valley in 1936 to take his first photographs.

When Harry and Mike Goulding, some of the first “pioneers” to live in Monument Valley, needed materials to promote the then undiscovered area in Hollywood, they turned to their friend Josef Muench. Josef made a special album of black and white photographs. That album really sent the right message! Later, in 1937, Josef made his very first Kodachrome color photograph in Monument Valley.

Now you can enjoy and explore this photographer’s paradise for yourself on a photography tour. Our Navajo guides are born and raised in Monument Valley…and who else is better qualified and knows the best places and camera angles than someone who lived there all his life?

• Chevron down What to Expect

Please contact us in advance so that we can start making the plans for your ultimate photographic experience!

PLEASE NOTE:  All tour descriptions and prices ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

Due to the popularity of our tours, we kindly suggest making a reservation in advance so that we will best be able to accommodate you. We are unable to accept same-day reservations.

All reservation times are in Navajo Nation Time. During Daylight Savings Time, this will be one hour faster than Arizona Time used in, for example, Page or Flagstaff, Arizona.

We accept all major credit cards and process all transactions using a secure connection.

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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
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Monument Valley Hogan Stay

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

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Arizona | Monument Valley | The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley

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Visiting Monument Valley was a highlight of our West Coast America road trip.

Our American adventure finally started as we walked through the reddish lands of the far west. Up until then, we only got to enjoy these vast territories through classic western films.

As you visit Monument Valley, let your imagination fly to a life-or-death duel between cowboys or an ambush of Indians riding wild horses.

In this guide for planning your visit to Monument Valley in the United States, you will find all the information you need to make the most of your trip.

We spent one night and one morning in Monument Valley during our 10-day West Coast America self-drive holidays. However, if you want to discover this Navajo Indian Reservation in depth, I recommend at least a two-day visit.

TO SUMMARIZE, THESE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MONUMENT VALLEY:

• The Mittens and Merrick Butte : See the sunrise from the most famous viewpoint in Monument Valley.
• Hiking routes : Hike the “Wildcat trail”, the only route that you can hike on your own in Monument Valley.
• John Ford’s Point : Shoot the classic western scene of the cowboy and the horse in this viewpoint.
• “Elephant Butte” , “Three Sisters” and “Camel Butte” : Visit some of the most curious formations in the valley.
• Visit the road where Forrest Gump stopped running , located at mile 13 of the Federal Route 163.
• Take a guided Navajo Tour : Like “Hunts Mesa” or “Mystery Valley”.
• Starry Skies : Enjoy one of the best starry skies in the United States with the silhouette of the main rocks of the Valley.
• See historical movie sets : Such as “Stagecoach”, “Fort Apache” or “Back to the Future III”.

VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY

After seeing images of this place, everyone who is planning a West Coast USA road trip wants to visit Monument Valley.

However, you will notice that Monument Valley is on the border between Utah and Arizona, likely the easternmost point of your West Coast trip. Following this, you may consider crossing it out from your travel itinerary because it’s too far from other points of interest.

Well, if you ask me whether visiting Monument Valley is worth it , I would most definitely say yes.

We drove 7 hours from Las Vegas to get to Monument Valley and pitched our tent. We arrived at night, but it only took us 5 minutes to realize how much we would have regretted it if we had not included Monument Valley on our Western USA trip.

If we have persuaded you to include this wonder in your trip planning, I recommend paying close attention to the details of this guide to visiting Monument Valley.

• Best time to visit Monument Valley
• How to get to Monument Valley
• Best things to do in Monument Valley
• Monument Valley Opening Hours
• Monument Valley entrance fee
• Places to stay in Monument Valley
• Monument Valley Map

BEST TIME TO VISIT MONUMENT VALLEY

Visiting Monument Valley is an incredible experience throughout the year, but spring and fall are the most recommended seasons.

When you see the arid and desertic landscape, you might think that temperatures are high during summer. However, being at high altitude (5577 feet), it rarely exceeds 90ºF. The main reason to keep you from visiting  Monument Valley during summer should be the large number of tourists who come here during these months.

On the other hand, if you visit Monument Valley during winter , temperatures can be around 32ºF, so it is not strange to find Monument Valley covered by snow.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY

If you are going to visit Monument Valley by yourself , keep in mind that you will be driving long distances. The only practical way to get to Monument Valley is by car (or with an RV rental in the USA ).

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS IN THE US

You can check our 20 best tips to find cheap rental cars here.

For us, the only reason to not visit Monument Valley would have been the long-distance  travel to get there. However, without any doubt, our visit to Monument Valley was worth it, and the views at the end of the road will make up for it.

If you don’t know where Monument Valley is, I suggest checking this map of the West Coast that we created to help you choose your travel route to the West Coast.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM PAGE (ANTELOPE CANYON)

People who visit Monument Valley usually also visit the Antelope Canyon. This canyon carved into the reddish sand of Arizona is located in Page. Since Page and Monument Valley are only 124 miles apart, it is not uncommon to visit Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley on the same trip.

I also recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend as it is also in Page a few minutes from Antelope Canyon and can be visited on the same day.

Keep in mind that while the Page and Monument Valley are just three hours apart in the same state of Arizona , the time zone between the two are different during the summer . Although Page also belongs to the Navajo Indian Reservation, it does not observe daylight savings, which maintains the same time throughout the year.

If you are going to spend the night in Page, you can check where to stay near Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend here.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM LAS VEGAS

The closest international airport to Monument Valley is in Las Vegas, located in Nevada. In addition to this, there are a million things to do in Las Vegas, so it is very likely you are going to visit it at some point. To get to Monument Valley from Las Vegas by car, you will have to travel about 400 miles which will take you at least 7 hours. This is one of my favorite road trips from Las Vegas .

However, if you prefer not to drive you can hire this 3-day tour to Monument Valley from Las Vegas, one of the best tours in Vegas, where you will also visit Horseshoe Bend and the Antelope Canyon.

If you decide to go on your own and spend a few days in the city, you can check the best hotels in Las Vegas here and some tips to rent a car in Las Vegas here.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY FROM THE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon is the most popular National Park in the United States. There is a  distance between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley  of 186 miles, which takes about four hours.

Although there are different tour packages to Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in one day, I advise visiting the two Arizonian wonders in at least two days. If you can, I advise you to spend at least two days for visiting the Grand Canyon.

If you’re traveling on your own, you can check where to stay in Grand Canyon Village here.

MONUMENT VALLEY OPENING HOURS

When planning your visit to Monument Valley without a guide, keep in mind that the visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. May to September and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October to April.

While you can still enter at any time of the day, the Monument Valley Visitor Center will be closed.

HOW MUCH DOES MONUMENT VALLEY COST?

The Monument Valley entrance fee is $ 20 per car (up to 4 people) + $ 10 for each extra person.

If you want to visit Monument Valley for free , enter the park when it is closed and stay at one of its campsites or hotels. This way, you don’t have to pay the Monument Valley entry fee whilst being able to see incredible views the next morning.

Keep in mind that Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Indian Reservation and not a National Park or State Park, so you cannot use your “America the Beautiful” Pass to enter.

The Monument Valley admission fee corresponds with the entry fee to the Navajo Nation, so if you are going to visit different attractions within the Navajo Nation on the same day (i.e. Antelope Canyon + Monument Valley), make sure you only pay this fee once.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONUMENT VALLEY

The main attraction of Monument Valley is the diverse rock formations, which you will discover in this section.

There is nothing like exploring through the incredible landscapes of Monument Valley. Driving across the Monument Valley Scenic Drive is the best way to make the most of your trip.

Keep in mind that you will need between 2 and 4 hours to see this arid landscape. Although it is a dirt road, it is not necessary to have a 4×4 car.

You can drive the 16 miles loop and visit the 11 main viewpoints listed in this  Monument Valley map that you will find at the end of the post.

Note: Take into account that some vehicles like motorcycles or RVs are not allowed at the scenic drive .

1. THE MITTENS AND MERRICK BUTTE

From the first viewpoint at the entrance of the reserve, we can see the most famous rock formations of Monument Valley –  The East and West Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte . They are undoubtedly one of the most imposing structures in Monument Valley as they rise 6500 feet above the vast plains.

The Mittens earned its name due to its silhouette – the shape of a mitten. Merrick Butte, on the other hand, was named after one of the two explorers who discovered Monument Valley.

2. ELEPHANT BUTTE

Following the path, we find the Elephant Butte, a rock formation in the shape of an elephant sitting on the desert sand, only recognizable when the shadows at the end of the day cast over the rock.

3. THREE SISTERS

If you turn around, you will find the Thee Sisters. These three high pinnacles recall the figure of a nun teaching two students.

Mitchell Mesa stands next to them. This plateau is named after another explorer in the area.

4. JOHN FORDS’ POINT

The most exciting viewpoint for Western film lovers. Film director John Ford brought Monument Valley to the big screen in 1939, and since then, Monument Valley has become one of the most filmed locations.

To this day, it continues to serve as a film set, not only for movies but also for cartoons and computer games.

This stop is also perfect for buying Navajo made crafts and taking the famous shot of a man on horseback over the ravine.

5. CAMEL BUTTE

Considering its name, you would expect that the shape of Camel Butte should vaguely resemble a camel lying on the desert. However, do not be frustrated if you do not see it, as most others can’t see it either. It is supposed to be seen facing west.

The road continues toward the Rain God Mesa, named after a sacred place of the Navajos. It was also used by healers to praise the God of rain.

After this, we will get to The Hub, which rises 164 feet above the ground. Its unique and solitary needle shape has a group of Navajo homes at the base.

A secondary path that can only be accessed with a guide starts from here, to Saddle Rock or Ear of the Wind near  Thunderbird Mesa.

7. TOTEM POLE AND YEI BI CHEI

Past the Rain God Mesa, we reach the next viewpoint from where we can see a group of needles called Yei Bi Chei (Navajo spiritual gods) and Totem Pole at 140 meters high.

We can also see Sand Springs from here, although you can see it better from the next viewpoint.

8. SAND SPRINGS

On the way to this viewpoint, we find the Sand Springs, different red-orange dunes and the only natural aquifer in the reserve .

From here, we will get an even better view of Yei Bi Chei and Totem Pole. However, if we want to get even closer to these rock formations, we will have to take the Thunderbird Mesa guided tour.

9. ARTIST’S POINT

It is located in front of Spearhead Mesa, but if we turn around, we can see The Mittens and Merrick Butte here from the end of the valley.

Many consider this to be the second-best viewpoint in Monument Valley, following John Ford’s Point.

Of course, it is the best viewpoint to photograph Monument Valley at dawn, since it is facing west and therefore the reddish stone will be illuminated with the first lights of the day making the color even more vivid.

10. NORTH WINDOW

North Window opens like a window to the north of the reserve in such a way that East Mitten Butte is framed between Elephant Butte and Cly Butte. However, it will be difficult to recognize it from this position since the main finger of the mitten will be hidden.

11. THE THUMB

The Thumb is the last point of interest in the Monument Valley Scenic Drive. Some say that the figure of the rock reminds them of a thumb and others of a cowboy boot.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MONUMENT VALLEY

In addition to this scenic drive, there are many other things to do in Monument Valley.

HIKING THE WILDCAT TRAIL

The next free activity to do in Monument Valley is hiking the Wildcat Trail.  The is the only hike that you can do for free in the reserve, which consists of going around one of the most popular rock formations, West Mitten Butte.

It is a 3.7 miles loop with elevation gains up to 656 feet that takes two hours to complete.

We didn’t do it since we were told that it could be a bit monotonous.

STOP AT THE EXACT POINT WHERE FORREST GUMP STOPPED RUNNING

The last free activity in Monument Valley will take you to one of the most iconic spots, a stop at the exact point where Forrest Gump stopped running in the United States.

This stop takes place at mile 13 of Federal Route 163, where you will drive through on your way to Monument Valley. There is a small sign indicating the stop, so you should not miss it.

TAKE A NAVAJO GUIDED TOUR

If you want to dig a little deeper into Monument Valley, you can take a Navajo Indian guided tour. There are several companies approved by the Navajo Parks & Recreation Department. You can find a list of these official companies here .

Each company offers different but similar tours at the same time. Some tours focus on photography whereas others are eager to show the Navajo culture . These tend to dig into the spiritual significance of Monument Valley for the Navajos and can show you their traditions, history, music, and even gastronomy.

Other tours focus on showing you the best places to photograph Monument Valley. Some of these tours are night photography tours, and others are sunrise or sunset photo tours.

You can take your vehicle on some of the tours while others provide 4×4s, and some even offer horseback riding through Monument Valley. While it is quite popular, we do not recommend it since it is not right to use animals as a tourist attraction.

Although many tours take you through the same Monument Valley drive that we can do for free, other tours go across some of the private routes found in the valley. Following are the most outstanding ones:

If you want to see the best views of Monument Valley, you must take a tour to the top of Hunts Mesa  in a 4×4 vehicle. After passing through dunes, the plateau rises 984 feet above Monument Valley, and from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire valley.

This excursion usually takes about 7 hours, but you can also find some tourist agencies that offer overnight tours with tents and sleeping bags supplied. This way, you can photograph Monument Valley at sunset and at sunrise with an aerial view that is difficult to get from another point.

Although the price is higher than other tours, keep in mind that it includes lodging, a Navajo dinner and breakfast, and unique priceless experiences like listening to folktales, native songs, and Navajo flute music around a campfire.

MYSTERY VALLEY

Mystery Valley,  just by Monument Valley, is one of the most exclusive tours of the Navajo Indian Reservation. As the Navajo consider the valley to be sacred, access is only allowed if a member of the tribe accompanies you.

Also, the road is barely visible between the dunes, and there are no traffic signals, so it is not a good idea trying to go on your own.

This tour is somewhat physically demanding since the essential points of interest would be visited on foot. Across the valley, we will find the Anasazi ruins (a tribe that lived in the valley before the Navajos arrived), Navajo family homes and spectacular landscapes that include stone arches and views of Monument Valley in the distance. The guide will also tell you about Navajo culture and traditions.

The tour takes between three and four hours and the best time to do it is at sunset.

TEARDROP ARCH

Another frequently photographed point is one known as Tear Drop Arch,  where you can frame Monument Valley in the tear-shaped opening of the rock. This tour is very short and can be done on foot.

As the location is somewhat unknown, most choose to hire a guide to get there. Once you know the location (36 ° 59’59.5 “N 110 ° 11’16.3” W), it may not be necessary.

CURIOSITIES OF MONUMENT VALLEY

We did not want to forget in our guide to visiting the Monument Vally a section to discuss the main peculiarities of Monument Valley.

HISTORY OF MONUMENT VALLEY AND THE NAVAJO NATION

Did you know that the Navajo Indians are not originally from the United States, but from Canada? Nonetheless, they had been inhabiting in Monument Valley, or Tsé Bii ‘Ndzisgaii (‘Valley of the Rocks’) in the Navajo language, long before the Spaniards arrived.

It was not the first tribe to inhabit the Monument Valley. To date, there are many indications of the presence of Anasazis, an indigenous tribe that inhabited Western United States and ancestors of other indigenous cultures such as the Pueblo Indians, the Zuni, and the Hopi.

Politically, the Navajo Nation, Diné Bikeyah, or Navajoland is recognized as a nation within the United States. However, what may seem like one of the most significant victories achieved by an indigenous tribe is fictitious, since the United States continues to enforce its laws on the Navajo Nation.

HOW MONUMENT VALLEY WAS FORMED

Like the rest of the Colorado Plateau, Monument Valley was a seabed that covered the western part of the United States millions of years ago.

The tectonic movement pushed rocks formed by strata of siltstone and shale up to 5900 feet above sea level.

After this, the erosion shaped the landscape. Rain, wind, and rivers that flowed into the basin ended up forming what we know today as Monument Valley.

The characteristic reddish and orange colors of the Monument Valley landscape are from the iron oxide present in the geological formations.

MONUMENT VALLEY IN FILMS

Monument Valley is one of those places in Western America that looks very familiar to you even if you have never been there.

The first moments of Monument Valley on the big screen was thanks to film director John Ford, who used the landscapes as the main stage of the 1939 film Stagecoach , starring John Wayne.

Since then, it has been one of the most iconic spots for Western films such as Fort Apache or The Searchers.

Later on, other films took place across the incredible background of Monument Valley, like Forrest Gump, Lone Ranger, License to Kill or Back to the Future Part III. Some cartoons and animated films staged these landscapes as a base for their stories, such as Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner, and Cars.

And of course, we can find in many advertisements or even video games featuring Monument Valley landscapes, such as in GTA San Andreas or Red Dead Redemption.

WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

Other useful information that we want to share with you are the best places to stay in Monument Valley. In this section, you will find the best campsite, hotel, and lodge in Monument Valley, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.

THE VIEW CAMPGROUND

If you ask me what is the best accommodation in Monument Valley , without a doubt I would say it is The View Campground (not The View Hotel). This campsite, with only space for 30 tents, has the best views of Monument Valley. Also, there’s nothing like sleeping in a tent in such a place to feel like an authentic Navajo Indian.

The price is $20 per tent. The camp has bathrooms and a small kitchen. However, they do not have tent rental services, so you must bring your own.

They also have space for RVs, however, the reviews are not as good as it is just a parking without connections or the views from the tent sites. However, if you are interested in that option, check the RV rental in the USA

Though they say that you can make reservations online, the campsites can only be booked via phone by calling +1 435-727-5802. Book well in advance if you want to sleep in the best place in Monument Valley.

THE VIEW HOTEL

Another option is to book at The View Hotel , a sister establishment that also manages the campsite. While not as authentic as camping in Monument Valley, if you are looking for comfort, this is the best hotel in Monument Valley . Online booking is available for this hotel.

The premium cabins , though much more expensive, offer very similar views you can see from the campsite.

You will need a credit card to do the check-in for either the hotel or the campground.

GOULDING’S LODGE

A little further away, but still very close to the valley, we found Goulding’s Lodge .

Unlike the previous one, this hotel offers a pool and a museum about the Navajo Nation. The price follows the quality of its rooms, but the possibilities of last-minute vacancies are higher than at The View.

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MORE INFO ABOUT MONUMENT VALLEY

To finish with this complete guide to Monument Valley, we are going to give you some tips for visiting Monument Valley in this section. We will explain, among other things, the time zone that they follow (one of the biggest curiosities of Monument Valley) so that you don’t arrive late to your next destination.

At the end of this section, you will have all the necessary information you need to visit Monument Valley.

MONUMENT VALLEY TIME ZONE

Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Indian Reservation. Navajo Nation follows Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) during the summer months to increase daylight hours.

However, you should know that Arizona, the state in which Monument Valley is located, observe Mountain Standard Time (MST) and does not participate in the summertime change. Instead, it maintains the same time throughout the year.

The reason why Arizona decided not to observe Daylight Savings is because increased daylight hours also meant increased hours of heat and therefore more electricity consumption from the air conditioners.

During summertime, the state of Utah (north of Arizona) and the Navajo Nation (within Arizona) is one hour behind Arizona. However, during the rest of the year, all three are observing the same hours.

We advise you to keep this time difference in mind, especially when you hire tours, for example, to visit Antelope Canyon (which follows MST all year) and you plan to come from Monument Valley (which follow MDT in the summer) or vice versa.

GAS STATIONS IN MONUMENT VALLEY

There is only one gas station in Monument Valley, and that belongs to the Goulding’s Lodge hotel. As with every service, when demand exceeds supply, refueling in Monument Valley will be quite expensive, so we recommend coming into Monument Valley with a full tank.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN MONUMENT VALLEY

There are just a few places to eat in Monument Valley , and they are essentially the hotel restaurants that we have already mentioned.

One of the most outstanding is the restaurant at The View Hotel, where you can find Navajo cuisine (quite similar to Mexican) as well as American classics.

The Goulding’s Lodge also has a restaurant with common Navajo dishes, although its menu is somewhat small.

With both cases, if you’re going to eat in Monument Valley, you can order take-out food and enjoy it throughout your visit, while driving across Monument Valley Scenic Drive.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR USA

Do not forget to hire   travel insurance in the United States . Although I always recommend buying the best travel insurance wherever you go, for the US, your policy must have excellent coverage (never consider hiring anything that covers below $300,000).

The cost of healthcare in the US is very high, and if you have to go to the hospital without any insurance, you will have to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 per night at the hospital.

You can get the best quality-price insurance with Heymondo . Right now, I’m traveling with their long term travel insurance plan.

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MAP OF MONUMENT VALLEY

You will find the Monument Valley map below. As you can see on the map, Wildcat Trail is marked as the only hiking trail through Monument Valley that can be done on your own.

Also, you will find the loop that can be done in Monument Valley by car, with the different stops and most outstanding viewpoints.

Finally, you can also see the different Navajo guided tours that can be hired, to discover other places such as Mystery Valley, Hunts Mesa and Lower Monument Valley that are off limits without a Navajo guide.

We hope that you have found all the information to visit Monument Valley  through this guide. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write us 😉

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3 replies on “ The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monument Valley ”

Thank you for providing such detailed itinerary of the west coast trip. Really helps. Very nicely done. Keep up the good work. Did you guys visit any of the monument valley points like tear drop or mystery valley etc in your own vehicle? Or it can only be done with a guided tour.

Hi Karishma, We need to come back to do the Mystery Valley. It’s one of the best views in all the west coast! Sadly, If you want to visit Mystery Valley you need to take a tour. For the tear drop arch, I think you can visit it by yourself. It is only 500m from the road. The exact location is (36°59’59.5″N 110°11’16.3″W).

Let me know if you have any questions.

Hi Can you plan our itenary for 9 days of travel in west coast we are two people traveling with a toddler. Driving is fine with us.

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#1 rated tour company in monument valley.

Goulding's Resort & Tours offers a variety of exclusive guided tours through Monument Valley and beyond. All of our tour guides are local Navajos who grew up in and around the Monument Valley area. During the tour, they will provide our guests access to the trails and paths not open to the public while offering insight into Monument Valley. Discover the far-reaching destinations you have seen in popular Hollywood movies. With authentic insights about Monument Valley, you can enjoy and relax among the towering dunes. Whether you are visiting with your significant other or enjoying a family trip with your kids, Goulding's Resort & Tours has something for everyone and makes the best choice for planning a stay at Monument valley.

After your tour, explore Goulding's Resort & Tours, the well-equipped and amenity-rich resort features fantastic rooms, restaurants, museums, campgrounds, and stores. You can use the base camp at Goulding's Resort & Tours to make the most of your mesa excursions.

Book your tour today!

What makes goulding's resort & tours the best place to stay during your tour.

Goulding's Resort & Tours is one of the places where a smorgasbord of interesting options awaits for the visitors. The resort caters to your living needs by offering your aesthetically designed and amenity-rich spaces including spacious rooms, villas, and campsites.

Start your trip to Monument Valley with your local guide after booking a myriad of exciting excursions. Go on half-day, full-day, or hour-long trips to some of the exotic and less traveled spots such as Mystery Canyon .

Do not miss a walk to the Goulding Trade Post Museum. Within this museum, you will find a historic trading post reminiscent of the 1920s and 1940s, harkening back to the time of its sale. Go upstairs to see the historic rooms in the area of living quarters of Harry and Leone "Mike" Goulding.

Get a close glimpse of the location featured in many celebrated movies as well as viewing the John Wayne classics and several other memorabilia in the Earth Spirit Theater.

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Goulding's Destination Weddings

Enjoy this never-ending fun at monument valley by booking rooms at goulding's resort & tours to make your trip memorable., see what others are saying about goulding's resort & tours, summer vacation 2018.

Loved it with a CAPITAL "L" This area is best described as majestic. Beautiful, Iconic Bluffs and Mesa. Forrest Gump Highway is near here. Took the sunrise tour. I was going to do the drive myself, glad I sprung for the cash and had somebody else do the driving. We went from here to Page Az, then to South Entry of Grand Canyon. If you love BIG Nature. Take the trip. We stayed at Goulding's 1 night and had a cabin near the Store / Gas station just a bit down the road. Excellent, comfortable, backed the rental car up to the back door of the cabin and unloaded the cooler and suitcase. Could not have been easier.

Best hotel we stayed in on our whole trip to the USA

Great rooms - all of which have an incredible view of monument valley from their balcony. Really amazing food served at the lodge's restaurant and friendly staff. A few shops etc nearby, not too much of an issue but something to note is that you can't purchase alcohol anywhere on the reserve (nearest place 16 miles away) including inside the restaurant. Great experience

The view is Monument Valley

We stayed here after visiting 4 Corners and Mexican Hat. We arrived in time to take an afternoon tour which we did. We had dinner at their restaurant and a free movie featuring westerns that were shot in Monument valley, the showed Stage Coach this night. The room was big and comfortable and had a view of Monument Valley!! A nice place to stay!

Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley

Our family took the sunrise tour of Monument Valley and were thrilled with the scenery and "photo ops." The ride was a bit rough over unpaved roads through the valley itself. The guide was Navajo and grew up locally so she showed us all the highlights and more. She told us local stories and made sure we were at a good angle to catch the sunrise at the Mittens. Expensive tour, but worth it!

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Hunts Mesa Photography Tours

• Users All ages
• 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.

• 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).

Hunts Mesa, known for its incredible vistas and amazing photographic scenes, is perhaps the hidden jewel of the Monument Valley area. Although, like most secluded wonders, the task of getting there is not easy. Hunts Mesa tours are most recommended for persons interested in photography, cultural experiences, and an exciting yet rough off-road experience. The roads are very rough and can only be traveled in a 4×4 Excursion by our experienced Sr. Safari Guide. Think you have what it takes? Select a Hunts Mesa tour below.

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.

Valley View Tours

Photography tours.

Valley View Tours offers photography tours for the cinematographers and portraitist.

This tour will capture the authenticity of Monument Valley and its raw beauty with private locations that an average tour does not provide. To capture Monument Valley in its natural beauty, this is the tour for you.

Price: from $150.00 starting at 2.5 Hours

• Explore the best of Monument Valley and get off the beaten path!
• Photograph the starry night skies and beautiful spring Milky Way amidst some of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest.
• Learn about the native Navajo culture and photograph Navajo models arrayed in traditional clothing on their homeland.
• Stand on Hunts Mesa and capture the vast and stunning valley at sunset.
• Expect plenty of individual attention with a small group of 8 participants and 2 instructors.
• Post-processing and image critique sessions will help you make the most of your images!
• Trip includes all transportation, Navajo guides, Navajo models, park entrance fees, and pro photography instructions.

We keep our itineraries flexible to account for weather, current conditions, and group interest.  The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

• Day 1 (May 4): Meet at 1PM (MDT-Mountain Daylight Time) at Goulding's Lodge in Monument Valley for a mandatory orientation session. After lunch, we are invited into traditional homes called hogans to photograph the Navajo people. As the light gets better towards the evening, we head outdoors and photograph the Navajo models against the beautiful landscapes of their homeland.
• Day 2 (May 5): It's a short night as we get up early to photograph Milky Way panos over the valley. After that, we venture into the backcountry with some spectacular foregrounds for night photography. We stay out through sunrise and photograph various spots before heading back for a midday rest break. Mid-afternoon we meet back up with our Navajo guides and head into the backcountry for another landscape and Navajo model photo session.
• Day 3 (May 6): With clear skies in the forecast, we are up early again to photograph the Milky Way at a couple different alcoves. We then shoot sunrise at an impressive overlook before returning to our hotel for breakfast and a midday break. With many options on the table, we decide as a group where to go for our sunset shoot.
• Day 4 (May 7): When the clouds roll in, we will skip Milky Way shooting. Instead, we capture a stunning sunrise over the valley. We reconvene for a comprehensive post-processing and image critique session. After lunch, we meet our Navajo guides and make our way up the rough sandstone road to the top of Hunts Mesa. This fun and exciting ride is the highlight of many participants. The view of the vast valley below makes Hunts Meas an unbeatable sunset location! If skies are clear, we'll stop at an arch on the way back for night photos.
• Day 5 (May 8): Depending on what time we get back the night before, we may skip sunrise this morning. If time permits we'll hold another classroom session. The workshop will conclude no later than noon.

Lodging options are scarce and expensive in Monument Valley. Goulding's Lodge is the best combination of comfort, service, and value. We have reserved one bedroom villas for all our guests. These stand-alone cabins have 2 queen beds, separate bedroom, patio, living room, and kitchenette.

The lodging cost is added separately to your final workshop payment which is due approximately 90 days prior to the workshop. The cost for double and single occupancy are listed below. Double occupancy cannot be guaranteed and you may be required to upgrade to single occupancy if a same-gender roommate is not available.

• Double Occupancy:  $550/person
• Single Occupancy:  $1100/person

Please arrive at Goulding's Lodge no later than 1PM MDT on May 4th for the orientation session. Participants should have their own transportation to get to/from Monument Valley. The closest airports are in Flagstaff and Page, AZ. There are no public transportation options so we recommend renting a car if flying in. Participants have the opportunity to arrange carpooling with each other after the pre-workshop Zoom meeting. We provide all transportation during the workshop to the shooting locations.

Everyone on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. The uneven terrain, sand and uphill pitches make the short hikes on this workshop seem much harder. You should be comfortable walking at least a couple miles per day with your camera gear.

The weather can be variable in early May. Sometimes cold fronts can come in and bring a lot of wind and precipitation. Other times it can be sunny and mild. Be sure to bring plenty of warm layers and a rain jacket especially for night photography. Please see the gear list further down.

The workshop does not include any meals, beverages or snacks. You will be responsible for your own meals even if we are eating as a group. The workshop will conclude by noon on May 8th.

We are using authorized Navajo guides for the areas we visit along and Navajo models for some of the shoots. The cost of these guides and models is included in the workshop fee and model releases will be given to all workshop participants. The Navajo guides and models appreciate tips and gratuities if you feel so inclined.

Note: If you are using your images for commercial use, you will have to apply for a separate permit with the Navajo Nation Parks Department.

$3250/person + Lodging + Tax

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Trip Includes:

• Navajo guides and access to the Monument Valley Backcountry.
• Navajo models & model releases for at least 2 shoots.
• Park and Permit Fees
• All ground transportation and photography guiding during the trip.
• Post-processing and image critique
• Pre-Workshop Meeting via Zoom

Trip Does NOT Include:

• Transportation to/from your home to Monument Valley
• Meals, beverages, and snacks
• Gratuities for Photo Guides, Navajo Guides, Navajo Models and Drivers

The cost of lodging will be added to your final payment pending your selection. Please see details in the lodging section above.

When you complete the checkout process, you will be given the option to either pay the full amount or put down a 50% deposit.  If you pay the deposit, the remaining amount will be charged 120-days prior to arrival to the credit card we have on file.

Recommended Camera Gear

• Sturdy tripod and ballhead
• Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
• Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range.  If you have an ultra-wide in the 11-14mm range, bring it along since there are many places we can utilize it. For night photography, it's best to have a lens that is f/2.8 or faster.
• Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
• Long telephoto lenses will come in handy in many locations. We really like the 100-400mm zoom lens.
• Circular polarizer filters are useful.  Bring any ND filters if you have them.
• Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
• Remote cord for your camera.
• Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or follow along during the post-processing instruction.

Personal Gear List

• Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
• A rain jacket and a warm layer.
• Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Warm Hat, Sun Hat, and Gloves
• Water bottle or hydration bladder.
• Hiking poles if you like having them.

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Photography Instructor

Ever since he was young, A.J. Rich has had a passion for all things visual. Growing up on the edge of St. George, Utah, he often sketched his favorite sports players and designed logos for his youth sports teams. A.J. also spent countless hours around his childhood home climbing rock mesas and exploring the unknown, including at nearby Zion National Park.

After graduating with a degree in graphic design from Brigham Young University in 2001, A.J. worked in the graphic design field for 20 years. In 2006 A.J. picked up a camera and, drawing on his art background, he has been a successful Getty Images contributor. In recent years he has focused on landscape photography—where his true passion lies.

Today the quest for the “timeless story” drives A.J. on all his outdoor adventures. While out in nature he seeks the ethereal and spiritual planes, and if he can capture them in a photograph, even better.

Currently A.J. works by day as a graphic designer and art director for BYU Brand & Creative, always dreaming of and planning for his next photography journey.

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Brian Wilde is an entrepreneur and a passionate wildlife and portrait photographer based in Salt Lake City, UT. His work has been featured on Forbes, CNN, MSN, Daily Mail, DP Review, DY Photography, and the cover of Foto Magazine.  His portraits include noted celebrities such as President Jimmy Carter, Ted Turner, James Earl Jones, John C. Reilly, Jessie Jackson, and more. His work has graced the CNN Travel homepage numerous times, is featured in world class hotels, and his print “God’s Painting” has won a major National Geographic award.  ​ Recently, he won a prestigious Travel Photographer of the Year Award for his wild stallion portfolio in the Thrills & Adventures category.

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Ndoh public health order, nn reopening plan, our tour services.

Scenic Tour

Visit a lot in little time. Explore six popular destinations in Monument Valley.

Sacred Tour

More destinations than the Scenic Express at a lower price and additional hour.

One Hour Horseback

Ride around one of the most magnificent buttes in Monument Valley, The Mittens.

Two Hour Horseback

Explore more of The Mittens & Sentinel Mesa for an additional hour on horseback.

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Human skeleton unearthed from hudson valley home sparking mystery of its origin.

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An excavation crew unearthed human remains from a home in the Hudson Valley last week — igniting and quickly destroying a town’s hopes to finally solve a decades-old missing persons case, police said Thursday.

The skeleton was found April 16 by a crew that was preparing for a new home build in the town of Patterson, according to the New York State Police.

The badly decomposed body offered little clues to the person’s identity, but investigators confirmed that it was not that of that of Robin Murphy, who mysteriously vanished on April 9, 1995 at age 17.

The victim had been dead for more than 10 years, troopers said.

The announcement initially stirred excitement through Putnam County that the remains could be that Murphy, who was last seen leaving her home to meet her friend at a local restaurant. 

She went missing right around the same time as 12-year-old Josette Wright, whose remains were discovered in November of that year not far from where the excavation crew found the body last week.

Hope to finally put the case to rest was smashed Saturday, however, when troopers confirmed that the DNA sample from the body did not match Murphy’s profile.

“Her family has been through a lot and it would be amazing to close the case and get some justice,” the page administrator for Murphy’s missing persons Facebook page told Westchester News 12.

Howard Gombert, who is serving prison time in Connecticut for rape, has long been suspected of abducting and killing Murphy, but police never had enough evidence to charge him.

He was also fingered as Wright’s alleged killer by the two men who were charged with her rape and murder and later acquitted.

State troopers are still working to identify the discovered remains, stating that the case is in its “infancy.”

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