Explore the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley with guided tours covering both the scenic 17-mile loop and restricted backcountry areas. Choose from 4x4 excursions, sunrise or sunset drives, and horseback rides led by local Navajo guides.
Free Cancellation Explore Monument Valley’s famous landmarks and restricted backcountry arches on a guided Navajo cultural tour.
Free Cancellation Explore Monument Valley’s famous landmarks and restricted backcountry arches on a guided 2.5-hour desert tour.
Free Cancellation Explore Lower Monument Valley’s iconic red rock formations on a three-hour guided sunrise or sunset tour.
Free Cancellation Explore restricted backcountry areas of Monument Valley at sunset with a Navajo guide, cultural demos, and live music.
Free Cancellation Explore 28 miles of Monument Valley’s restricted backcountry with Navajo storytelling and weaving demonstrations.
Free Cancellation Explore 28 miles of Monument Valley’s restricted backcountry with a local Navajo guide and storyteller.
Free Cancellation Explore Monument Valley's iconic red rocks with local Navajo guides on an intimate, small-group cultural tour.
Free Cancellation Explore Monument Valley’s red rock mesas on a two-hour guided horseback tour led by local Navajo guides.
Free Cancellation Explore 17 miles of the Valley Loop Drive and famous movie sites on this 90-minute guided history and nature tour.
Free Cancellation Watch the sunrise at the Totem Pole and experience live music inside Big Hogan Arch on this guided Navajo tour.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Monument Valley — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Monument Valley's towering sandstone buttes and vast desert landscape offer an unforgettable experience. Guided tours take you beyond the standard scenic drive into restricted backcountry areas, revealing rich Navajo culture and iconic Hollywood movie backdrops.
View the world-famous sandstone masterpieces rising 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Watch the dramatic shadows sweep across the red desert from the Visitor Center or along the scenic loop drive.
Step into a classic Western movie at this spectacular panoramic viewpoint. It is the legendary spot where the iconic 'Man on a Horse' photographs are taken.
Venture beyond the public 17-mile loop with a Navajo guide to explore hidden gems. Discover secluded arches, ancient petroglyphs, and towering monuments closed to independent travelers.
Marvel at these slender, fragile sandstone spires sculpted by millions of years of wind and water. Navajo tradition holds that the Totem Pole is a sacred god held up by lightning.
Experience the valley when the desert light is softest and colors are most vibrant. Early morning and late evening tours capture the golden glow hitting the western faces of the buttes.
Planning a trip to this remote Navajo Tribal Park requires a bit of preparation. Here is what you need to know before booking your Monument Valley excursion.
You can choose from 1.5-hour quick loop drives, 2.5 to 3.5-hour extended backcountry 4x4 excursions, or unique 2-hour horseback riding tours. Sunrise and sunset departures are highly popular for photography.
Most tour prices do not include the required Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park entry fee. Expect to pay a $15 per person admission fee plus a $20 vehicle fee at the toll booth upon arrival. National Park passes are not accepted.
Backcountry tours and special sunrise/sunset excursions frequently sell out during the peak summer months. It is highly recommended to reserve your spot well in advance to secure your preferred departure time.
The 17-mile scenic loop is an unpaved, rough dirt road with deep sand dunes and potholes. Booking a guided open-air safari or 4x4 tour saves your personal vehicle from potential damage.
The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time and operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST). Be aware of the one-hour time difference between the Arizona Time Zone and the Navajo Nation from mid-March to October.
The high desert environment means temperatures fluctuate wildly, dropping below freezing on winter mornings and exceeding 100°F in summer. Dress in layers and bring plenty of water, as open-air vehicles expose you to the elements.
Most guided tours offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Group tours may also be canceled or rescheduled by the operator due to severe weather, like summer monsoon flash floods.
| Standard Loop Drive Tour | Extended Backcountry 4x4 Tour | Sunrise or Sunset Tour | Horseback Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 Hours | 2.5 - 3.5 Hours | 3 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Best for | Quick sightseeing and avoiding rental car damage | Exploring restricted areas and famous movie filming sites | Photography and experiencing vibrant desert colors | Adventurous travelers wanting a traditional perspective |
| Includes | Navajo guide, open-air vehicle, bottled water | Navajo guide, backcountry access, open-air 4x4 | Navajo guide, early/late departure, open-air vehicle | Navajo guide, horse, safety gear, cowboy hats |
| Price from | $65 | $75 | $85 | $180 |
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park operates on seasonal schedules. Access to the 17-mile Scenic Drive is strictly regulated by these hours.
Please note that the park is completely closed to visitors on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Monument Valley is located in a remote region on the border of Utah and Arizona. Driving is the primary way to reach the park.
Upon arrival, expect to pay a $20 vehicle fee plus a $15 per person entry fee at the toll booth.
The absolute best times to visit Monument Valley are during the shoulder seasons of late Fall and early Spring, particularly in March. These months offer comfortable daytime temperatures and significantly smaller crowds.
If you are a photography enthusiast, aim for late March or mid-September to witness the spectacular Mitten Shadow event, where the shadow of West Mitten Butte perfectly aligns with East Mitten Butte at sunset.
When to avoid: The peak summer season from May to September brings intense heat exceeding 100°F and extremely long wait times. Additionally, the monsoon season from July through September brings severe afternoon thunderstorms, creating dangerous flash flood hazards and muddy road conditions.
Accessibility varies greatly depending on which part of the park you intend to visit.
While remote, Monument Valley offers essential facilities for travelers exploring the tribal park.
Lodging: The View Hotel and Cabins is the only lodging facility located directly inside the park boundaries. It features rooms with private balconies facing the Mittens, alongside wilderness tent sites and an RV park. Most guided tours meet right outside the hotel lobby.
Shopping & Dining: You will find a restaurant and gift shop at the Visitor Center. Additionally, local Navajo artisans operate roadside stands along the loop road where you can purchase authentic, handmade crafts like wool rugs and silver jewelry.
Because Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park and a residential area, strict rules are enforced to protect the land and its people.
No, Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park located entirely within the sovereign boundaries of the Navajo Nation. It is managed by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department, not the federal government.
No, National Park passes and Golden Eagle passes are not accepted here. Visitors must pay the specific tribal entry fees, which are typically $15 per person and $20 per vehicle.
You do not need a guide to drive the 17-mile scenic loop or hike the 3.2-mile Wildcat Trail. However, if you want to explore the backcountry areas like Mystery Valley or Hunts Mesa, you are legally required to hire a licensed Navajo guide.
A standard sedan can make the drive in dry weather, but it must be done very slowly. High-clearance vehicles or SUVs are strongly recommended because the unpaved dirt road has rough terrain, potholes, and deep sand dunes.
No, dogs are strictly prohibited at all Navajo Tribal Park locations, including Monument Valley. You will need to make alternative arrangements for your pets before arriving.
No, the use of drones is strictly prohibited throughout the entire Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Any drones flown within the boundaries will be confiscated by park officials.
Most guided tours meet just outside the lobby of The View Hotel at the designated Guided Tour Loading Area. The hotel is located right next to the main Visitor Center inside the park.
The Navajo Nation operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) and observes Daylight Saving Time. This means from mid-March to October, the park is one hour ahead of the surrounding state of Arizona.
Temperatures fluctuate drastically in the high desert. Wear layers, including a warm jacket for morning tours, and bring a hat, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from the sun and dust.
Generally, no. Most tour operators require you to pay the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park entry fee separately at the toll booth before meeting your guide inside the park.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
This tour covers both the standard 17-Mile Scenic Loop and the restricted backcountry of Monument Valley Tribal Park. Led by a Navajo guide, you will visit well-known landmarks like the East and West Mitten Buttes and John Ford’s Point, a famous filming site for classic westerns. The second half of the trip heads into areas off-limits to self-guided visitors. Here, you will see natural sandstone arches such as Sun’s Eye, Ear of the Wind, and Big Hogan. During the tour, your guide will share the history of Diné Bikeyah (Navajo Land) and provide a cultural demonstration through traditional songs or Native American flute music.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 2.5-hour guided tour covers a 28 to 45-kilometer route through Monument Valley, combining the park's primary scenic overlooks with restricted backcountry areas. You will travel past the well-known sandstone formations before heading off the main loop to visit sections of the valley that are only accessible with a professional guide. The backcountry portion of the drive focuses on natural stone arches and ancient petroglyphs left by the Anasazi civilization. Along the way, your guide provides historical context for these rock carvings and shares factual insights regarding the valley’s geology and cultural heritage.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This three-hour tour explores the heart of Lower Monument Valley during the most scenic times of day. You can choose between a sunrise or sunset departure to see the landscape when the light is soft and the colors of the desert are most vibrant. A local guide leads the way, providing context for the area's geology and history as you move between locations. The route includes stops at major landmarks such as John Ford’s Point, the Big Hogan, the Totem Pole, and the Sun’s Eye. You will have time at each site to walk around and take photos of the monuments and the surrounding desert floor.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour travels through Monument Valley as the sun begins to set, highlighting the shifting shadows and colors across the sandstone formations. You will go beyond the standard loop with a Navajo guide, visiting restricted backcountry areas that are closed to the general public. Along the way, your guide shares insights into Navajo history and local traditions. The tour includes a stop at a traditional Hogan for a rug-weaving demonstration and a live musical performance in the heart of the valley. Please note that the $8 per person Tribal Park admission fee is not included in the tour price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 28-mile 4x4 excursion covers the standard park highlights along with several remote locations restricted to general visitors. Led by a Navajo guide, the tour navigates through the valley’s famous mesas and spires, visiting the specific backdrops used in numerous films and commercials. You will have more time at each stop compared to the standard tour to observe the landscape and learn about the history of the area. The experience focuses on Navajo heritage through oral histories and live performances. The itinerary includes a visit to a traditional Navajo Hogan, where you will see a demonstration of traditional rug weaving. Your guide will share the stories and legends tied to the monuments, providing a local perspective on the land. Please note that the $8 per person Tribal Park admission fee is not included in the tour price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Join a local Navajo guide for a 28-mile journey through the heart of Monument Valley. This tour covers the valley’s most famous landmarks, including the towering mesas, buttes, and spires that have served as backdrops for decades of films and commercials. Because this is a guided experience, you will have access to restricted areas of the park that are closed to self-guided travelers. Throughout the drive, your guide will share the history of the land through traditional storytelling and live performances. You will visit iconic arches and geological formations while learning about the heritage of the Navajo people. This tour offers a comprehensive look at the valley's famous sights alongside quiet, off-limits locations that most visitors never see.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Monument Valley is defined by its towering sandstone monoliths and a desert landscape that shifts with the weather and seasons. On this tour, you will see the valley’s most famous landmarks and native plants while learning about the area’s natural history. Our guides are Navajo locals who grew up in the valley, providing a firsthand perspective on their culture and heritage. They are familiar with the best locations for photography and share their knowledge through personal stories and local insights. This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 guests, designed to be informative and adventurous. We treat every visitor as a friend and aim to leave you with a lasting connection to the land. If you are a solo traveler, please contact us directly so we can place you with a group. You can also reach out to us for more information on available tour options.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This two-hour horseback tour leads you through the heart of Monument Valley. You will ride past towering red rock mesas and through the desert terrain that defines this region. The route is designed to showcase the valley's natural formations from a perspective only accessible by trail. Your guide is a local Navajo wrangler who provides historical context and cultural significance to the areas you visit. The tour uses well-trained horses and is open to all skill levels, including absolute beginners. All necessary riding equipment is provided for the duration of the journey.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 90-minute guided drive covers the full 17-mile (25-km) Valley Loop. Along the way, you’ll stop at the region’s most famous scenic overlooks and visit several locations used in classic films. It’s a practical way to see the landscape while learning about the geography and ecology that shaped it. Our local guides lead the trip, sharing stories about the area’s cultural heritage and history. The tour is paced for families and couples who want to understand the background of the valley beyond just the views. You'll finish the loop with a clear sense of the local history and the natural forces at work in the region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Meet your Navajo guide for an early departure into the valley to secure a viewing spot near the Totem Pole. This location offers a clear view of the horizon, allowing you to photograph the first light as it hits the valley’s famous spires and buttes. After the sun is up, the tour moves to Big Hogan Arch, a natural rock amphitheater. Here, you will listen to a live musical performance that takes advantage of the site's unique acoustics. The remainder of the trip covers the park's primary landmarks, including John Ford’s Point, the Three Sisters, and Mitten View. Your guide will provide context on the landscape and history as the morning light continues to change the colors of the mesas and rock formations.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English