Monument Valley: 4x4 Backcountry Tour & Navajo Culture

Summary

Monument Valley’s wild shapes, sacred stories, and Navajo craft in the open air

You’ll ride through Monument Valley’s backcountry by 4x4 with a local Navajo guide, visit sacred arches like Sun’s Eye and Ear of the Wind, step inside a traditional Hogan for weaving and music, and see ancient petroglyphs up close. Expect dust in your shoes, stories you’ll want to remember, and views that make you pause without meaning to.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already grinning before we even left the parking lot — she said she could smell the rain coming, but all I noticed was that dry, mineral scent you get in Monument Valley when the sun’s still fighting through clouds. Our guide, Thomas, waved us into the open-air truck (I kept my hat on tight), and off we went bumping along those red tracks. He pointed out John Ford’s Point almost offhandedly — “That’s where all the old cowboy movies happened,” he said — but I just kept staring at how small we looked under those cliffs.

The wind picked up as we rolled deeper into backcountry, and Thomas started telling stories about his grandmother weaving rugs in her Hogan. At Sun’s Eye arch, he showed us faded petroglyphs — it felt strange touching stone that old, like you’re borrowing someone else’s memories for a second. The sand at Ear of the Wind got everywhere (my shoes are probably still full of it), but hearing our voices echo in Big Hogan made me forget about everything else for a minute. Thomas played a song on his flute there — not for show, just because he wanted to fill up that space with something soft.

I tried to say “Yei Bi Chei” out loud and probably butchered it; Thomas laughed and taught us again while pointing at those spires next to Totem Pole. We stopped at Artists Point last — the light was weirdly golden and sharp against the monoliths, and nobody really talked for a bit. I didn’t expect to feel so quiet there. On the way back to The View Hotel I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once — which is rare for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monument Valley 4x4 tour and cultural visit

• Join 2.5 hour Monument Valley tour
• Visit John Ford's Point
• Explore Sun's Eye arch
• See Anasazi ruins and petroglyphs
• Hike sand dunes at Ear of the Wind arch
• Walk inside Big Hogan amphitheater
• Enjoy musical demonstration by Navajo guide
• View Yei Bi Chei spires and Totem Pole
• Stop at Artists Point for panoramic views

Top questions

How long is the Monument Valley 4x4 tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Does this day trip include access to restricted areas?

Yes, you’ll travel through backcountry routes and restricted parts of Monument Valley not open to general visitors.

Is there a cultural demonstration included?

Yes, your Navajo guide will demonstrate rug weaving inside a traditional Hogan during the tour.

Are children allowed on this Monument Valley tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

What vehicle is used for this Monument Valley day trip?

You’ll ride in an open-air vehicle or enclosed van depending on weather conditions.

Will I see John Ford's Point during this tour?

Yes, John Ford's Point is one of the first stops on your route through Monument Valley.

Is there any live music or performance included?

Your guide will perform a musical demonstration at Big Hogan amphitheater during the tour.

Do tours operate in bad weather?

Tours run in all weather conditions; guests should dress appropriately for possible changes.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes transport by open-air vehicle or van depending on weather, guidance from an English-speaking local Navajo guide who shares stories along the way, entry into restricted backcountry areas of Monument Valley including John Ford’s Point and Big Hogan with live musical performance, plus time inside a traditional Hogan for weaving demonstrations before returning you to The View Hotel.