Monument Valley: 4x4 Cultural Tour with Navajo Guide & Hogan Demo

Summary

Stories echo under arches as you ride into Monument Valley’s heart

You’ll ride deep into Monument Valley with a local Navajo guide who shares stories passed down through generations. Walk beneath Sun’s Eye Arch and see ancient petroglyphs up close, then feel the warmth of Big Hogan’s rocks against your back. This tour includes bottled water and a Hogan demonstration — expect moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

It started with our guide, Ben, waving us over in front of The View Hotel — he had this quiet smile and said something in Navajo I didn’t catch (I tried to repeat it later, but honestly, no idea what came out of my mouth). We all piled into the 4x4 and rolled off the paved road, dust kicking up behind us. The air was dry but not harsh, just that faint scent of sagebrush and sun-warmed earth. Ben pointed out John Ford’s Point — apparently where all those old westerns were filmed. He laughed when I admitted I’d never seen any John Wayne movies. Guess I should fix that.

The backcountry of Monument Valley feels different — quieter somehow. At Sun’s Eye Arch, Ben told us to stand at this exact spot and look up; the light made the rock glow like an ember. There were petroglyphs too, faded but still clear if you squinted. He shared a story about his grandmother teaching him their meanings. I remember running my fingers along the stone (gently — felt wrong not to) and thinking about how many people had done the same thing before me.

We stopped at Big Hogan next, which is this huge natural amphitheater. The rocks were warm against my back when I leaned into them for a quick photo (Ben insisted — “best angle here,” he said). It was almost silent except for someone’s dog shaking dust off nearby; yeah, it’s pet friendly here, which surprised me. Then Ear of the Wind — biggest arch in the park — and more stories from Ben about spirits and wind songs. Sometimes he’d just go quiet for a minute and let us listen to nothing but wind scraping over sandstone.

I still think about standing at North Window at the end, seeing The Mittens from this sideways angle you never get in photos online. We took pictures but mostly just stood there until Ben nudged us back toward the truck. On the way back, he played a bit of traditional music from his phone — not loud or anything, just enough to make you feel like you’re still out there even after it ends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monument Valley 3.5-hour cultural tour

• Stop at John Ford’s Point
• Drive to Backcountry area
• Visit Sun’s Eye Arch and see petroglyphs
• Attend Hogan Demonstration
• Visit Big Hogan for photos
• See Ear of the Wind arch
• Photograph Totem Pole and Yei Bi Cheii Monuments
• Stop at North Window for photos
• Return to departure point

Top questions

How long is the Monument Valley cultural 4x4 tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours from departure to return.

Where does the Monument Valley tour start?

The tour departs from in front of The View Hotel at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Is pickup included for this Monument Valley tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at The View Hotel loading area.

Are pets allowed on this Monument Valley 4x4 tour?

Yes, pets are welcome on this tour; service animals are also allowed.

What sites do you visit on this day trip in Monument Valley?

You’ll visit John Ford’s Point, Sun’s Eye Arch with petroglyphs, Big Hogan, Ear of the Wind arch, Totem Pole & Yei Bi Cheii Monuments, and North Window viewpoint.

Is lunch included in this cultural day trip?

No lunch is provided; only bottled water is included during your tour.

Are there uneven walking surfaces on this Monument Valley tour?

Yes, some stops have uneven ground; suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?

Yes, tours run rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather changes in Monument Valley.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your Navajo guide right outside The View Hotel before setting off by 4x4 into Monument Valley’s backcountry. Bottled water is provided throughout the journey (hand sanitizer available if needed), plus a stop for a live Hogan demonstration and plenty of time for photos at each site before returning to your starting point.