Monument Valley: Backcountry 4x4 Tour & Navajo Sites

Summary

Monument Valley’s red earth, Navajo stories, ancient carvings and arches in the wild

You’ll ride through Monument Valley’s backcountry in an open 4x4 with a local Navajo guide, stopping at arches and ancient petroglyphs few travelers see up close. Hear stories under the desert sky, feel red sand underfoot at places like Suns Eye and Ear of the Wind, and leave with more than just photos — maybe even a little dust in your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that shadow? That’s the Chief’s Head," our guide said, pointing past the open-air jeep’s frame. The air was dry but not harsh — I could taste dust on my lips, but it was almost sweet, like sunbaked clay. We’d started at Mitten View just as the light shifted from gold to something softer, and already my shoes had a thin coat of orange. I tried to pronounce “Totem Pole” in Navajo (Li laughed when I tried), and I still don’t think I got it right.

Driving deeper into Monument Valley’s backcountry felt different than just looking from the main road — you feel how big everything is out here. Our local guide (I wish I remembered his name; he wore a turquoise bracelet) told stories about the Anasazi petroglyphs at Suns Eye, tracing lines with his finger but never touching them. There was this moment near Ear of the Wind where we all just went quiet — even the wind seemed to hush for a second. Maybe it sounds silly, but you notice things like that when you’re far from anywhere else.

I didn’t expect to learn so much about Navajo life either — we stopped for a quick hogan demonstration and I realized how little I knew about these homes or their meaning. The tour covered so many spots: John Ford’s Point (yeah, someone did that cowboy pose), Three Sisters, Rain God Mesa… Honestly, by the time we bumped along toward Big Hogan arch, my phone battery was dying but it didn’t matter. Sometimes you want to remember it without a screen anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monument Valley 4x4 Backcountry Tour

• Visit Mitten View and Mitchell Mesa
• See Merrick Butte and Elephant/Camel Buttes
• Stop at John Fords Point and Three Sisters
• View Rain God formation
• Explore Backcountry Chief's Head and Big Hogan
• Visit Totem Pole View and Suns Eye
• See Ear of the Wind and hogan demonstration

Top questions

How long is the Monument Valley backcountry 4x4 tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and covers around 28–45 km.

Where does the Monument Valley tour start?

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

Is bottled water included on this Monument Valley tour?

Yes, bottled water is provided for all guests during the tour.

Are pets allowed on this backcountry 4x4 tour?

Yes, this Monument Valley tour is pet friendly and service animals are allowed.

What will I see on this day trip from Monument Valley?

You’ll visit Mitten View, Merrick Butte, John Ford’s Point, Three Sisters, Rain God Mesa, plus backcountry sites like Chiefs Head, Big Hogan arch, Totem Pole View, Suns Eye petroglyphs, Ear of the Wind arch and experience a hogan demonstration.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; guests meet outside The View Hotel at the designated loading area before departure.

Is this Monument Valley 4x4 tour suitable for kids?

Yes; children are welcome if accompanied by an adult and sharing with two paying adults for child rates.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring only what you need: jackets for weather changes, camera or phone (at your own risk), snacks if desired—leave valuables behind as lost items aren’t covered.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by open-air safari vehicle with bottled water provided throughout. A local Navajo guide leads you through both scenic points and restricted backcountry monuments such as natural arches and ancient petroglyphs. Hand sanitizer is available upon request; service animals are welcome; local taxes are included. All tours depart from outside The View Hotel—just show up ready for dust and stories.