Monument Valley 4x4 Tour: Stand at John Ford's Point

Red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs from an open-air 4x4

You ride in an open-air 4x4 through Monument Valley's backcountry for 2.5 hours, stopping at seven major viewpoints including Mitten View and John Ford's Point, then deeper into terrain with Anasazi petroglyphs and a hogan demonstration. Bottled water and native music are included. Depart on the hour from The View Hotel loading area, 15 minutes early arrival required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Monument Valley scenic and backcountry tour

• Visit Mitten View
• See Mitchell Mesa
• View Merrick Butte
• Explore Elephant and Camel Buttes
• Stop at John Fords Point
• Observe Three Sisters
• Visit Rain God
• Explore Backcountry Chiefs Head
• See Big Hogan and Totem Pole View
• Visit Suns Eye and Ear of the Wind
• Attend Hogan demonstration
• Enjoy native music entertainment

The experience

"You're going to see things most people miss," our guide said as we climbed into the open-air 4x4 outside The View Hotel. He wasn't exaggerating. The 2.5-hour Monument Valley backcountry tour takes you past the famous overlooks (Mitten View, Mitchell Mesa, John Ford's Point), but then keeps going into the rougher terrain where the real story lives. You'll stop at Chief's Head, Big Hogan, and Totem Pole View, each one a different angle on the red rock landscape, and each one quieter than the last.

The backcountry section is where the Anasazi petroglyphs come in. These aren't replicas or museum pieces. They're carved into the actual rock, and your guide walks you through what the symbols mean and how old they are. You also get to see a traditional hogan demonstration, which gives you a sense of how Navajo families actually lived out here. The tour covers somewhere between 28 and 45 kilometers depending on conditions, all of it in an open vehicle, so you're not separated from the landscape by glass. There's native music at some point too, though the real soundtrack is the engine and the wind and the occasional raven.

Logistics matter here: tours depart strictly on the hour from the loading area about 50 yards west of The View Hotel entrance. You need to arrive 15 minutes early, and there's a time zone thing to know: the Navajo Nation runs on its own time, which is an hour ahead of Arizona from mid-March to October. Bottled water is included, the vehicle is pet-friendly, and the tour runs in all weather, so bring a jacket if the forecast looks uncertain. Not suitable if you have spinal injuries or can't handle uneven walking surfaces, but otherwise it works for most fitness levels.

What’s included

Your 2.5-hour tour includes transport in an open-air safari vehicle through Monument Valley's scenic viewpoints and backcountry, bottled water, hand sanitizers upon request, entry to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a hogan demonstration, native music, and local taxes. The vehicle is pet-friendly, and service animals are welcome.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 9 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by MV Dineh Bekeyah Tours

Is this one for you?Best for travelers who want to see beyond the main overlooks and don't mind rough terrain or open-air vehicles. The backcountry access and petroglyphs are what set this apart from the standard scenic drive, and the fixed 2.5-hour window fits between other activities without eating a full day.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

1,760 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,657

4 ★75

3 ★15

2 ★6

1 ★7

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Monument Valley backcountry 4x4 tour?

2.5 hours, covering 28–45 kilometers depending on road conditions.

What's included in the tour?

Open-air 4x4 transport, bottled water, hand sanitizers, local taxes, and native music. Entry to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is included.

Is the tour pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed on the tour.

What time do tours depart?

Tours depart strictly on the hour from the loading area outside The View Hotel. Arrive 15 minutes early for loading.

What's the time zone in Monument Valley?

The Navajo Nation observes Mountain Standard Time and does not follow Arizona's time zone. From mid-March to October, there's a one-hour difference between Arizona and Navajo Nation time.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

It's suitable for all fitness levels, but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. The tour includes uneven walking surfaces.

What should I bring?

Bring jackets or layers for changing weather, cameras, and snacks. The tour operates in all weather. Don't bring valuables. The company is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Can I cancel if I'm sick?

Yes. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been around someone who tested positive, contact the operator immediately for cancellation.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?

At the loading area approximately 50 yards west of The View Hotel entrance. Do not meet inside the hotel. GPS: 36.981823, -110.112931.