Monument Valley Backcountry Tour: 28 miles with Navajo guide

Seven stops across 28 miles of Monument Valley's off-limits backcountry

A 2.5-hour guided tour of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park with a certified Navajo guide who navigates 28 miles of backcountry terrain to seven scenic stops, including the Mitten Views, John Ford's Point, a Navajo hogan with rug-weaving demonstration, and Anasazi petroglyphs. The guide shares the history and stories of each landmark and performs at Big Hogan Arch. Pickup is available from The View Hotel or KOA campground (KOA guests must call for departure time). The extended backcountry tour includes the hogan visit and weaving demonstration.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Monument Valley highlights

• Introduction by Navajo guide
• Visit West & East Mitten View
• Stop at John Ford's Point
• See Navajo Hogan and weaving demo
• Explore Big Hogan Arch and Moccasin Arch
• Watch live performance
• Visit Sun's Eye and Anasazi Petroglyphs
• View Totem Pole Monument
• End at North Window or Artist's Point

The experience

The tour starts with a brief introduction from your Navajo guide, then heads into the backcountry where the route passes through 28 miles of Monument Valley's most recognizable terrain: the landscape where movies, commercials, and performances have been filmed. You'll stop at seven distinct locations: the West and East Mitten Views, John Ford's Point (where the guide brings the monuments to life through storytelling), a Navajo hogan where you watch rug weaving, Big Hogan Arch and Moccasin Arch (where the guide performs), Sun's Eye with Anasazi petroglyphs and ruins, the Totem Pole Monument, and either North Window or Artist's Point depending on the day's conditions.

The vehicle navigates terrain that is off-limits to self-guided travelers, so you see the hidden stories and lesser-known formations most visitors miss. Your guide handles the driving and timing, which means the 2.5-hour experience holds together without you managing the route or worrying about getting lost. Pickup is from The View Hotel lobby (outside, down the stairs) or from KOA campground if you're staying there overnight: KOA guests need to call ahead to confirm the departure time.

Children from age 1 are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though the vehicle does travel unpaved backcountry roads. Service animals are permitted. If you want to include the Navajo hogan visit and rug-weaving demonstration, book the extended backcountry tour option. The standard tour does not include this stop.

What’s included

• Certified Navajo guide.
• pickup and drop-off from The View Hotel or KOA campground.
• access to seven scenic stops across 28 miles of backcountry (West and East Mitten Views, John Ford's Point, Big Hogan Arch, Moccasin Arch, Sun's Eye with Anasazi petroglyphs, Totem Pole Monument, and North Window or Artist's Point).
• live storytelling and performance by your guide.

Information

Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day at 09:30 and 13:00, from US$ 75 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:00

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Monument Valley Tribal Tours

Is this one for you?The unpaved backcountry roads mean the ride is rougher than a paved scenic loop, which is what gets you to the off-limits formations and hidden ruins. If you want the polished viewpoint experience, the main park loop is smoother. The 2.5-hour pace is steady, so you're sitting in a vehicle most of the time rather than hiking. Book this if you want the backcountry access without the walking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): 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.

What are the seven stops on the Monument Valley backcountry tour?

The tour visits West and East Mitten View, John Ford's Point, a Navajo hogan with rug-weaving demonstration, Big Hogan Arch and Moccasin Arch, Sun's Eye with Anasazi petroglyphs and ruins, Totem Pole Monument, and either North Window or Artist's Point. Each stop reveals a different formation or cultural site within the backcountry.

How long is the Monument Valley backcountry tour?

The tour runs 2.5 hours and covers 28 miles of Monument Valley's backcountry terrain. The guide navigates the unpaved roads and handles all the timing so you can focus on the landmarks and stories.

Where does the tour pick me up?

Pickup is from The View Hotel lobby (outside, down the stairs) or from KOA campground if you're an overnight guest there. KOA guests must call ahead to confirm the departure time before the tour.

What is included in the Navajo hogan visit?

The hogan visit and rug-weaving demonstration are included in the extended backcountry tour option. If you book the standard tour, this stop is not part of the itinerary. You'll need to upgrade to the extended version to see the weaving demonstration and learn about traditional Navajo crafts.

What makes this tour different from driving Monument Valley on my own?

A certified Navajo guide navigates 28 miles of backcountry terrain that is off-limits to self-guided travelers, revealing hidden formations, Anasazi ruins, and petroglyphs most visitors never see. The guide shares the history and stories of each landmark and performs at Big Hogan Arch, bringing the monuments to life in ways a solo drive cannot.