Monument Valley Backcountry Tour: 28 miles with Navajo guide

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/101

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

2h 30m

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.