Monument Valley: Backcountry Tour with Navajo Guide & Hogan Visit

Summary

Stories echo between the spires as you ride deeper into Navajo land

You’ll travel deep into Monument Valley with a certified Navajo guide—seeing places most visitors never reach. Watch rug weaving inside a real Hogan, listen to stories and songs echoing off ancient arches, and stand where movie legends once rode. This isn’t just scenery—it’s memory-making territory.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it’s like to actually stand in Monument Valley, not just look at it from the road? I didn’t know what to expect—just those famous silhouettes from old movies. But when our Navajo guide met us outside The View Hotel (pickup was smooth, by the way), the first thing I noticed was how quiet everything felt. Except for the crunch of gravel under our van and the wind brushing past those giant red mittens—West and East Mitten, that is. Our guide, Thomas, pointed out where John Ford used to set up his camera. He grinned when I tried to imagine John Wayne riding through here—said everyone does that.

The sun made everything look unreal, but then we ducked into a Hogan—a traditional Navajo home—and suddenly it smelled like earth and cedar smoke. A local woman showed us how she weaves rugs; her hands moved so fast I could barely follow. She laughed when my friend asked if she ever gets tired (“Only when my husband tries to help,” she joked). That moment felt realer than any postcard. Later at Big Hogan Arch, Thomas sang a short song that echoed around the rocks. It gave me goosebumps—I didn’t expect that part at all.

We saw petroglyphs at Sun’s Eye and tried to guess their meanings (I was way off). The whole Monument Valley backcountry tour covered about 28 miles—felt longer in a good way because every stop had its own story or view or weird silence. By the time we reached Artist’s Point, the light was starting to shift and everything looked softer. I still think about that view sometimes—the kind of place where you want to sit quietly for a while and just let it be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Monument Valley highlights

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

Top questions

Is pickup included for Monument Valley backcountry tours?

Yes, pickup is included for guests at The View Hotel lobby or KOA campground (call ahead for times).

How long is the Monument Valley backcountry tour?

The tour covers about 28 miles inside Monument Valley with several scenic stops.

Will I visit a real Navajo Hogan on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit a traditional Hogan and see a rug weaving demonstration by a local artisan.

Are there any live performances during the tour?

Yes, your guide may share songs or stories at certain stops like Big Hogan Arch.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted according to the reference info provided.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at The View Hotel or KOA campground (just call ahead if you’re staying at KOA), all guided transport across Monument Valley’s backcountry with a certified Navajo guide leading each stop, entry into areas closed to regular visitors, plus a visit inside a traditional Hogan with live rug weaving demonstration before returning in comfort.