Monument Valley: Horseback Ride to Mittens & Merrick Butte

Summary

Ride beneath Monument Valley’s red giants with a Navajo cowboy

You’ll saddle up in Monument Valley for two hours on horseback with a Navajo guide—riding past the Mittens and Merrick Butte, hearing stories about these famous formations, and stopping for photos right where classic Westerns were filmed. You’ll feel the dry desert breeze and maybe even laugh at your horse’s quirks before heading back to the stables as evening settles in.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a battered cowboy hat before I’d even figured out how to sign the waiver. There was dust on my boots already—somehow it gets everywhere here. Our guide, Thomas, just grinned and asked if I’d ever ridden before (I hadn’t, not unless you count a pony at a birthday party). He showed us how to hold the reins and gave this little nod like, “you’ll be fine,” which made me feel braver than I was. The horses looked patient—mine kept flicking his ears back at me as if he was sizing up the situation too.

The first few minutes felt wobbly, but then we started moving along the Wildcat Trail and suddenly everything opened up. The air smelled dry and clean, with that faint mineral tang you get in desert places. We rode toward the Mittens—their shapes are even stranger up close—and Thomas told us how they look like hands from certain angles. He pointed out where old movies were filmed around here; I tried picturing John Wayne riding past but mostly just felt small under all that sky. Sometimes he’d switch into Navajo for a second when talking to the horses, which sounded softer somehow.

We stopped near Merrick Butte for photos—my horse decided it was snack time and went straight for a patch of grass, which made everyone laugh (except maybe Thomas). There’s something about seeing those massive red rocks from horseback that makes you notice every sound: hoofbeats on sand, wind whistling through crevices. On the way back, someone asked about the “watchtower” mesa and Thomas explained how it’s always been a marker in this valley. I kept thinking about what it must be like to grow up with these shapes outside your window every day. When we got back to the stables, nobody rushed off—we just stood around petting noses and asking last-minute questions until the sun started dropping behind the rocks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monument Valley horseback riding tour

• Arrive at Sacred Monument Tours stable
• Meet Navajo guide and sign waiver
• Receive safety briefing
• Ride to The Mittens buttes
• View and learn about The Mittens
• Ride past Merrick Butte
• Enjoy views and photo stops
• Stop at the valley watchtower mesa
• Take panoramic photos of red rocks
• Return to Sacred Monument Tours stable
• Ask guide questions and take photos

Top questions

How long is the Monument Valley horseback tour?

The horseback tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is this horseback tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, both beginners and experienced riders are welcome on this tour.

Where does the Monument Valley horseback ride start?

The ride begins at Sacred Monument Tours Horse Stable near The View Hotel Premium Cabins.

Are helmets or cowboy hats provided on this tour?

Yes, both cowboy hats and helmets are included for your safety and comfort.

What landmarks will I see during this horseback tour?

You’ll ride past The Mittens (West & East Mitten Buttes), Merrick Butte, and other iconic formations along Wildcat Trail.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you make your own way to the stable location.

Can I take photos during the ride?

Yes, there are photography opportunities throughout the tour including stops at scenic spots.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your experience includes a friendly Navajo guide leading you through Monument Valley by horseback for two hours; all necessary safety gear like PPE plus cowboy hats or helmets; GST is covered; and there are plenty of chances to stop for photos with both your horse and those wild rock formations before returning to base at sunset.