Monument Valley jeep tour with Navajo guide & film sites

Summary

Explore Monument Valley’s movie sites & Navajo legends on a guided jeep adventure

You’ll ride through Monument Valley’s famous film locations with a Navajo guide who shares family stories and legends. Expect close-up views of mesas and arches, stops for photos at John Ford’s Point and North Window, plus time to listen — or try to pronounce — Navajo words you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s where my grandfather used to herd sheep,” our guide Tom said, pointing out past the red dust swirling around the jeep. I remember thinking how quiet it was out there, except for the wind and Tom’s stories. We’d just bumped down from John Ford’s Point — yeah, the one from all those old westerns — and he was telling us about his family, not just the movies. The air smelled like sun-baked earth and sagebrush, which I didn’t expect to notice so much.

The Monument Valley Loop Drive is about 17 miles if you do the regular route (ours ran closer to two hours because we kept stopping for photos). Tom knew every turn — he’d slow down for wild horses or to show us petroglyphs scratched into the rock. He even pointed out the spot from Forrest Gump, which made everyone laugh when someone tried to recreate the run (not me, I swear). There’s something about seeing these buttes and mesas up close that makes them feel less like movie props and more like ancient giants. The main keyword here is Monument Valley Loop Drive tour, but honestly it felt more personal than any “tour” I’ve done before.

I liked that Tom shared some Navajo legends too — he told us about Yei Bi Cheii and Totem Pole, weaving in bits of his language (which I definitely couldn’t pronounce right; he grinned at my attempt). At North Window, we just stood quietly for a minute. The light was shifting pink against the rocks. It was one of those moments you don’t really plan for but end up remembering later. If you’re doing a day trip to Monument Valley from anywhere near here, having a local guide makes all the difference.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour

• John Ford's Point visit
• See Totem Pole, Yei Bi Cheii, North Window
• Explore restricted areas and arches
• Visit Navajo hogan and rug weaving demo

Top questions

How long is the Monument Valley Loop Drive tour?

The standard tour covers 17 miles in about 1.5 hours; extended tours are 27 miles over 2.5 hours.

Is this tour guided by a local?

Yes, all tours are led by experienced local Navajo guides.

What will I see on this Monument Valley jeep tour?

You’ll visit John Ford’s Point, Totem Pole, Yei Bi Cheii, North Window, plus movie filming spots and petroglyphs.

Are there stops for photos during the tour?

Yes, there are several stops including famous viewpoints ideal for photos.

Does this include pickup or transportation?

The tour includes pickup at the departure point; public transport options are nearby.

Is lunch included on this Monument Valley Loop Drive tour?

No lunch is included; only sightseeing with your local guide is provided.

Can travelers with health issues join?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided jeep sightseeing tour through Monument Valley with an experienced local Navajo guide sharing stories and history along the way; pickup at the departure point is provided before returning at the end of your loop drive adventure.