Monument Valley 4×4 Tour: Ancient Ruins & Mystery Valley Hike

Ancient dwellings carved into rock cliffs are still standing where Ancestral Puebloans left them centuries ago.

This 3.5-hour guided tour departs Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in a 4×4 vehicle, heading south through Mystery Valley to hike among ancient ruins, petroglyphs and natural arches. You meet at The View Hotel 15 minutes before departure and travel roughly 30 minutes to reach the backcountry terrain where the hikes begin. A professional guide in English narrates the drive, shares cultural and historical context, and leads you through the rugged landscape on foot. Bottled water and local taxes are included; the park entrance fee is separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mystery Valley 4x4 tour and hike

• Meet at The View Hotel
• Drive to Mystery Valley via Highway 163
• Explore ancient ruins and arches
• Enjoy scenic drive with guide narration
• Return and check belongings

The Experience

You arrive at The View Hotel at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time and meet your guide at the loading area, about 50 yards west of the entrance. The 4×4 departs strictly on the hour and heads south on Highway 163, leaving the main park road behind. For the next 30 minutes, your guide points out the monuments and buttes along the route and explains what you're seeing—the landscape itself becomes part of the story.

Once you cross into Mystery Valley, the terrain opens onto a world of ancient ruins and arches. You hike through rugged ground past family homes and petroglyphs, moving deeper into the backcountry where the Ancestral Puebloans carved their dwellings directly into the rock face. Your guide walks with you the entire way, sharing the history and cultural significance of the sites. The arches scattered throughout offer views across the surrounding landscape, and there's room to ask questions as you move through the day.

The whole experience runs 3.5 hours from start to finish. Before returning to the hotel, you'll dispose of any trash and do a final check for your belongings—the tour operator isn't responsible for lost or damaged items. Wear smart casual clothing and bring sunscreen; the high desert sun is relentless even in cooler months. If you have spinal injuries, this tour isn't a fit because of the rough terrain and vehicle movement.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• bottled water.
• local taxes.
• cultural and historical information shared throughout the drive and hikes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for back problems

Operated by MV Dineh Bekeyah Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're in Monument Valley for an afternoon and want to see the ancient ruins and hidden terrain without arranging a 4×4 rental or navigating backcountry roads yourself—the guide handles the route and the history, so you focus on the landscape and the sites.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the main Monument Valley loop and Mystery Valley on this tour?

Mystery Valley sits off the main park road and requires a 4×4 vehicle to reach. The backcountry terrain here holds the ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs you hike to; the main loop stays on paved roads and covers different viewpoints. This tour takes you to the hidden sites most visitors don't see.

Do I need to pay separately for Monument Valley Tribal Park entry?

Yes. The park entrance fee is not included in the tour price. You'll pay it separately when you enter the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The tour price covers the guide, water, local taxes and the 4×4 transport through Mystery Valley.

What time does the tour leave, and how early do I need to arrive?

Tours depart strictly on the hour from The View Hotel. You must arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time so the guide can load the vehicle. Meet at the loading area about 50 yards west of the hotel entrance—not inside the building.

Is there a time difference I should know about?

Monument Valley observes Mountain Standard Time (Utah), but the Navajo Nation runs on its own time zone. From mid-March to October, there's a one-hour difference between Arizona and the Navajo Nation. Check which time zone applies to your tour departure to avoid arriving late.

Can I bring children, and are there any age restrictions?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. A child rate applies only when a child shares the tour with two paying adults. Service animals are allowed on the tour.