Monument Valley: Mystery Valley Tour with Ancient Dwellings & Arches

Summary

Explore ancient Anasazi sites, Navajo stories, and natural arches in Mystery Valley

You’ll walk among ancient Anasazi dwellings in Mystery Valley, see petroglyphs up close, and hear Navajo stories from your guide beneath soaring natural arches. Expect moments of silence broken by traditional music and the scent of desert air—this tour leaves you feeling connected to something much older than yourself.

What’s the experience like?

Already bouncing along the dusty road before I even realized we’d left Monument Valley behind—our guide, Ben, was pointing out the first cluster of ancient stones. The sun was still low, so everything looked kind of golden and quiet. I remember the way the sand felt under my shoes when we stopped near what he called an Anasazi dwelling. It’s strange seeing fingerprints in the mud walls from people who lived here centuries ago. Ben told us about how his grandmother used to bring him out here as a kid—he laughed when he caught me staring too long at some faded pictographs. “They’re stories,” he said, “not just drawings.”

We wandered between arches that almost didn’t look real—one was so big I had to lean back until my hat nearly fell off just to see the sky through it. There’s this smell out here, like warm stone and juniper, mixed with something sweet I couldn’t quite place. At one stop, Ben played a short piece on his wooden flute under an arch; it echoed around us in a way that made everyone go quiet for a second. I didn’t expect to feel that much—just listening, not talking.

The petroglyphs were scattered everywhere if you knew where to look (I definitely wouldn’t have found them alone). Some were chipped deep into the rock; others were faded outlines you had to squint at. The group got quiet again when Ben talked about Navajo traditions and how these places connect past and present. I kept thinking about all the feet that must’ve walked these trails before us—kind of humbling, you know? We finished up on Wildcat Trail with dust on our boots and more questions than answers. Still thinking about those echoes under the arch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ancient Anasazi and Natural Arches

• Visit Ancient Anasazi dwellings
• See petroglyphs and pictographs
• View beautiful natural arches
• Enjoy panoramic viewpoints
• Learn about Anasazi and Navajo culture
• Listen to traditional music under arch

Top questions

How long is the Mystery Valley group tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours from start to finish.

Is transportation included during the Mystery Valley tour?

Yes, transportation to each location within Mystery Valley is included.

Will we visit Anasazi dwellings on this tour?

Yes, you’ll get up close to ancient Anasazi dwellings during the tour.

Are there petroglyphs and pictographs on this tour?

Yes, you’ll see both petroglyphs and pictographs along the route.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants and small children can ride in a stroller.

Does the tour include any cultural experiences?

You’ll learn about Navajo culture, history, spirituality, and hear traditional music played live.

What should I bring for the Mystery Valley day trip?

Bring comfortable walking shoes and water; everything else is provided by your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation between sites in Mystery Valley with a local Navajo guide sharing stories of Anasazi history, culture, geology, archaeology, plus traditional music performed under a natural arch—all at an easy pace so everyone can join in comfortably.