Monument Valley: Navajo Backcountry Tour & Flute Ceremony

Summary

Explore Monument Valley’s movie sites, hidden arches, Navajo songs and stories

You’ll travel deep into Monument Valley with a Navajo guide, walk beneath towering spires and arches, listen to live flute music echoing off red stone, and hear stories that stick with you long after you leave. Includes bottled water and moments you won’t find on your own.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled into Monument Valley just after lunch — the red dust already clinging to my shoes. Our Navajo guide, Thomas, met us with a quiet nod and a smile that felt like he’d seen every kind of traveler before. The first stop was East Mitten Butte; honestly, I’d seen it in photos but standing there, the way the sun hit those layers of rock made everything feel sharper. Thomas pointed at the horizon where John Wayne once rode through for some old western — I can’t remember which one now, but he did his best cowboy impression and had us all laughing.

The drive between spots was bumpy (don’t wear white), but you get these wild views — spires like the Three Sisters poking out of nowhere. At Big Hogan Amphitheater, we sat in the shade while Thomas pulled out his flute. The sound echoed off the sandstone in a way that made everyone go silent for a minute. There was this faint smell of sagebrush in the air. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t catch half of what it felt like sitting there listening.

Later we visited Susie Yazzie’s hogan — she wasn’t there that day, but Thomas told stories about her weaving and how families used to gather here when storms rolled over Rain God Mesa. We climbed up to Sun’s Eye Arch (not as hard as it looks) and peered through to see the valley stretch out forever. By then my shoes were full of sand and honestly I didn’t care. It felt good just to sit on warm rock and let your mind wander for a bit.

I still think about that moment under Ear of the Wind Arch — wind whistling through while Thomas sang something soft in Navajo. It wasn’t dramatic or anything, just… peaceful. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Kayenta or even from farther out, this Monument Valley tour with a local guide is worth every dusty mile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Monument Valley landmarks

• Visit East and West Mitten Buttes
• See John Fords Point
• View Three Sisters Spires
• Explore Rain God Mesa
• Stop at Big Chief Monument
• Visit Susie Yazzie's Hogan
• Explore Big Hogan Amphitheater
• Relax at Suns Eye Arch
• Visit Ear of the Wind Arch
• See Echo Cave Ruins
• View Totem Pole and YeiBiChei Spires
• End at Artists Point

Top questions

How long is the Monument Valley tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are infants allowed on this Monument Valley tour?

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

What locations are included on this day trip?

You’ll visit East & West Mitten Buttes, John Ford’s Point, Three Sisters Spires, Rain God Mesa, Big Chief Monument, Susie Yazzie's Hogan, Big Hogan Amphitheater, Sun's Eye Arch, Ear of the Wind Arch, Echo Cave Ruins, Totem Pole & YeiBiChei Spires, and Artists Point.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for guests.

Does this tour include live entertainment?

Yes, your local Navajo guide will play Native American flute or sing during the tour.

Do I need to book a private group or can I join others?

This information isn’t specified; check with your provider for group options.

What’s included

Your experience includes guided transport through Monument Valley Tribal Park with a local Navajo guide who shares stories along the way; live entertainment such as Native American flute music or ceremonial singing; plus bottled water so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own on those dusty trails.