Monument Valley: Sunrise Tour, Navajo Guide & Live Music

Summary

Watch the desert wake up as light spills over Totem Pole then hear live music echo under Big Hogan Arch with your Navajo guide

You’ll stand beneath Monument Valley’s Totem Pole as dawn breaks, guided by a local Navajo who shares stories only locals know. Feel live flute music swirl inside Big Hogan Arch, visit ancient petroglyphs, and laugh with fellow travelers as you explore iconic spots like John Ford’s Point—all before most people have had breakfast.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen the sun crawl up like that?" our guide, Thomas, asked as we stood in the half-light near Totem Pole. I was still shaking off sleep and honestly a little cold, but there was this dry sage smell in the air and everything felt sort of suspended. The rocks looked purple at first—then just suddenly, they caught fire. I fumbled my camera because I didn’t want to blink and miss it. The Monument Valley sunrise is one of those things you think you’ve seen in photos, but it’s totally different when you’re actually standing there trying to be quiet with strangers who all look kind of awestruck.

We bumped along in the van after that, dust swirling behind us. Thomas pointed out shapes in the stone—he called one “Sleeping Dragon,” which I never would’ve spotted on my own—and told stories about his grandmother weaving rugs in a hogan nearby. At Big Hogan Arch, he just grinned and said, “Wait for this.” Suddenly a musician started playing flute right under the arch. The sound bounced around so softly it almost tickled my ears. I don’t know how to describe it except that for a minute nobody moved or coughed or even shuffled their feet. It was just… still.

I tried to say thank you in Navajo (Li laughed when I tried—probably butchered it), and we headed off again past places like John Ford’s Point and Three Sisters. The wind picked up at Mitten View and someone’s hat nearly blew away; everyone cracked up except the poor guy chasing it down the slope. We stopped by some petroglyphs too—Thomas explained what he could but admitted some meanings are lost now. That made me feel weirdly grateful to see them at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise and Scenic Tour of Monument Valley

• Meet Navajo guide
• Drive to Totem Pole sunrise spot
• Watch sunrise at Totem Pole
• Enjoy live music at Big Hogan Arch
• Visit Sun's Eye and Anasazi Petroglyphs
• See Ear of the Wind Arch
• Tour Navajo Hogan and weaving demo
• View Totem Pole Monument East
• Stop at North Window or Artist's Point
• Visit John Ford's Point
• See West and East Mitten View

Top questions

What time does the Monument Valley sunrise tour start?

The sunrise tour begins early in the morning before dawn; exact pickup times depend on sunrise timing.

Is hotel pickup included for the sunrise tour?

Yes, pickup is included from The View Hotel or KOA Campground (for overnight KOA guests only).

Who leads the Monument Valley sunrise tour?

The tour is led by experienced local Navajo guides who share cultural insights along the way.

Does the tour include stops at famous viewpoints?

Yes, stops include Totem Pole, John Ford's Point, Three Sisters, Mitten View, and more.

Is there live music during the tour?

Yes, there is a live musical performance at Big Hogan Arch during the tour.

Are children allowed on this sunrise tour?

Infants are allowed if seated on an adult's lap; check health recommendations for young children.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Monument Valley for access to pickup points.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup outside The View Hotel or KOA Campground (if staying overnight), guidance from an experienced Navajo guide throughout Monument Valley, a live musical performance inside Big Hogan Arch’s natural amphitheater effect, visits to scenic viewpoints like Totem Pole and John Ford’s Point, plus time exploring ancient petroglyphs before returning after sunrise.