Monument Valley: Sunset Backcountry Tour & Navajo Hogan Visit

Summary

Watch the rocks change color at sunset meet Navajo hosts learn stories only locals tell

You’ll ride through Monument Valley’s wildest corners with a Navajo guide, watch sunset paint the Mittens and Totem Pole Monuments, step inside a traditional Hogan for rug weaving and music, and hear stories you won’t find on signs. Pickup is included—just bring your curiosity (and maybe a jacket).

What’s the experience like?

Li was already waiting by the truck outside the View Hotel, grinning like he knew what kind of evening we’d have. I’d barely finished my coffee when we rolled out onto that red dirt — Monument Valley dust gets everywhere, but you stop caring after five minutes. The mittens (those big rock towers) were glowing pinkish-orange, and Li kept pointing out how the shadows moved across them. He said something about “the land breathing” at this hour. I didn’t expect to feel that, but you sort of do.

We bumped along into places you can’t go alone — apparently most folks never see these backcountry bits unless they’re with a Navajo guide. At John Ford’s Point, there was this wind that tasted dry and metallic, almost like old pennies. A couple horses wandered by; one had a turquoise bead tied in its mane. Li told us about movies filmed here (he does a pretty good John Wayne impression), then suddenly we were inside a Hogan watching his aunt weave a rug. She let me touch the wool — rougher than it looks — and she laughed when I tried to say “Yá’át’ééh.” I probably butchered it.

Sunset hit while we stood by Totem Pole Monument, everyone quiet for once except for some distant crows and Li humming softly behind us (he sings too — didn’t see that coming). The rocks went from gold to purple so fast I nearly missed it fiddling with my camera. There are petroglyphs out near Sun’s Eye; Li traced one with his finger and said it was older than anyone could remember. The air smelled faintly smoky from someone’s campfire far off. We ended up at Artist’s Point just as the last bit of light slid away. Still think about that view sometimes — it makes you feel very small but not in a bad way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset tour of Monument Valley

• Visit West and East Mitten View
• See John Ford's Point and Three Sisters
• Explore Navajo Hogan and rug weaving demo
• View Moccasin Arch and Big Hogan Arch
• Enjoy live performance by guide
• Visit Sun's Eye and Anasazi Petroglyphs
• See Totem Pole Monument
• Stop at North Window or Artist's Point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Monument Valley sunset tour?

Yes, pickup is included outside the View Hotel or KOA campground for overnight guests.

Does the tour visit restricted backcountry areas in Monument Valley?

Yes, your certified Navajo guide will take you into areas not open to regular travelers.

Is there a demonstration of Navajo rug weaving during the tour?

Yes, you'll visit a traditional Hogan for a rug weaving demonstration by a local artisan.

Are entry fees included in the price?

No, Tribal Park Admission ($8 per person) is not included.

How long do we spend at each scenic stop?

You’ll have 5–10 minutes at each scenic stop to explore and take photos.

Is this Monument Valley sunset tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from either the View Hotel or KOA campground if you're staying overnight, guidance from a certified Navajo host who shares stories and history along the way, entry into restricted backcountry areas most people never see, an intimate visit inside a traditional Hogan with live rug weaving demonstration—and even some music before heading back under desert stars.