Monument Valley Tour: 17-Mile Loop with Navajo Guide

The Mittens, Totem Pole and four other named formations in one morning drive

A 2.5-hour backcountry tour of Monument Valley's main loop in an open-air safari vehicle with a live Navajo guide who explains the geology, history and culture of the valley. The route covers 17 miles and stops at The Mittens, John Ford's Point, Totem Pole, North Window and Artist Point. Children from age 6 are welcome. All park fees and taxes are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Monument Valley self-guided loop tour

• See sandstone masterpieces
• View West and East Mitten Buttes
• Visit The Thumb rock formation
• Observe towering rock spire
• Pass memorable rock formations

The experience

The tour runs the valley's self-guided loop road in an open-air safari vehicle, which means you sit high enough to see across the formations and the guide can point out details the windshield would hide. A Navajo guide leads the drive and shares the history and geology of the landscape. The valley's Diné name is Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii, or Valley of the Rocks. Sandstone buttes tower 400 to 1,000 feet above the desert floor, and the route hits the most photographed spots: The Mittens (the West and East Mitten Buttes), John Ford's Point, Totem Pole, North Window and Artist Point.

The 2.5-hour duration fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming the whole day, so you can pair it with other stops in the region. The vehicle is open to the air, which works well in dry weather but means sun exposure and wind. Bring a hat and sunscreen. Children from age 6 can join. All park entry fees and taxes are built into the price, so there are no surprises at the gate.

What’s included

Park entry, guide service in English, open-air safari vehicle transport through the 17-mile loop, and all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Adventurous Monument Valley Tours

Is this one for you?At 2.5 hours, the tour leaves your morning or afternoon free for other stops: long enough to see the valley's main formations with a guide, short enough to combine with a hike, a meal or another nearby attraction.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is The Mittens in Monument Valley?

The Mittens are two buttes (the West and East Mitten Buttes) that stand in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. They're among the most recognizable rock formations in the valley and a main stop on the tour route.

How long is the Monument Valley tour and can I fit it into one day with other activities?

The tour runs 2.5 hours, so you can do it in a morning or afternoon and still have time for other stops in the region or elsewhere in Arizona.

Is the guide a local, and what language does the tour run in?

Yes, your guide is a live Navajo guide who speaks English and shares the history, culture and geology of the valley throughout the drive.

What's included in the price, and do I need to pay anything extra at the park?

All park fees and taxes are included in the tour price, so there are no additional charges when you arrive.