Monument Valley: Valley Loop Drive Tour & Movie Sites

Summary

Movie sites wild horses and Navajo stories on the valley loop

You’ll ride through Monument Valley’s famous Valley Loop Drive with a local Navajo guide, stopping at movie sites like John Ford’s Point and catching those wide-open desert views. Feel the red earth under your shoes, hear stories you won’t find online, and maybe laugh at yourself trying to pronounce Diné words. The moments stay with you longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand where John Wayne once did? I didn’t really know what to expect when we climbed into the open-air safari truck outside The View Hotel—just a vague hope for those classic Monument Valley silhouettes. Our guide, Thomas, greeted us with a quiet nod and a smile you could tell came from years of dealing with tourists who don’t always listen (guilty). There was this dry, peppery smell in the air—like sun-baked earth and juniper—and the wind kept tugging at my hat. We rolled out right on time, which Thomas said was “Navajo punctuality.” I still don’t know if he was joking.

The first stop was John Ford’s Point. You’ve seen it in movies even if you don’t think you have. Thomas pointed out exactly where John Wayne sat on his horse for those old Westerns, and then told us about Transformers being filmed there too—which made my nephew perk up. It’s strange how quiet it is out there, except for the wind and sometimes a distant horse snorting. I tried to take a photo but honestly, none of them do that view justice. You just stand there blinking at all that space, feeling kind of small but also lucky.

We bumped along the 17-mile Valley Loop Drive after that—Monument Valley’s rocks shifting colors as clouds drifted by. Thomas shared stories about the formations (I forgot half their names already), but one stuck: he said the land is alive, always changing. At Wildcat Trail, we watched some hikers set off; their boots kicking up little puffs of red dust. My niece asked if we could come back and hike next time—I hope we do. The whole tour took about an hour and a half but felt both longer and shorter somehow. Maybe because I kept trying to memorize everything before we had to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour

• Start 1.5 hour Valley Loop Drive
• Stop at John Ford's Point
• View cinematic movie locations
• Explore scenic overlooks

Top questions

How long is the Monument Valley loop drive tour?

The guided tour covers 17 miles (25 km) in about 1.5 hours.

Where does the Monument Valley tour start?

Tours depart from the front loading area of The View Hotel building.

Is pickup included for this Monument Valley tour?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at The View Hotel loading area before departure.

Are pets allowed on the Monument Valley loop drive tour?

Yes, pets are welcome on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, families are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What vehicles are used for this tour?

The tour uses open-air safari vehicles, enclosed SUVs, or full-size vans depending on conditions.

Does this Monument Valley day trip include movie locations?

Yes, stops include famous movie sites like John Ford’s Point.

Are service animals permitted on this Monument Valley tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes transportation by open-air safari vehicle or van (depending on weather), bottled water for everyone onboard, guidance from a local professional who shares stories along the way, plus all local taxes covered so you can just focus on taking in those wild views together.