Monument Valley: Highlights Tour with Backcountry Access offers an exceptional way to experience some of the most stunning scenery in the American Southwest. For about $98 per person, you’ll spend 3.5 hours traveling in a small group in open-air safari vehicles, exploring restricted areas inaccessible to general visitors. Guided by local Navajo guides, you’ll see famous sights like Mitten View, Three Sisters, John Ford Point, and Artist Point, along with hidden gems like Ear of the Wind arch and Ancient Anasazi Ruins.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the extra time at each stop allows for unforgettable photo opportunities and a true appreciation of each monument’s scale and beauty. Second, the access into restricted backcountry areas provides an intimate view of the valley’s most iconic and lesser-known features.
A potential consideration? The tour involves open-air vehicles in warm weather, which might not appeal to everyone, and an entry fee of $8 per person is payable upon arrival, adding to the cost.
This experience suits travelers who crave a deeper connection to the landscape, especially those who love photography, history, and Navajo culture. It’s particularly ideal if you want more than a basic drive-by experience and are eager to learn from knowledgeable guides.
Key Points
- Extended Duration: 3.5 hours, providing ample time at each stop.
- Backcountry Access: Explore restricted areas only accessible on this tour.
- Cultural Insights: Learn Navajo traditions and history from local guides.
- Photography Friendly: Long stops perfect for taking memorable photos.
- Small Group Experience: Up to 12 in open-air vehicles for an intimate experience.
- Value for Money: Combines natural beauty with cultural storytelling.
A Deep Dive into the Monument Valley Highlights Tour
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What You Can Expect from the Tour
The tour kicks off with a meeting at the designated Navajo loading area, where you’ll hop into an open-air safari vehicle designed to maneuver easily through rugged terrain. With a maximum of 12 passengers, the small group setting ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds. This is a crucial point because it means you’ll have more space and time to savor each vista, unlike larger bus tours that rush through the highlights.
The journey into Monument Valley begins with classic sights like Mitten View, Three Sisters, and John Ford Point—familiar images that have been featured in countless Western films and photographs. But the real magic lies in the extended stops, where you can take your time to frame the perfect shot, soak in the atmosphere, or simply marvel at the natural grandeur.
Exploring Restricted Backcountry Areas
Unlike standard tours, which stick to the main roads and viewpoints, this tour ventures into restricted parts of the valley. These areas require special access, granted only via guided tours like this one. You’ll get a closer look at Sleeping Dragon, Traditional Hogan, Moccasin Arch, and Sun’s Eye, along with scenic spots like Ear of the Wind arch and Ancient Anasazi Ruins.
This additional access offers a sense of discovery—imagine standing beneath an arch that few visitors see up close or gazing into a hidden canyon rarely visited by the general public. From reviews, many travelers appreciate the personalized insights from Navajo guides like Larry or Sabrina, who share stories, legends, and cultural context that enrich the visual experience.
Cultural Encounters and Cultural Learning
One of the most valued aspects of this tour is the cultural component. After exploring the natural sites, you’ll visit a traditional Navajo Hogan, a significant cultural structure, where guides share stories and traditions. The musical performance by your guide adds a personal and authentic touch, making the experience much more meaningful than just sightseeing.
Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ knowledgeability and friendliness. For example, one traveler mentions how Larry “offers stories that go beyond the tour,” adding a layer of depth to the scenery. Others praise guides like Steven and Sandrea for their personal accounts of Navajo life, making the landscape come alive with stories and traditions.
More Great Tours NearbyPhoto Opportunities and Time to Explore
Photographers will love the longer stops—some reviews specifically mention how this allows for better compositions and more relaxed photo sessions. It’s a chance to capture the monuments at different angles or wait for the perfect light during different times of the day.
For example, one traveler commented that Larry “knows the best spots and best photo options,” which is crucial because the landscape is so expansive and varied that even a few extra minutes here and there can make a difference.
The Experience’s Practicalities
The tour generally runs in the morning, offering the best light and cooler temperatures, especially in summer. The entry pass to the Tribal Park costs $8 per person and can be purchased upon arrival. Transportation is weather-dependent—warm weather travelers will ride in an open-air vehicle, while cooler or hotter days may require an enclosed SUV for comfort.
It’s worth noting that the tour not suitable for pregnant women or babies under 1 year, due to the vehicle ride and terrain. Travelers should be prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and a scarf—essentials for staying comfortable in the sun and dust.
The Authenticity and Value
Many reviews emphasize that this tour offers an authentic Navajo-led experience, not just a touristy drive. The guide’s storytelling and demonstrations, like the sand and water model showing how the buttes formed, add educational value. With a cost of $98, you’re paying for a combination of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, restricted access, and personalized attention—a good deal compared to larger or less-involved tours.
Summary of the Review
This tour balances visual spectacle with cultural storytelling, making it ideal for those who want to understand and appreciate the landscape beyond just its beauty. The small group size and longer stops make it suitable for photography enthusiasts, while the insightful Navajo guides elevate the experience into something more meaningful.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re a traveler who loves photography, history, or authentic cultural experiences, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s perfect if you want more than a quick drive-by and are willing to invest a bit more for restricted access and storytelling. However, if you’re looking for a no-fuss, large-group experience, this might feel a bit intimate or slow-paced.
The Sum Up
This Monument Valley tour offers an authentic, culturally rich experience with a generous amount of time to explore some of the most iconic and lesser-known sights. The knowledgeable Navajo guides, combined with restricted access, make it a standout choice for travelers who crave a deeper connection to the landscape and its people.
While the price is slightly higher than some standard tours, the added personalized touches and more relaxed pace provide excellent value. It’s especially well-suited for photographers, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts eager to learn from local guides and see the valley from places most visitors don’t get to experience.
If you want a meaningful, scenic, and culturally immersive tour, this one won’t disappoint.
FAQ
- How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, giving plenty of time at each stop for photos and exploration. - What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a Navajo guide, access into restricted backcountry areas, a visit to a traditional Navajo Hogan, and a musical performance by your guide. - Do I need to pay an entry fee?
Yes, there is an $8 per person fee for the Tribal Park, payable upon entry. - What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a scarf are recommended to stay comfortable and protected from the sun. - Are food options included?
No, food is not included in the tour price, so plan accordingly. - What is the group size?
The group is small, with a maximum of 12 participants in warm weather and 7 in colder or hotter conditions. - Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or babies under 1 year due to vehicle and terrain conditions. - How can I book or cancel the tour?
You can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later. Cancellations are fully refundable if made 24 hours in advance. - What makes this tour different from others?
The access into restricted backcountry areas and the longer stops for photography and cultural storytelling set it apart, offering a richer experience.
This tour offers an immersive way to connect with Monument Valley’s striking scenery and Navajo culture—ideal for those who want more than just a quick look and appreciate storytelling as part of their adventure.
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