Top 15 Monument Valley Tours You Can’t Miss

Translated into the language of the Indigenous people who inhabit the region, Monument Valley signifies valley of the rocks.

Situated on the Colorado Plateau, it boasts vast expanses of vibrant sandstone buttes, the tallest of which rise more than a thousand feet above the arid desert floor.

This valley is positioned between the southwestern states of Arizona and Utah, forming part of the Navajo Nation reservation.

During the 1930s, it became a prominent backdrop for western films, although today it predominantly serves as a site for Indigenous communities and visitors from around the globe.

1. 2 ½ Hour Monument Valley Tour with Backcountry Access

You may believe that a brief 2 ½ hours would not permit sufficient time to appreciate the area’s stunning vistas, yet prior tour participants contend that this is not accurate.

This intimate tour is exclusively available with a local Navajo guide, imparting a cultural richness absent in other excursions.

Destinations include the Three Sisters, John Ford Point, and Sleeping Dragon, among others.

Following the sightseeing segment, participants will engage with the local culture by visiting a Navajo residence, interacting with the inhabitants, and observing an intriguing demonstration of traditional rug weaving.

2. 3-Day Iconic American Natural Beauty Tour from Las Vegas

The opulence of the Las Vegas Strip is undeniably enticing when visiting the American southwest, yet the region’s natural splendors often overshadow it.

This three-day excursion commences in Las Vegas and encompasses visits to many of the nation’s most renowned landmarks.

Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley are among the notable highlights, prompting visitors to use descriptors such as breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and magnificent regarding their experiences.

Additionally, you will explore the area’s rich cinematic legacy and the history of the Native Americans who have inhabited this land for generations.

3. Monument Valley 3-Hour Tour

Monument Valley is an awe-inspiring natural gem that is best appreciated in small groups.

Those participating in this three-hour tour will be transported to the valley’s highlights in an African safari-style open-top vehicle, which offers a more engaging experience than a traditional air-conditioned van.

Stops include significant sites such as the Big Hogan, Sun’s Eye, Sleeping Dragon, and John Ford Point, the latter named after the prominent film director of the early 20th century.

Excursions include captivating narration from an experienced guide, access to restricted areas, a visit to a traditional Navajo village, and a ceremonial music performance as well.

4. 3-Day Tour of Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley & Horseshoe Bend

Throughout the universe’s history, no one has ever referred to Monument Valley as undesirable, tedious, or mediocre.

It is genuinely that stunning, and when paired with other extraordinary natural attractions like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, it provides a truly unparalleled experience.

This tour, which begins and concludes in Las Vegas, spans from Wednesday to Friday and features a Jeep excursion through the Navajo Reservation with stops at the red rocks of Sedona and the Valley of Fire.

During the journey, your guide will elucidate how the striking landscape was shaped over eons by wind and water erosion.

5. Antelope & Grand Canyons, Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley Tour

The rugged terrains of the southwest are ideally suited for exploration by 4×4, and this multi-day combination tour offers participants the opportunity to do just that.

This challenging three-day adventure encompasses Bryce and Zion National Parks, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a fast-paced tour that is particularly popular among amateur photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Participants are typically capped at 14 individuals, ensuring a distinctly intimate experience.

Additionally, an upgrade to a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is available, alongside hiking and cultural interactions with Native Americans.

6. 7-Day National Parks Small Group Tour

For those with an entire week to explore the most iconic sites of the American west, this seven-day tour is an excellent choice.

Participants will have the opportunity to camp beneath the stars, traverse the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, hike through mesmerizing geological formations, and likely experience the trip of a lifetime.

Both sunrise and sunset are magical experiences, providing the chance to witness both at Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon in their full glory.

This tour also includes a Jeep excursion with a Navajo guide through Monument Valley.

Participants must be at least seven years old, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

7. Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Zion National Park Tour

Do you have three days and two nights to spare?

Are you eager to be captivated by some of North America’s most striking landscapes?

If your answer is affirmative, continue reading, as this natural wonders combination tour of Arizona and Utah may be for you.

Activities encompass visits to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Monument Valley, and Zion National Park in Utah.

You and your companions will interact with Navajo locals, traverse the desert in a Jeep, and if inclined, opt for an unforgettable helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon.

A full day is dedicated to exploring Monument Valley, with the option of a guided hike in Zion as well.

8. 3 Hour Sunrise of Monument Valley

The ethereal formations scattered across the southwestern landscape are legendary, with names that often echo their dramatic nature.

The Big Hogan, Sun’s Eye, Sleeping Dragon, and the Totem Pole are among the most vibrant; they all feature in this brief yet comprehensive tour of Monument Valley.

You will witness the sunrise in a manner never experienced before as your guide escorts you to a scenic overlook adjacent to the iconic Totem Pole.

This mesmerizing sight might inspire you to create a masterpiece as the sun’s rays illuminate the remarkable geological formations into vibrant monoliths reminiscent of earlier epochs.

9. Monument Valley 4×4 Tour

There is something particularly special about being guided through Monument Valley by an experienced Navajo guide.

Having called this area home for generations, they possess an unparalleled depth of knowledge.

This tour lasts approximately 2 ½ hours and visits many of the same sites as those mentioned previously. However, unlike others, you will navigate in an open-air vehicle while gaining insights into Native American culture.

Depending on prevailing weather conditions, you may also be taken to locations that are only accessible under the guidance of a member of the Navajo Nation.

10. Hunts Mesa Overnight Campout

For those with a passion for the outdoors, there is no superior way to immerse oneself in Monument Valley than through hiking and camping.

While the desert is inhabited by various creatures such as poisonous snakes and scorpions, they typically avoid campers.

This overnight camping expedition to Hunts Mesa lasts around 20 hours and provides breathtaking scenery, ample opportunities for exploration, and captivating stories of local lore around a crackling campfire as daylight fades in the canyon.

This experience is indeed remarkable; however, it is not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with back conditions, or those with lower levels of physical fitness.

11. 1 ½ Hour Tour of Monument Valley’s Valley Loop Drive

Although it may seem unlikely, it is feasible to appreciate the wonders of Monument Valley in less than two hours.

You will not hike, traverse the rugged landscape in an off-road vehicle, or interact closely with Native Americans; however, you will see much of what the valley has to offer from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.

This makes it an optimal option for those with time constraints, particularly families traveling with young children or older relatives.

The itinerary follows the Valley Loop Drive and presents multiple opportunities to halt and photograph the remarkable sights.

It is important to note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

12. 2 ½ Hour Guided Tour of Monument Valley

If you’ve noticed a recurrent theme in the previously mentioned Monument Valley tours, it may be that longer durations do not always equate to a better experience.

This is reassuring news for travelers with time and financial constraints.

This 2 ½ hour tour spans nearly 30 miles of breathtaking natural landscapes, additionally granting access to petroglyphs created by the ancient cliff-dwelling Anasazi, who mysteriously vanished centuries ago.

The tour also encompasses areas within the Navajo Tribal Park, where arches, towering formations, and deep canyons can be observed.

Various departure times are available to accommodate a range of traveler schedules.

13. Monument Valley Sunrise Photo Tour

Monument Valley ranks among the most photographed locations in the southwest, and this three-hour evening tour caters to avid photographers.

Accompanied by skilled and passionate photographers, this tour consistently guides guests to prime vantage points at the perfect time for capturing unforgettable moments.

You will need to rise early to reach the Totem Pole in time, yet former participants assert that this is a minor sacrifice for the payoff.

There is also a three-hour sunset tour that departs in the late afternoon, so consider participating in both tours, with time for lunch and rest in between.

14. Monument Valley Tour

This small-group tour of Monument Valley allows participants to customize their experience according to personal interests.

The itinerary includes stops at the iconic Mitten Buttes, the Three Sisters, and Elephant Butte. For those interested in cultural engagement, there is an opportunity to interact with Native Americans, observe their lifestyle, and enjoy a traditional music performance.

All tours are conducted in open-air vehicles, guided by knowledgeable Navajo guides, ensuring that you will see and learn about aspects of Monument Valley that may be overlooked in other excursions.

15. Basic Tour of Monument Valley

Loop tours are ideal for individuals who wish to commence and conclude their journey at the same point. This 17-mile Monument Valley tour is a preferred choice for those with less than three hours to spare.

This tour encompasses all major landmarks for which the valley is renowned and provides participants with chances to pause and capture photographs from various scenic viewpoints.

A visit to an authentic Navajo Hogan and a rug-weaving demonstration by Navajo women is also included, enriching the cultural experience.

The brevity of this tour allows ample time to engage in other intriguing activities in nearby national parks.