Embark on an unforgettable sacred tour through Monument Valley, visiting 13 breathtaking sites. Start with the iconic West and East Mitten Buttes, then stand in awe of the mighty Merrick Butte. See the towering Totem Pole, the unique North Window arches, and the mystical Elephant Butte. Explore the hidden Mystery Valley, home to ancient Navajo ruins. Visit a Navajo Hogan, a shelter to the people’s ceremonies, culture and traditions. Marvel at Artist’s Point, the striking Yei Bi Chei rock formations, and the serene Ear of the Wind.
This journey through stunning locations is an educational must-have experience you won’t forget!
Expect a guided, scenic adventure through stunning desert landscapes into the backcountry’s Mystery Valley, with towering red rock formations filled with stories. Local Navajo guides will share insights into the valley’s geology, history, and cultural significance. The tour will take you on rough, bumpy dirt roads, offering spectacular views of iconic landmarks in the backcountry. You’ll travel in a sturdy, open-air 4×4 vehicle, so be prepared for varying weather conditions and bring sunscreen, layers, and a camera for incredible photo opportunities. It’s a memorable experience that combines natural beauty with rich cultural learning.
Meet your guide 30 minutes before the tour at the View Hotel or the Tribal Park Visitors Center parking lot. Check-in and prepare for an exciting adventure.
We’ll begin our journey with a scenic drive to The Mittens, also known as the West and East Mitten Buttes. Enjoy stunning views and learn about the geological significance of these iconic landmarks. When viewed from the south, the buttes appear to be two gigantic mittens with their thumbs facing inwards.
Monument Valley was a popular filming location for many Western movies directed by John Ford between 1939 and 1960. One of the key spots is now known as John Ford’s Point, a plateau with stunning views of the desert. We’ll visit this iconic site, where classic Westerns were filmed, and enjoy panoramic views for photos.
It towers over Monument Valley’s desert land and with other towers nearby it looks like a fortress. The Navajo have farmed the sandy soils around Rain God Mesa for centuries, bringing sustenance of the good earth to the people. The mesa is named after the Navajo belief that it was a place where the rain god resided, bringing life to the land.
This mesa is named after the mythical Thunderbird, a giant bird in Native American lore believed to control the weather and bring storms. The mesa’s unique shape, which resembles a bird with outstretched wings, adds to the mystique, as many Navajo people believe it represents the powerful spirit of the Thunderbird. The mesa is often seen as a guardian of the land, and its presence in Monument Valley adds to the spiritual significance of the region.
The Hogan is a traditional Navajo dwelling, typically built from logs and mud, designed to be in harmony with nature. On the tour, you’ll learn about the history, construction, and spiritual significance of the Hogan in Navajo culture. You may have the opportunity to interact with a Navajo guide, hear stories about their customs, and witness the hospitality of the Navajo people. It’s an immersive way to connect with the heritage of this sacred land.
Big Hogan Arch: This impressive arch is shaped like a traditional Hogan, resembling a doorway into the valley’s spiritual world. It’s named after the Navajo Hogan dwelling, symbolizing the connection between the land and Navajo culture. The arch’s massive size and grandeur make it a popular stop on our tours.
Moccasin Arch: Named for its resemblance to a moccasin, a traditional Native American shoe, this arch is a beautiful example of natural erosion. Its shape and location within Monument Valley add to its mystique and charm. The arch offers incredible photo opportunities, especially with the valley’s iconic red rock landscape as a backdrop.
Sun’s Eye: This unique rock formation is named for the way sunlight seems to pass through it, creating the illusion of an eye. The shape of the rock, with its circular opening, has a mystical quality, and the Navajo people view it as a symbol of vision and awareness. It’s believed to be a place of spiritual connection, offering an amazing view of the surrounding valley.
Ear of the Wind: This natural arch is shaped like an ear, with the rock’s erosion creating a passageway through which wind passes. In Navajo tradition, it’s thought to be a sacred place where one can hear the whispers of the past and the spirits of the land. Its location offers stunning panoramic views of Monument Valley, making it a must-see stop!
The Totem Pole is a tall, narrow spire of rock that stands 450 feet high, making it one of the tallest freestanding spires in the valley. It got its name because of its resemblance to a Native American totem pole. American actors Clint Eastwood and George Kennedy were the last people to climb it while filming the 1975 movie The Eiger Sanction.
Yei Bi Chei is a collection of rock spires that resemble figures from Navajo mythology. The name “Yei Bi Chei” means “Holy People” or “Spirit Beings” in the Navajo language. The spires are said to represent the figures of the Yei, sacred beings in Navajo culture who are believed to bring healing and guidance. These formations are often photographed at sunset when the light creates dramatic shadows and highlights, adding to their spiritual and visual significance.
It’s named for its resemblance to the scenes often painted by artists, particularly those who captured the beauty of the American West. From Artist’s Point, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of towering rock formations, such as the Mittens, as well as the vast desert expanse. The spot is especially favored by photographers, offering stunning views at sunrise and sunset when the lighting casts dramatic colors across the valley.
It’s one of the valley’s notable natural arches, offering a unique perspective of the desert and iconic formations like the Mittens. The arch is part of the famous “Window” rock formations, with the North Window being one of the most photographed spots in the valley. Visitors often stop here to capture the view through the arch, especially during sunrise or sunset
Your tour concludes and we head back to The View Hotel and Tribal Park Visitor Center to drop you off. Feel free to ask your guide any remaining questions or explore more on your own!
All tours are subject to our Terms of Service. We operate rain or shine, as long as roads are open. In case of severe weather, Sacred Monument Tours may modify or cancel tours for safety, offering a full refund if canceled. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable, and the 20% deposit is non-refundable. If the park closes or a tour ends early due to weather or emergencies, we may cancel or modify the tour and issue a partial or full refund.
Although booking your tour online in advance is not required, our tours are limited and often sell out quickly throughout the year. To ensure the best availability and experience for tours and departure times, we highly recommend booking in advance.
Our horse stable location is open from 8 AM to 8 PM (GMT-7), during Spring, Summer & Fall. During the Winter months, our horse stable location stays open until 6 p.m. Our Customer Service team can assist you by phone from 8 AM to 8 PM.
The best times of day to experience Monument Valley are at sunrise and sunset. During these times, the soft, golden light casts dramatic shadows and brings out the rich, vibrant colors of the landscape. Sunrise typically offers a more peaceful atmosphere with fewer visitors, while sunset provides equally breathtaking views with the added beauty of the setting sun illuminating the rock formations. These times also allow for cooler temperatures, making for a more comfortable visit.
A public tour involves a group of people and follows a set schedule, while a private tour is tailored specifically for you or your group, offering a more personalized experience. All tours are initially public, and to book a private tour, your party must purchase all available spaces.
Sacred Monument Tours does not provide car seats for children ages 3-4. It is your responsibility to bring your child’s car seat. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We cannot make any exceptions for children under the required age limit.
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