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Overview
- Duration:1 hour 0 minutes
- Travelers:2 - 4 guests
- Tour Type:Horseback Tour
- Language:English, Navajo
- Age Limit:12
- Maximum Weight:220 lbs (100 kg)
Saddle up for a rip-roaring, one-hour horseback tour through Monument Valley! Ride like a true cowboy or cowgirl as you cruise past towering buttes, mesas, and red rock formations that’ll leave you jaw-dropped. Your trusty guide, a local Navajo wrangler, will share tales of the land and its wild history. Feel the wind in your hair and the spirit of the Old West as you trot through this rugged, cinematic landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned wrangler or a beginner rider, this journey offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the desert.
Whether you’re a seasoned wrangler or a beginner rider, this journey offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the desert.
Highlights
- Explore Monument Valley’s land on a guided 1-hour horseback ride led by knowledgeable local guides
- Ride among iconic buttes, mesas, and sandstone formations rarely seen from the road
- Learn the cultural significance, history, and stories of the land as shared by your guide
- Enjoy peaceful, panoramic views and photo opportunities in a timeless desert landscape
- Support the preservation of sacred sites and local traditions through responsible, small-group tourism
Includes/Excludes
- This tour includes a certified guide, CPR-trained staff, safety equipment, Navajo sales taxes and fees, and photography opportunities.
- The tour does not include park entry fees (must enter through the park gates and pay $8.00 per person), gratuities, personal items, hotel or lodging accommodations, or extended or custom stops.
Itinerary
Expand allMeet At Starting Point
Drive or walk your way towards The View Hotel Premium Cabins and at the end of the road/parking lot is a path leading to our horse stable. You'll see our horses, stables and a tiny cabin. That's where you'll meet your guide. When you arrive a guide will greet you, have you sign a waiver before we begin your basic riding instructions.
The Mitten Buttes
We’ll begin our journey with a scenic ride 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.
Merrick Butte
This butte was named after a well-known 19th-century prospector, Richard Merrick, who was one of the first to explore the area. The butte, standing 5,000 feet above sea level, is often seen in iconic Western films, making it a popular stop on horseback tours. As you ride through the valley, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a classic Western movie scene, with Merrick Butte standing proudly in the background. Its striking silhouette adds to the rugged beauty of the landscape!
Sentinel Mesa
It’s often referred to as the “watchtower” of the valley due to its towering presence and strategic location. Standing at 6,200 feet, it has been a natural landmark for centuries, guiding both the Navajo people and early explorers. During horseback tours, riders can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert, and the mesa’s distinct shape often evokes the image of a lone sentinel keeping watch over the land. It’s a popular stop for photography, offering stunning vistas of the iconic red rock formations.
End of Tour
Your tour concludes at the Sacred Monument Tours Horse Stable location where you’re free to ask your guide any remaining questions and take last minute pictures with everyone including our horses!
Frequently asked questions
What ages are allowed to participate in the horseback tours?
Most horseback tours welcome riders ages 12 and up. Children must be able to follow instructions and ride independently. Kids are typically required to ride with a parent or guardian on seperate horses.
Are there height or weight limits for riders?
Yes. For the safety of both riders and horses, there is usually a maximum weight limit around 220–250 lbs (100–113 kg). Height is less important than balance and physical ability. Guests should disclose any concerns at booking time.
Do I need experience to ride?
No experience is required. The tours are designed for beginners, and horses are trained, calm, and well cared for. Guides provide basic riding instructions before the tour begins.
What should I wear on a horseback tour?
Guests should wear:
Closed-toe shoes (boots or sneakers; no sandals or flip-flops)
Long pants (jeans are ideal)
Weather-appropriate layers
A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Avoid loose clothing that could flap or snag.
Closed-toe shoes (boots or sneakers; no sandals or flip-flops)
Long pants (jeans are ideal)
Weather-appropriate layers
A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Avoid loose clothing that could flap or snag.
What are the best times of day to ride during each season?
Spring & Fall: Morning and late afternoon are best for cooler temperatures and great lighting
Summer: Early morning or sunset rides are recommended to avoid heat
Winter: Midday tours offer the warmest temperatures and good visibility
Sunrise and sunset rides are especially popular for photography.
Summer: Early morning or sunset rides are recommended to avoid heat
Winter: Midday tours offer the warmest temperatures and good visibility
Sunrise and sunset rides are especially popular for photography.
Difference between public and private tour?
A public tour invovles different parties joining together to fill up the maximum capacity, while a private tour is for you or your group, offering a more personalized experience. All our tours are public. However, you and your group can purchase all available spaces for a private, personal, or intimate experience.
How can I book a tour online or by phone?
Tours can usually be booked online in advance or by phone anytime. Booking online and ahead of time is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED, especially during peak seasons (spring, summer, and holidays).
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
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. Refunds will appear back to you within 3-5 business days depending on method of payment.
Any additional info for children riders?
Sacred Monument Tours will not have children under 12 years old on this tour. It is your responsibility to bring personal items. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We cannot make any exceptions for children under the required age limit.
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