Login to use
TourSacred
On December 26, 2025
Overview
- Duration:1 hour 30 minutes
- Travelers:2 - 10 guests
- Tour Type:Vehicle Tour
- Language:English, Navajo
- Age Limit:3-70
- Child Price:$40.00 (Ages 3-12)
Hop in the saddle for a two-hour horseback ride through the western spirit of Monument Valley! Gallop past towering mesas and red rock formations as the spirit of the Old West surrounds you. Your Navajo guide, a seasoned cowboy, with our well-trained loveable horses will share their spirit of the people’s land. Whether you’re a seasoned wrangler or an absolute beginner, this journey will leave you with memories as big as the valley itself. So, dust off your boots, feel the wind and join us for an unforgettable ride through this iconic frontier!
Highlights
- Journey deep into Monument Valley on an off-road tour guided by Navajo experts who know the land intimately.
- Discover hidden corners and iconic formations, from towering mesas and buttes to remote sandstone landscapes few visitors ever see.
- Hear the stories behind the land, gaining insight into its cultural, historical, and spiritual importance from your knowledgeable guide.
- Take in expansive desert panoramas, with plenty of opportunities for striking photographs of the valley’s dramatic scenery.
- Support preservation and local traditions by traveling in small, respectful groups that help protect these treasured lands.
Includes/Excludes
- The tour includes a professional tour guide, CPR-certified staff, all necessary safety equipment, applicable sales taxes and fees, photography opportunities, transportation, and pickup and drop-off exclusively at The View Hotel or the Visitor Center.
- The tour does not cover park entry fees, gratuities, car seats for children, personal items, hotel or lodging, or any extended or custom stops.
Itinerary
Expand allMeet At Starting Point
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.
The Mitten Buttes Viewpoint
Our adventure starts with a scenic drive to The Mittens, famously known as the West and East Mitten Buttes. Take in breathtaking views while discovering the geological importance of these iconic formations. From the southern perspective, the buttes resemble two enormous mittens with their thumbs pointing toward each other.
John Ford's Point (Closed)
A popular filming location for many Western movies directed by John Ford between 1939 and 1960. This key spot is now known as John Ford’s Point, a plateau with stunning views of the desert. Though it is currently closed due to rocks wearing away naturally. You can take pictures of this spot as we drive by it.
Rain God Mesa
Rain God Mesa is especially striking in the evening light, rising majestically above Monument Valley’s desert landscape. Surrounded by other towering formations, it takes on the appearance of a natural fortress. For centuries, the Navajo have cultivated the fertile sandy soils around Rain God Mesa, drawing nourishment and life from the land.
Thunderbird Mesa & Navajo Hogan Visit
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.
Next, 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 & Mocassin Arch
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 & Ear of The Wind
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 Cube, Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei
Next stop is at The Cube, a unique scenic viewpoint that offers sweeping vistas of Monument Valley’s iconic landscape. From here, you’ll also get distant views of the Totem Pole, a 450-foot-tall narrow spire named for its resemblance to a Native American totem pole. It was famously climbed by actors Clint Eastwood and George Kennedy during the filming of the 1975 movie The Eiger Sanction.
In the distance, you can also admire Yei Bi Chei, a group of rock spires representing figures from Navajo mythology. The name “Yei Bi Chei” means “Holy People” or “Spirit Beings,” sacred figures believed to bring healing and guidance. These formations are especially striking at sunset, when the light casts dramatic shadows and highlights across the spires.
Spearhead Mesa & Artist's Point
Visit Spearhead Mesa, an impressive formation that rises sharply from the desert floor like the tip of a giant spear. Its distinctive shape and rugged cliffs make it a striking feature of the valley’s landscape. From a distance, you can appreciate its dramatic silhouette against the open sky, while learning about its significance in Navajo culture and the stories connected to this sacred land.
Artist's Point is 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.
Camel Butte and North Window Overlook
From a distance, you can admire Camel Butte, a striking rock formation shaped like a kneeling camel. Its unique silhouette stands prominently against the Monument Valley skyline, making it a favorite for photographers and a recognizable landmark.
You’ll also have a view of the North Window Overlook, a natural stone arch that frames the expansive desert beyond. This iconic formation is especially dramatic when sunlight highlights its rugged contours, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
End of Tour
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages can participate in the sacred vehicle tour?
Most tours are suitable for ages 3–70. Children under a certain age require car seats or adult supervision.
Are there height, weight, or mobility restrictions for passengers?
Tours generally accommodate all passengers. Very small children may require car seats, and guests with mobility limitations should inform the tour company in advance to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
What should I wear or bring for a vehicle tour?
Wear comfortable layered clothing, sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, water, and a camera or smartphone to capture photos of the landscapes.
What are the best times of day or seasons to take a sacred tour?
Early morning and late afternoon offer dramatic lighting and cooler temperatures. Spring and fall typically provide the most comfortable weather and clear skies.
What is the difference between a public and private tour?
Public tours include multiple parties sharing the vehicle, while private tours are exclusively for your group, offering a more personalized experience. You can make a public tour private by booking all available seats.
How can I book a sacred vehicle tour?
Tours can be booked online or by phone. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons such as spring, summer, and holidays.
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?
Tours operate rain or shine if roads are open. If severe weather occurs, 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. Partial or full refunds may be issued if tours end early due to weather or emergencies. Refunds typically appear within 3–5 business days depending on your payment method.
Any additional information for children?
Sacred Monument Tours does not provide child seats. Parents must bring all necessary items for children. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children below the minimum age limit cannot participate.
Is photography allowed, and are there recommended stops for photos?
Yes! The tour includes multiple scenic viewpoints. Guides will recommend the best locations for photographing mesas, buttes, and other unique rock formations.
Are food, drinks, or restroom breaks included?
Guests should bring water and snacks if desired. Restroom facilities are limited in the backcountry, so plan accordingly. Guides may make stops at designated areas when available.
Customer Reviews
You might also like...
