KAYENTA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
3.5 Hours on the Monument Valley Floor: A Navajo-Guided Safari from The View Hotel
A 3.5-hour, 36-mile guided loop operated by Monument Valley Safari that visits exclusive Navajo-access sites and cultural demonstrations; this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
3.5 Hours on the Monument Valley Floor: A Navajo-Guided Safari from The View Hotel.
Monument Valley’s wind-sculpted buttes and narrow sandstone arches open up on a 3.5-hour guided safari led by Monument Valley Safari. The route threads through classic film vistas and lesser-seen formations, and includes cultural explanation and an on-site demonstration, offering both an aesthetic and historical introduction to the valley under Navajo stewardship.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
West & East Mitten Buttes and John Ford’s Point
Visit Monument Valley’s defining silhouettes—the West and East Mitten Buttes—and stand at John Ford’s Point, the cinematic overlook where many classic westerns were filmed; these are signature vistas of the route.
Susie Yazzie’s Hogan: A Cultural Demonstration
The itinerary includes a visit to Susie Yazzie’s Hogan for a cultural demonstration, giving direct context to Navajo life and traditions as part of the guided experience.
Arches, Spires and Totems
Walk beneath sandstone arches and see spires and formations such as Sun’s Eye Arch, Ear of the Wind Arch, Totem Pole Spire, Cube Rock (YeiBiChei Spires) and the Money Tree—features called out on the route.
What the day feels like
How the Tour Feels
This 3.5-hour loop is a compact, guided exploration of Monument Valley’s most recognizable formations and quieter sandstone features. You’ll move between panoramic overlooks and close-up stops where the guide provides historical and cultural context, and you’ll have opportunities to walk under arches and approach cliff features otherwise closed to unguided visitors.
THE LANDSCAPE
West & East Mitten Buttes and John Ford’s Point
Visit Monument Valley’s defining silhouettes—the West and East Mitten Buttes—and stand at John Ford’s Point, the cinematic overlook where many classic westerns were filmed; these are signature vistas of the route.
THE CULTURE
Susie Yazzie’s Hogan: A Cultural Demonstration
The itinerary includes a visit to Susie Yazzie’s Hogan for a cultural demonstration, giving direct context to Navajo life and traditions as part of the guided experience.
THE GEOLOGY
Arches, Spires and Totems
Walk beneath sandstone arches and see spires and formations such as Sun’s Eye Arch, Ear of the Wind Arch, Totem Pole Spire, Cube Rock (YeiBiChei Spires) and the Money Tree—features called out on the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits best and where it may be less ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs 3.5 hours and covers about 36 miles. Meet your guide in the lobby of The View Hotel next to the bronze statue of a cowboy riding a horse (Indian Route 42, Oljato-Monument Valley).
Bring water, hiking shoes, appropriate clothing and sun protection—these items are specifically recommended for the tour.
Rates are published by age category; note that bookings require a two-person minimum—confirm current fares and booking policy with the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour and how far will we travel?
The tour is 3.5 hours long and covers approximately 36 miles.
Where do I meet my guide?
Meet your guide in the lobby of The View Hotel next to the bronze statue of a cowboy riding a horse (Indian Route 42, Oljato-Monument Valley).
What should I bring on the tour?
Bring water, hiking shoes, appropriate clothing and sun protection as recommended by the operator.
Are there booking or participant minimums?
Yes—the operator requires a two-person booking minimum.
What are the age and fare categories?
Fares are set by age: adult (18+), youth (17 & younger), and child (1–7) who rides free; check the operator for current pricing and any booking details.
Will I see places that are closed to unguided visitors?
Yes—the tour visits exclusive locations accessible only with a Navajo guide and includes walks under sandstone arches and access to cliff features as part of the guided experience.
Is there a local time difference I should account for?
Remember that on the Navajo Reservation Daylight Savings is observed; account for a one-hour time difference when traveling from parts of Arizona that do not observe it.