Tear Drop Arch: An Off‑Road Ascent into Monument Valley’s Quiet Monument

OLJATO HIKING FIELD GUIDE

Tear Drop Arch: An Off‑Road Ascent into Monument Valley’s Quiet Monument

A focused 2‑hour outing that pairs an open‑aired off‑road ride with a short hike to Tear Drop Arch, visiting Anasazi ruins and a Navajo hogan along the way so you can experience Monument Valley’s landscape and living culture up close.

Tear Drop Arch: An Off‑Road Ascent into Monument Valley’s Quiet Monument.

Duration
2 Hours
Location
Oljato
Operator
Monument Valley Tribal Tours
Category
Hiking
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This Hiking Tour places you at Tear Drop Arch in Monument Valley for a compact, high‑impact outing: a two‑hour sequence of open‑aired vehicle travel and a scenic climb to the top of a monument, with stops at Anasazi ruins and a traditional Navajo hogan, capped by a live performance from your guide.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Open‑air Ride Then a Short Ascent
THE ROUTE

Open‑air Ride Then a Short Ascent

The tour begins with an off‑road ride in an open‑aired vehicle and continues with a hike to the top of a monument at Tear Drop Arch, giving a direct, kinetic way to move from valley floor to viewpoint.

Anasazi Ruins and a Navajo Hogan Visit
THE CULTURE

Anasazi Ruins and a Navajo Hogan Visit

Along the route the itinerary includes visits to Anasazi ruins and a traditional Navajo hogan, offering tangible connections to the region’s ancestral and living cultures.

Live Performance at a Monument View
THE MOMENT

Live Performance at a Monument View

The guide provides a live performance at one of the hike’s signature viewpoints, framing the sweep of Monument Valley from a personal, interpretive perspective.

What the day feels like

How the Tour Feels

The rhythm is brisk and elemental: a jostling, open‑air approach across red‑dirt track, followed by a short hike that rewards effort with a commanding view from the top of a monument at Tear Drop Arch, interspersed with stops at archaeological and cultural sites led by a local guide.

Open‑air Ride Then a Short Ascent

THE ROUTE

Open‑air Ride Then a Short Ascent

The tour begins with an off‑road ride in an open‑aired vehicle and continues with a hike to the top of a monument at Tear Drop Arch, giving a direct, kinetic way to move from valley floor to viewpoint.

Anasazi Ruins and a Navajo Hogan Visit

THE CULTURE

Anasazi Ruins and a Navajo Hogan Visit

Along the route the itinerary includes visits to Anasazi ruins and a traditional Navajo hogan, offering tangible connections to the region’s ancestral and living cultures.

Live Performance at a Monument View

THE MOMENT

Live Performance at a Monument View

The guide provides a live performance at one of the hike’s signature viewpoints, framing the sweep of Monument Valley from a personal, interpretive perspective.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should think twice.

1
Active Day HikersA good match: the tour pairs short, rewarding hikes with off‑road travel and requires only light hiking effort.
2
Culture & Archaeology EnthusiastsWell suited for travelers interested in Anasazi ruins and Navajo cultural experiences included on the route.
3
Families with Older ChildrenFamilies can enjoy the sequence provided children can handle light hikes and outdoor conditions; the tour’s short duration helps keep it manageable.
4
Travelers with Limited MobilityNot ideal for those unable to undertake short hikes or negotiate uneven footing, since the itinerary involves light hiking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

The tour involves light hiking; bring gear appropriate for light hikes and weather in Monument Valley.

Operator & Duration

This is a two‑hour outing operated by Monument Valley Tribal Tours based at Tear Drop Arch.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Guests should pick the KOA campground as the meeting point even if not staying overnight; the listed meeting area is Monument Valley, Utah.

Do I need a Tribal Park Pass?

No. It is not required to purchase a Tribal Park Pass because the tour is not located inside the Tribal Park.

What activities are included on the tour?

The outing combines an off‑road open‑aired vehicle ride with a hike to a monument and includes visits to Anasazi ruins, a Navajo hogan, and a live performance from the guide.

What is the level of hiking required?

Light hiking is required for this tour.