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.
Adventure brief
Tear Drop Arch: An Off‑Road Ascent into Monument Valley’s Quiet Monument
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.
Discover Monument Valley like never before with Monument Valley Tribal Tours' exclusive 2-hour hiking adventure in Oljato. This private experience combines an exciting off-road vehicle ride with a scenic hike that leads you to one of the area's most iconic monuments. Along the way, your knowledgeable Navajo guide will share captivating stories and songs, enriching your understanding of Navajo culture and the land's ancient history. You’ll explore remarkable Anasazi Ruins and get a rare glimpse inside a traditional Navajo Hogan, offering a deep cultural connection beyond the typical tourist trail. This hike offers varied terrain with breathtaking views of red rock formations and desert landscapes that make Monument Valley famous. Whether you're an avid hiker or looking for a casual outdoor excursion, this tour provides an unmatched opportunity to enjoy nature, heritage, and adventure all at once.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
A compact sequence of off‑road travel and short hikes links key sites—Tear Drop Arch, cultural stops, and viewpoint performances.
Open‑Aired Off‑Road Segment
Begin with an off‑road ride in an open‑aired vehicle to reach the trailheads and monuments that sit beyond standard roads.
Hike to Tear Drop Arch (Top of the Monument)
A scenic hike leads to the top of the named monument at Tear Drop Arch, the tour’s principal viewpoint and hiking objective.
Anasazi Ruins
Stop at exposed Anasazi ruins along the route to observe archaeological remains integrated into the valley landscape.
Navajo Hogan Visit and Live Performance
Visit a traditional Navajo hogan and experience a live performance from the guide as part of the cultural elements of the itinerary.
The outing includes light hiking across uneven terrain; participants should be prepared for short ascents and the operator may adjust routing based on conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour involves light hiking; bring gear appropriate for light hikes and weather in Monument Valley.
This is a two‑hour outing operated by Monument Valley Tribal Tours based at Tear Drop Arch.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:58.389Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.