OLJATO-MONUMENT VALLEY HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Monument Valley Back‑Country+: Up‑close with Buttes, Arches and Living Navajo Tradition
A roughly 2.5‑hour Blackwater Tours outing that explores Monument Valley’s sandstone cliffs, natural arches and remaining Anasazi rock art while including a traditional Hogan demonstration.
Monument Valley Back‑Country+: Up‑close with Buttes, Arches and Living Navajo Tradition.
Adventure brief
Monument Valley Back‑Country+: Up‑close with Buttes, Arches and Living Navajo Tradition
The back‑country of Oljato‑Monument Valley is a sculpted amphitheater of red sandstone — massive cliffs and mitten‑shaped buttes rising from a desert plain, arches puncturing the skyline and pockets of rock art marking human presence for millennia. On Monument Valley Back‑Country+ guides lead a concise, immersive tour to these features and to a Navajo Hogan demonstration that frames the landscape in living culture.
Discover the iconic beauty of Monument Valley on Blackwater Tours' exclusive 2.5-hour Back-Country+ experience. This private tour takes you beyond the beaten paths to explore towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art, and breathtaking natural arches that define the landscape. Unlike typical tours, you'll visit less crowded locations such as Mitten View Point and John Ford’s Point, where cinematic vistas await. The journey also offers a meaningful cultural encounter with a traditional Navajo Hogan demonstration, giving you insight into the rich heritage of the Navajo Nation. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll learn about the geological formations and the stories etched into the rocks. Whether it's your first time here or a return visit, this tour blends nature, culture, and history to create an unforgettable adventure in one of Utah's most stunning desert environments.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
The tour follows a chain of Monument Valley landmarks and cultural stops; below are representative stops you will visit.
Mitten View Point
A primary photo stop to frame the famous mitten buttes.
John Ford’s Point
A panoramic overlook long used in film; note that a horse and owner are sometimes present and a small fee may apply for pictures.
The Big Hogan & Moccasin Arches
Side‑by‑side arches that visitors can step under to appreciate their scale and erosion patterns.
The Sun’s Eye Arch
A high arch visible above with ancient art preserved at its base.
The Totem Pole and The Cube Overlook
Views of the 380‑foot Totem Pole sandstone spire and surrounding formations.
Traditional Navajo Hogan Demonstration (Yazzie’s residence)
A visit featuring demonstration of Navajo crafts and the traditional Hogan home.
Some stops (for example John Ford’s Point) involve a small fee for photos; the tour description does not specify participant age or health restrictions, so confirm accessibility and any operator requirements with Blackwater Tours before booking.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Iconic Buttes, Spires and Panoramas
Visit classic Monument Valley viewpoints and formations—Mitten View Point, John Ford’s Point and dramatic spires such as the Totem Pole—seen close enough to read their strata and study their sculpted forms.
Ancient Rock Art and Film‑History Lookouts
The route includes some of the region’s remaining Anasazi rock art and stops tied to cinematic history—John Ford’s Point served as a base for film production—offering both archaeological and cultural context to the scenery.
A Hogan Demonstration and Traditional Crafts
The tour includes a visit to Yazzie’s residence for a traditional Navajo Hogan demonstration, where guides present Navajo crafts and the form of traditional homes prior to modernization.
What the day feels like
What the Back‑Country Feels Like
Over approximately two and a half hours the itinerary moves from panoramic overlooks to tucked‑away arches and petroglyph sites, alternating photo stops with a cultural visit to a Hogan so travelers see both Monument Valley’s geological theater and Navajo traditions firsthand.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and what to check before you go.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Approximately 2.5 hours.
The tour description does not provide a specific gear list; plan on sun protection, water and sturdy shoes appropriate for short walks at viewpoints and around arches.
At John Ford’s Point a horse and handler are sometimes present and a small fee or photo commission may apply and is not included in the tour price.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Monument Valley Back‑Country+ tour?
Approximately 2.5 hours.
What are the main sites visited on the tour?
Stops include Mitten View Point, John Ford’s Point, various named formations (The Chieftain’s Head, Sleeping Dragon, Thunderbird), multiple arches (Big Hogan & Moccasin Arches, Sun’s Eye, Ear of the Wind), the Totem Pole and Artist’s Point, plus a Hogan demonstration at Yazzie’s residence.
Will I see ancient rock art on the tour?
Yes—the itinerary notes visits to some of the remaining works of rock art attributed to the Anasazi who once inhabited the area.
Is there a cultural component to the visit?
Yes—the tour includes a Traditional Navajo Hogan Demonstration at Yazzie’s residence, featuring Navajo crafts and traditional home practices.
Are there extra costs during the tour?
A small fee or photo commission may apply at John Ford’s Point when a horse and owner are present; that fee is not included in the tour price.
Who operates Monument Valley Back‑Country+?
The outing is operated by Blackwater Tours.
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: 2026-11-04T01:26:37.802Z
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.