MONUMENT VALLEY SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Eight Hours Among Red Giants: An All-Day Goulding’s Tour of Monument Valley and Mystery Valley
An 8-hour Goulding’s sightseeing loop that pairs Mystery Valley’s Anasazi ruins and rock art with a guided drive through Monument Valley’s Mittens and other signature formations—useful for planning what to bring and what to expect.
Eight Hours Among Red Giants: An All-Day Goulding’s Tour of Monument Valley and Mystery Valley.
This All Day Tour is an about‑eight‑hour Goulding’s outing that threads Mystery Valley’s hidden Anasazi ruins, rock‑art panels and small arches with a full visit to Monument Valley’s iconic buttes, including the Mittens; it blends archaeology, landscape viewing and a guide‑prepared lunch into a single day in the desert.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mystery Valley’s Ancient Footprints
The first half of the day is spent in Mystery Valley, where the route visits Anasazi ruins, rock‑art panels and hidden arches—sites that reward slow, attentive looks and context from the guide.
Monument Valley’s Mittens and Formations
After lunch the tour enters Monument Valley to view the world‑famous Mittens and a constellation of other sacred rock formations that define the valley’s skyline.
A Glimpse of Navajo Life
The itinerary offers an opportunity to visit an authentic Navajo Hogan, adding cultural context to the landscape‑based portions of the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a full day that begins with intimate, archaeologically rich pockets of Mystery Valley—short walks to rock art and ruins and stops at hidden arches—then pauses for a guide‑prepared lunch before moving into Monument Valley for extended viewing of the Mittens and other formations; the itinerary alternates close, interpretive stops with longer photo and viewpoint sessions.
THE ROUTE
Mystery Valley’s Ancient Footprints
The first half of the day is spent in Mystery Valley, where the route visits Anasazi ruins, rock‑art panels and hidden arches—sites that reward slow, attentive looks and context from the guide.
THE ICONS
Monument Valley’s Mittens and Formations
After lunch the tour enters Monument Valley to view the world‑famous Mittens and a constellation of other sacred rock formations that define the valley’s skyline.
THE CULTURE
A Glimpse of Navajo Life
The itinerary offers an opportunity to visit an authentic Navajo Hogan, adding cultural context to the landscape‑based portions of the day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits best—and where to be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs about 8 hours; plan for a full day and variable desert weather.
Hat and sunscreen, closed‑toe shoes with good traction, layered clothing for unpredictable weather, water (a bottle is recommended though water is provided on tours), snacks if desired, and a camera.
Lunch is prepared by the guide (BBQ hamburger noted in the itinerary); please check in the evening prior so front‑desk staff can take menu selections.
Booking in advance is strongly encouraged, as tours frequently sell out.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the All Day Tour?
About 8 hours.
What does the tour visit?
Mystery Valley (Anasazi ruins, rock art panels, hidden arches), a guide‑prepared lunch stop, Monument Valley’s Mittens and other formations, and an opportunity to visit an authentic Navajo Hogan.
Is lunch provided?
Yes; the tour includes a guide‑prepared lunch (noted as a boxed lunch or a BBQ hamburger prepared by your guide), and guests are asked to check in the evening prior to confirm menu selections.
What should I bring?
Hat and sunscreen, closed‑toe shoes, layered clothing for changing weather, a water bottle (water is provided), and a camera.
How much does the tour cost?
Adult rate (ages 12 and up) is $169; children (ages 11 and under) are $119.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes—booking in advance is strongly encouraged because tours frequently sell out.