Monument Valley Sunrise or Sunset 4×4 Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Monument Valley's iconic formations
- Witness breathtaking sunrise or sunset views
- Learn about Navajo culture and history
- Capture stunning photographs of the landscape
- Enjoy a comfortable 4×4 ride with a knowledgeable guide
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided 3-hour 4×4 tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Meals
Itinerary
This tour is a custom tour and are not necessarily in the order below. Each guide has their own itinerary and have a specific place and time to be throughout the tour. The 3 hour tour makes a stop at the famous John Ford’s Point where many of John Wayne’s western cinematic movies were film, and also the Transformers: Age of Extinction featuring Mark Wahlberg. Next, your guide will drive to The Backcountry of the park and escort you to the arches. At “Sun’s Eye Arch” you will be standing at a specific degree to look up into the rock arch and see why it is named Sun’s Eye. At the same location you will also see Petroglyphs and hear your guide’s stories. You will also travel to the “Big Hogan.” The Big Hogan is a great place to take family pictures and lie against the rocks and feel its warmth. Your guide will provide stories and suggest great photo shots. In the Backcountry is the “Ear of the Wind.” This is the largest arch in the park, and your guide will escort you to a photogenic spot where you can take photographs. You will be guided to the Totem Pole and Yei Bi Cheii Monuments where you will be able to take photographs and hear the cultural stories behind each monument. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel, then get ready for a scenic drive to Monument Valley in a comfortable all-terrain vehicle— allowing for exclusive access to parts of the park that are inaccessible to smaller cars. The area, located on a Navajo Reservation and considered a sacred healing region by Native American tribes, is tough to navigate on your own. But your guide will walk you through the history of the Navajo tribal park and the background of each stunning natural formation. With your choice of a sunrise or sunset tour, you’re bound for incredible, camera-ready views during the sun-kissed time of day known by photographers as the “Golden Hour.” The itineraries are fully customizable, so you’ll have your pick of some incredible spots, including iconic rock formations like John Ford’s Point, which served as film backdrop in many John Wayne Westerns. One of the most photographed formations is the Yei Bi Chei monuments, which resemble a line of tribal dancers. You’ll also get an opportunity to take pictures of the Big Hogan, a sandstone cave chamber, and Ear of the Wind, a mesmerizing, crimson-hued arch. At the North Window where you will have a chance to take pictures of the Mittens and Butte at different angles. Your tour guide will then slowly and safely transport you back to your departure point.
John Ford’s Point, where many of John Wayne’s western cinematic movies were film. Also the Transformers; Age of Extinction featuring Mark Wahlberg. Next, your guide will drive to The Backcountry of the park and escort you to the arches.
Most popular attraction
Spiral buttes
Popular scenic point
Views of Mitten and Merrick Butte
Pass by: Resembles a camel from different view angels
Pass by: Resembles an elephant from different angels
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour availability may vary; check the schedule for sunrise and sunset times.
- Confirm your booking at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.
- Be prepared for potential changes in weather conditions affecting the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Ensure you have a full charge on your mobile device for photos and navigation.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
Good to know
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is smart casual
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- We do observe Daylight Savings time. We are on Mountain Standard Time (UT). Be advised that there is a one hour time difference between Arizona Time Zone and the Navajo Nation Time Zone (Mid-March to October).
- Uneven walking surfaces
- COVID19 protocols exercised and in place.
- Please call Charlene Johnson (owner) 24 hrs. to reassure tour attendance and meeting location @ (928)409-0088
- • All tours leave from the loading area outside of The View Hotel building. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time for loading. Our guide will be waiting for you in front of the hotel at the LOADING AREA, approximately 50 yards west of the entrance. We depart strictly on the hour, so please be punctual. DO NOT MEET INSIDE THE VIEW HOTEL. GPS 36.981823, -110.112931 GPS Code 858FXVJP+PR
Traveler reviews
If you choose one tour, do this one
Jake was amazing. So special to watch the sunrise with him. Yes, it was early. But so special to be one of the few among the monuments. Saw all the gorgeous spots that visitors on the 17 mile loop are not allowed to go. It was very special to be welcomed into these special places and for Jake to share his culture with us. Thank you so much for having us!!
Wonderful experience....
Wonderful experience. Bring glasses, sun glasses and face covering for sand/dust. Our guide was fantastic!
Amazing desert sunrise
Had a great trip through Monument Valley. Clint, our guide did a fantastic job explaining many features. We covered a lot of ground, but plenty of time to get out for photos and explore. The sunrise was amazing, we had multiple stops for optimum sunrise photos. I would highly recommend this tour.
Great sunset tour of Monument Valley
We had a great tour with Yvonne as our driver. She was so much fun and engaging on the tour and gave us such great information on what we were seeing and on Navajo culture during the tour. Sights on the tour were beautiful and Yvonne had some great tips on pictures. Easy to give this tour 5 stars and i can recommend without hesitation.
A magical experience
I had always wanted to visit Monument Valley since I saw it in the cowboy movies I watched as a boy. I was lucky to be the only person on my tour so I was able to sit in the cab with the guide. What a wonderful experience! We truly got off the beaten path and saw the formations from a different perspective, up close and personal. We also saw sights that wouldn't be on a standard tour. The high point was when the guide (and I'm sorry I cannot recall his name) played the Navajo flute in one of the formations. He spoke freely and proudly of his heritage. He took pictures so that I could be in them. One final benefit: He gave me the name of a restaurant in Kayenta where I could sample some authentic Navajo cuisine! This was an excellent tour--money well spent.