Exploring Monument Valley With Simpson's Trailhandler Tours

Monument Valley Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours

Exploring Monument Valley With Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours

Monument Valley is truly one of my favorite places in all of the United States. Sweeping views over a bizarre and fantastic landscape will have you feeling like you’ve stepped off a space shuttle and right onto Mars.

This one-of-a-kind destination falls on Navajo land, belonging to the Navajo Nation Reservation. The park is open to the public but to really gain a deeper understanding of this enchanting place, I suggest you take a tour from a local Navajo guide.

Not only will you be able to access parts of Monument Valley that are restricted to the public, you will have a much richer experience learning about the valley from a member of the Navajo Nation.

The entrance fee for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is $10 per person or $20 per vehicle.

Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours

After 4 trips to Monument Valley with Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours I can highly recommend the following tour:

Navajo Loop and Off the Beaten Track Tour (2.5 hours): A complete package of 30+ miles secluded off-roads lets you discover the restricted area in the backcountry of Monument Valley.

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♬ Outlaws – Delta Rae

If you follow my Instagram, you’ll have seen us racing up sand dunes, taking pictures all over Monument Valley in areas the public can’t access and listening to our guides sing traditional Navajo songs. This day is nothing short of magical.

If you want a truly unique and special experience, this tour of Monument Valley is for you!

Book the jeep tour here!

Picnic Lunch in Monument Valley: Navajo Tacos

After driving through the park, your guide will bring you to a shaded picnic area. For lunch, you’ll get to try the delicious Navajo taco with fried bread!

Very messy but very tasty- it makes for an awesome lunch stop with unbeatable views.

Visit A Hogan

Be sure to request a visit to a hogan-a square wooden home which was the traditional dwelling for Navajo people. Inside your guide can explain more about Navajo culture!

John Ford’s Point

No trip to Monument Valley would be complete without a stop at John Ford’s Point. This vantage point was named after director John Ford who shot nine movies in Monument Valley and this iconic ledge was often used as a camera location in his popular Western films.

But it’s not just old Westerns starring John Wayne that have been filmed here! You might recognize these sandstone formations known as “buttes” in such movies as Back To The Future: III, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, National Lampoon’s Vacation, A Million Ways to Die in the West and many others!

For $5 you can have your photo taken with a horse on the infamous rock overhang.

Pack a bandana for the dust!

If you visit in the summer, expect Monument Valley to be really dusty! While riding around on the jeeps, huge dust clouds will be kicked up by other cars driving around. To prevent yourself from swallowing a swirl of dust as you speed by, pack a bandana to tie around your mouth/nose.

You can thank me later when your Navajo taco doesn’t take like sand and dust!

Winter time, pack layers!

During the winter months, it is surprising cold in the valley. Especially when you are in the open air jeeps speeding along!

Summers are very hot but don’t come to Monument Valley in the winter without a coat, warm shoes, gloves and a scarf.

Keep your eyes peeled for famous formations in the buttes!

Three praying nuns, a sleeping dragon, even an enormous whale- there is no shortage of incredible formations in the sandstone buttes. See if you can spot them from the jeep as you pass by! You’ll also have the opportunity to get out and take photos at several stops along the way.

Grab a coffee from the cafe to to enjoy views from the balcony and breathtaking views over the valley!

Before or after your tour be sure to stop by the cafe and gift shop. Once you get your hot cocoa or coffee, head out to the back balcony for a unique view over the park. This is one morning view you’ll never forget!

Be sure to stop at the iconic “Forrest Gump” stop on your way in or out of Monument Valley!

Just type in “Forrest Gump Hill” or “Forrest Gump Point” into Google Maps to see the exact spot from the movie where Forrest decides to quit his cross-country run by saying, “I’m pretty tired, I think I’ll go home now.”

It makes for a fun photo op. And it’s a great view of Monument Valley as you enter the park!

Camping Overnight in Monument Valley

Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours also offers an overnight all-inclusive camping experience in an authentic Hogan in Monument Valley. Includes food, drinks, entertainment, and multiple tours.

The Navajo Traditional Hogan Over-Night tour package includes:
If you want to experiences the Navajo culture and traditions here is your chance!