Spend a night atop Hunt's Mesa with Phillips' Photography Tours and capture Monument Valley’s iconic landscapes at dawn and dusk. This overnight camping trip offers sweeping views, authentic Navajo Tribal Park access, and all gear provided for a true desert adventure.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–16 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic fitness to endure a long bumpy ride and standing for photography sessions.
Wildlife
History
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park was established in 1958 and remains sovereign land managed by the Navajo Nation.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile desert soils and respect Navajo cultural sites.
Phillips' Photography Tours
Spend a night atop Hunt's Mesa with Phillips' Photography Tours and capture Monument Valley’s iconic landscapes at dawn and dusk. This overnight camping trip offers sweeping views, authentic Navajo Tribal Park access, and all gear provided for a true desert adventure.
Phillips' Photography Tours operates guided photographic outings in Oljato‑Monument Valley, Arizona. The company specializes in landscape and cultural photography across Monument Valley's iconic formations, offering carefully timed sunrise and sunset sessions to exploit the region's dramatic light. Tours include the Monument Valley Sunrise Photo Tour and Monument Valley Evening Photo Tour, both three-hour guided experiences that focus on landmarks such as the Totem Pole, Sun’s Eye, Big Hogan, and the Mittens. The business also runs a Mystery Valley Evening Photo Tour that visits Anasazi ruins, petroglyphs, pictographs, and Tear Drop Arch for culturally rich sunset images.
For immersive experiences, Phillips' Photography Tours offers a Hunt's Mesa Overnight Tour with camping, hot meals, and provided gear to photograph both sunset and sunrise. A dedicated Navajo Culture Tour explores backcountry routes, ancient dwellings, and includes an optional hogan visit with demonstrations like rug weaving. Night photographers can book a Night Photography Tour to capture the Milky Way above recognized landmarks using light painting techniques, with flexible scheduling to match astrophotography conditions. Guides are experienced with Monument Valley terrain and the area's changing light, planning each outing for optimal photographic opportunities. Reservations are recommended during peak season; permits and access vary by route and are coordinated by the tour operator. Equipment rental may be available.
Location
Oljato‑Monument Valley, AZ
Based in Monument Valley backcountry
Tours Offered
6 tours
Six photography-focused tours available
Night Photography
Milky Way tours
Light painting and astrophotography options
Cultural Access
Navajo Culture Tour
Optional hogan visit and rug weaving demo
Reserve a sunrise, sunset, night, or overnight experience with Phillips' Photography Tours — check availability and book directly.
Prepare for Rough Roads
Expect a slow, bumpy 2–2.5 hour drive up steep, uneven roads—best avoided by those with back problems.
Bring a Quality Flashlight
Nighttime navigation around camp requires a good flashlight since there is no artificial light atop the mesa.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Durable boots will protect your feet over rocky terrain both during the drive and around camp.
Mind the Navajo Entrance Fee
An $8 per person entrance fee is required to enter this Navajo Tribal Park—have cash ready.
Sturdy Hiking Boots
Protect feet over rough desert terrain and provide stability during uneven driving segments.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Necessary to navigate the dark camp area safely after sunset.
Warm Layers
Essential for staying comfortable during cold desert nights and early mornings.
fall
Camera with Tripod
To capture Monument Valley’s dramatic lighting at sunrise and sunset with stability and clarity.