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Monument Valley Back-Country+ Tour in Utah - Flagstaff

Monument Valley Back-Country+ Tour in Utah

Oljato-Monument Valleymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness to handle uneven terrain and some walking during stops.

Overview

Explore Monument Valley’s stunning back-country on a private 2.5-hour tour with Blackwater Tours. Experience iconic views, ancient rock art, and Navajo culture off the beaten path.

Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah

Monument Valley Back-Country+

Most popular tour! A complete day tour of the valley • All ages!

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About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 2.5-hour tour of Monument Valley's stunning back-country. Experience towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art, and breathtaking natural arches. Visit iconic sites like Mitten View Point and John Ford’s Point, while immersing yourself in Navajo culture with a traditional Hogan demonstration. Discover nature's artistry in this unforgettable landscape.

Our guides will take you to the “Back-Country.“ There you will see the massive sandstone cliffs and buttes up close.

Duration

Approximately 2.5 hours

Tour Details

A complete tour of Monument Valley. Our guides will take you to the “Back-Country“, where you will see the massive sandstone cliffs and buttes up close and visit natural sandstone arches that were carved by the forces of nature for thousands of years. Also, you will visit the few remaining works of rock art of the Anasazi people, who once inhabited the area and disappeared before the Navajo called it home.

List of Stops

  • Mitten View Point – Take some photos with the famous mitten buttes.
  • John Ford’s Point –Director John Ford used this area to base movie production because of its panoramic views. A horse and its owner are sometimes present, a small fee may apply (not included) commissions have to be paid to take a picture.
  • The Chieftain’s head, Sleeping Dragon, and Thunderbird formations.
  • Traditional Navajo Hogan Demonstration Visit – A visit to the Yazzie’s residence, a demonstration of the Navajo crafts and traditional home before modernization took hold.
  • The Big Hogan & Moccasin Arches – Side by side, step under an awesome arch and feel the mass of it’s structure.
  • The Sun’s Eye Arch – Look up at an arch, 800 feet above the ground while it looks back at you from above. Also, see ancient art preserved in stone at the base.
  • The Ear of The Wind Arch – An arch located at the very back of Monument Valley, listen to the wind as it passes though it.
  • The Totem Pole and The Cube Overlook – This stop features views of the Totem Pole, a natural sandstone spire that stands at 380 feet.
  • Artist’s Point –An area where many artists have come to capture Monument Valley by hand.
  • The North Window – Where the tall butte frames north Monument Valley perfectly.

Adventure Tips

Bring Plenty of Water

Hydration is critical in the desert climate; carry at least 2 liters per person.

Wear Sun Protection

Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect against strong UV rays.

Dress in Layers

Temperatures can fluctuate widely, so layering helps you stay comfortable.

Respect Navajo Cultural Sites

Please do not touch or remove any artifacts and follow guidelines shared by your guide.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Desert cottontail rabbits
  • Red-tailed hawks

History

Monument Valley is part of Navajo Nation lands and has been home to Navajo people for centuries, with many sites serving as sacred cultural landmarks.

Conservation

Blackwater Tours emphasizes respectful visits and promotes Leave No Trace principles to preserve Monument Valley’s delicate ecosystem.

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Adventure Hotspots in Flagstaff

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated in the dry desert climate by carrying enough water.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

Essential

Protect yourself from sun exposure during peak daylight hours.

summer specific

Lightweight Hiking Shoes

Essential

Comfortable shoes with good grip help navigate rocky terrain safely.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Wear breathable layers that can be adjusted for changing desert temperatures.

fall specific