Discover Monument Valley’s hidden backcountry with Phillips' Photography Tours. This unique Navajo Culture Tour guides you through ancient ruins, petroglyphs, and traditional hogans, offering an intimate look at Navajo life and landscape.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal walking on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Monument Valley lies within a Navajo Tribal Park established to protect both the natural landscape and Navajo cultural heritage, with Anasazi ruins dating back over 700 years.
Conservation
Phillips' Photography Tours conducts trips with strict guidelines to minimize disturbance, helping preserve fragile archaeological sites and native ecosystems.
Phillips' Photography Tours
Discover Monument Valley’s hidden backcountry with Phillips' Photography Tours. This unique Navajo Culture Tour guides you through ancient ruins, petroglyphs, and traditional hogans, offering an intimate look at Navajo life and landscape.
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.
Respect Restricted Areas
This tour passes through restricted Navajo backcountry; stay with your guide at all times to protect sacred sites.
Wear Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen and a hat—the desert sun can be intense even on cooler days.
Hydrate Generously
Carry water as dry desert air and light activity can dehydrate quickly.
Camera Ready
Charge your gear and bring extra memory cards to capture the petroglyphs and sweeping natural arches.
Broad-brimmed hat
Protects from the intense desert sun during midday hours.
summer
Sturdy walking shoes
Offers traction and comfort on natural, rocky paths.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated on dry desert trails throughout the year.
Light jacket
Provides warmth during cool mornings and evenings.
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