By Dave Webb, Feb 25, 2023
We developed this itinerary for Monument Valley and NE Arizona focusing on Diné (Navajo) culture. If you have insights on the area or culture, I would love your input.
This trip lets people explore the heart of Navajo Country. Spring and fall are the best times to make this trip: April, May, late September, October, and early November. The trip can be taken at other times if you adjust activities as appropriate for current conditions. For example, during the heat of summer afternoons are blazing hot but morning hours are comfortable and beautiful.
Pre-tour
Drive to Monument Valley. Arrive later afternoon or evening. Overnight at one of the options below.
Monument Valley Lodging Options
Full day in Monument Valley
Horseback trail ride in Monument Valley
- I'm trying to set up a ride that provides a photo op riding up the sand dune in front of the Needles formation. Possibly Monument Valley Dineh Trail Rides
Jeep tour plus culture Monument Valley Dreamcatcher Tour
- Jeep tour through the backcountry
- Hogan stop and Navajo cultural demonstration
- Rain God Mesa dinner and campfire with Native American dancing, flute playing, drumming, chanting, and storytelling
Overnight in Monument Valley
Drive to Canyon De Chelly National Monument (110 miles)
Canyon De Chelly activity
- Canyon De Chelly tour with local guide
Overnight at historic Thunderbird Lodge in Chinle
Drive To Window Rock (70 miles)
- Along the way, stop at Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site - the oldest operating Trading Post on the Navajo Nation.
Window Rock Activities
- Navajo Nation Museum & Visitor Center
- Tribal Park & Veterans Memorial
- Chi’hootso Marketplace & Flea Market
Overnight in Window Rock (NavajoLand Inn) or start the journey home
More Navajo Culture
There are more great options on the west side of the Navajo land. You can add another day or two to the tour and visit these great sites. (This is a good option if you are starting or ending in St. George or Las Vegas.)
- Cameron Trading Post
- Tuba City and its Navajo Code Talkers Museum
- Page and its Navajo Heritage Center
- Antelope Canyon tour with Native guide
- Horseshoe Bend
Area Options
This tour could easily be expanded to include these destinations
- Four Corners Monument
- Mesa Verda
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Moab/Arches/Canyonlands
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Utah's Mighty Five National Parks
- Navajo National Monument
- Grand Canyon
Monument Valley Distance From
Monument Valley is a long drive from anywhere. Getting there requires a good day's travel from any of these starting points.
- Grand Junction - 273 miles
- Albuquerque - 332 miles
- Phoenix - 339
- Salt Lake City - 393 miles
- Las Vegas - 408 miles
More Information
I shot this photo years ago. I'm a better photographer now and want to re-shoot.
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