If you’re dreaming of iconic red-rock formations, sweeping vistas, and a touch of Hollywood magic, the Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour might catch your eye. We’ve looked into it—though not personally experienced—and can share what makes this tour stand out, as well as some things to keep in mind. Whether you’re after a quick glimpse or want a more detailed exploration, this tour offers options that fit different schedules and interests.
What we genuinely like about this experience is the chance to hear authentic Navajo legends directly from guides who know the land inside out. Plus, the opportunity to see famous filming locations like John Ford’s Point adds a fun, cinematic layer to your visit. On the other hand, some reviews point out that the road can be bumpy and that the organization around meeting points could be clearer. All in all, this tour is a solid choice for travelers who want a guided, scenic trip with a cultural twist—especially if you’re keen on photography or learning local stories.
If you’re considering this tour, think about what kind of experience you’re after. If you want an easy, comfortable overview of the valley’s highlights, the shorter version might suit you. But if you’re curious to see arch formations, petroglyphs, and ruins, and enjoy a more immersive visit, the longer tour is worth the extra time and cost. It’s especially well-suited for those who love stories, scenery, and a bit of adventure on rough terrain.
Key Points
- Guided by Navajo experts who share stories, legends, and insights you won’t find elsewhere.
- Two options: a shorter 1.5 to 2-hour tour covering main highlights or a longer 3-hour adventure with extra sights.
- Famous movie locations like John Ford’s Point and the Forrest Gump bench make for great photo ops.
- Bumpy roads are unavoidable, so bring motion sickness remedies if needed.
- Great value at $99 per person, especially considering the guided experience and included admission.
- The tour offers plenty of opportunities for photo-taking in stunning scenery, especially on the longer route.
An In-Depth Look at the Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour
Planning more time in Monument Valley? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What’s Included and How It Works
The tour, offered by Scenic Bend, centers around a Jeep ride through Monument Valley with a local Navajo guide. The guides aren’t just drivers—they’re storytellers and historians who breathe life into the landscape with legends passed down through generations. The tour costs $99 a person, which is reasonable considering the depth of the experience, the guided narration, and the scenic stops.
You can choose between three options—each with its own focus:
- The 1.5-hour tour, which covers about 17 miles, takes you along the self-guided route, highlighting major monuments.
- The 2.5-hour tour extends to 27 miles and ventures off the beaten path to include arches, petroglyphs, and Anasazi ruins.
- The 1.5-hour second tour is similar to the first but emphasizes seeing the valley’s highlights again, suitable for those who want a quick but scenic overview.
All options include a mobile ticket—making check-in straightforward—and start from the Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center. Expect to spend roughly 2 to 3 hours enjoying the sights, stories, and photo moments.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Shorter Tour (1.5–2 hours): Highlights and Movie Magic
This tour sticks to the main attractions:
- John Ford’s Point: Named after the director who shot many Westerns here, and where many movies, including John Wayne classics, were filmed.
- Totem Pole: A striking, narrow rock formation standing tall.
- Yei Bi Cheii: A sacred Navajo site with spiritual significance.
- North Window: Offers a spectacular view of the West and East Mitten formations.
Our review sources note that guides do a good job pointing out the famous movie locations, making it more than just a scenic ride. One review mentioned, “The loop ride was fantastic and very informative, with amazing pictures”—which is exactly what many travelers are after.
Longer Tour (up to 3 hours): A Deeper Dive
This option includes everything in the shorter tour but adds:
- Arches and petroglyphs: For those interested in geology and archaeology.
- Ancient ruins: A chance to see remnants of Anasazi dwellings.
- Navajo rug weaving demonstration: A cultural highlight that gives insight into Navajo craftsmanship.
This tour is especially recommended if you’re into photography—more time and locations mean better shots of Monument Valley’s stunning features. Reviewers consistently praise the longer route for providing more spectacular views and photo opportunities.
What to Expect During the Ride
The Jeep rides are designed to be comfortable, but the terrain can be bumpy—a common feature in desert landscapes. Some visitors have noted the roads are rough, so bringing motion sickness remedies like Dramamine might be wise if you’re sensitive.
Guides are knowledgeable about the land’s history and legends, making the ride educational and engaging. According to reviews, they also point out filming sites from movies like Transformers and Forrest Gump, adding a cinematic dimension to your trip.
Meeting Point and Logistics
The tour begins at the Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center and ends back there, making it easy to plan around other activities or meals. Confirmations are received within 48 hours, and the maximum group size is 12 travelers—keeping things intimate and manageable.
Pricing and Value
At $99 per person, the tour offers good value considering what’s included—guided narration, a Jeep ride through iconic scenery, and access to restricted areas in the longer version. It’s a more affordable way to explore Monument Valley compared to private tours, but keep in mind that personal expenses and gratuities are extra.
Real Traveler Insights
While most reviews are positive, there are some noteworthy points. One customer shared, “Bad/non-existent meetup directions caused me to miss the tour”—a reminder to arrive early and confirm your meeting details. Another rated the experience as 4/5, mentioning the scenic views but also the bumpy ride and limited stops.
One reviewer appreciated the friendly staff and engaging storytelling, but also mentioned paying twice because of a misunderstanding about the entrance fee—highlighting the importance of clarifying what’s included.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour suits adventure-seekers who enjoy guided rides and storytelling. It’s perfect for those who love scenic photography and want to see famous Western movie locations. If you’re interested in Navajo culture and legends, the longer tour’s additional stops will enrich your experience. However, if you prefer smooth roads or a very relaxed pace, be prepared for some bumps and possibly shorter stops.
This experience may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues due to the rough terrain, but it’s great for anyone who wants a manageable, guided introduction to Monument Valley’s stunning landscape.
Final Thoughts
The Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour offers a compelling blend of scenic beauty, cultural stories, and cinematic history. The guides’ local knowledge is a real highlight, bringing the landscape to life with legends and facts you won’t find online. The option to upgrade to a longer route makes this a flexible choice—whether you’re after a quick glimpse or a deeper exploration.
At $99, it’s a solid investment for anyone wanting a guided, memorable visit to one of the West’s most iconic landscapes. Just remember to prepare for bumpy roads and clarify your meeting arrangements to avoid missing out.
Overall, if you enjoy authentic storytelling, stunning vistas, and cultural insights, this tour will likely satisfy your curiosity and give you plenty of fantastic photo memories.
Monument Valley Loop Drive Tour
“I missed the tour because the meet up directions were so vague, they told me to meet at the visitor center 30 minutes early and I arrived 1 hour ea…”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for families? While the tour is generally accessible for most travelers, the bumpy roads may be less comfortable for young children or those with mobility issues. It’s best suited for older children and adults.
How long is the tour? The options range from about 1.5 to 3 hours, with the longer route offering more sights and time for photos.
What’s included in the price? The Jeep tour and a Navajo guide are included in the $99 price. Admission to the park is part of the tour, but personal expenses and tips are extra.
Can I see movie filming locations? Yes, the guides point out spots where films like Transformers and Forrest Gump were shot.
Is the road rough? Yes, some parts of the ride can be bumpy; bring motion sickness remedies if needed.
Are there any cultural demonstrations? Yes, on the longer tour, there’s an opportunity to visit a Navajo hogan and see a rug weaving demonstration.
What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, camera, water, and some snacks. Dress for the weather—layers are best in desert climates.
How do I meet the tour? At the Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center. Arrive early, and confirm your meeting details to avoid misunderstandings.
Is this tour good for sunset or sunrise? This particular tour is not designed around sunrise or sunset; it’s a daytime exploration.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
If you’re eager to see Monument Valley with a knowledgeable Navajo guide and enjoy some Hollywood history along the way, this tour offers a practical, scenic, and culturally enriching experience worth considering.