Monument Valley Day Trips from Las Vegas

One of the things to do in Las Vegas is to take a trip to visit Monument Valley. This valley is located within the reservation of the Navajo Nation, one of the major American Indian groups. Usually the guide on these tours is also a native, so you'll experience a very interesting cultural exchange as he or she tells you all about Monument Valley.

Not only will you get to see the amazing scenery, but you'll also get a different experience. You can choose different ways to explore the desert. Some people prefer to go on a safari, others in a four-wheel drive vehicle, and others prefer a relaxed trip on a horse. Which is your favourite option?

Visiting Monument Valley is an activity you can do at any time of the day. If you're only visiting Las Vegas for two days then you're better off choosing a guided scenic tour. In just three hours you can explore the highlights of Monument Valley in a safari-style vehicle. The average cost of this tour is €75.

After meeting your guide and the rest of the group, you will begin your journey into the Nevada desert. You'll pass landmarks such as the Arsenic Arches and see famous monuments such as the Three Sisters, John Ford Point, Moccasin Arch, Totem Pole, among others. Bring your best camera for great photos and selfies!

Also on this tour you'll pass through West and East Mitten Butters, iconic desert hills in northeastern Navajo County in the state of Arizona, part of the Navajo Nation. From here you'll get a spectacular panoramic view that you've probably seen in numerous movies.

Your guide will tell you all about the history of these sites and explain the culture of the Navajo people, the largest Native American community in the United States. You will definitely get the most out of your holiday with this tour. As lunch is not included, I recommend you to enjoy a gastronomic tour in Las Vegas from mid-afternoon onwards, which will give you a taste of the best flavours.

Interesting details

• Price: around 75 €.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transport: safari-type vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: you can explore Monument Valley in less than a few hours to continue enjoying other activities that Las Vegas has to offer.
• Disadvantages of this option: If this has been one of the places you've wanted to visit the most, this tour may be too short for you. I suggest looking for longer excursions where you can explore for more time.

If you are a fan of sunrises then you should visit Monument Valley early in the morning. This type of tour lasts approximately three hours and costs an average of €85. From the beautiful panoramic views of Monument Valley you can see all the colours of the sky at sunrise, do you like the idea?

Your guide will be with you every step of the way so you can learn about this area of Nevada and its history. You will be able to explore the rock formations aboard an off-road vehicle. If you like this plan, I suggest you take an off-road tour in Las Vegas.

One of the highlights is a visit to the monuments known as the Three Sisters and John Ford Point. Some companies allow you to take your pets in the vehicle, so if you are on holiday with your dogs or cats, you can take them along. After strolling around and enjoying the sunrise, your guide will take you back to the starting point.

Interesting details

• Price: around 85 €.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transport: safari-type vehicle and an off-road vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: you can enjoy the sunrise from the desert and if you are travelling with your pet, you can take it with you to discover this corner of the world.
• Disadvantages of this option: you have to get up very early in the morning to be able to live this experience and not everyone likes the idea.

While the sunrise has beautiful colours, the sunset can give you a totally different experience from Monument Valley. These tours usually last at least four hours and cost an average of €90. It's an unforgettable experience as you can experience the warmth of the afternoon sun and within minutes, the chill of the night.

A Navajo guide will be with you on the tour to tell you about the history of this part of the United States. After boarding a safari vehicle you will drive through the desert to the first stop to admire the scenery. You will continue on to John Ford's Point monument and the Three Sisters.

On this type of tour the guides usually take your group to a stop to learn a little more about the Navajo culture. Here you'll see a rug weaving demonstration and a live cultural dance. Other monuments included in the tour are the Totem Pole. From here, the view of the sunset will be phenomenal and I recommend stopping for at least half an hour to appreciate it and take the best pictures.

The tour can end a little after sunset. If you are interested in touring the desert at that time, I recommend a night tour from Las Vegas. Some organisers include a special service to take you to your hotel. These details are best discussed with your guide.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 90 €.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: safari vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: on this type of tour you can see Monument Valley during the day, at sunset and at night. Every moment is memorable and you will love it.
• Disadvantages of this option: It can get a little colder at night in this area, so I recommend taking a jumper to protect yourself in case of very low temperatures.

Remember the old western movies where the main characters were brave cowboys? Well, here's your chance to feel like you're in one of those movies. On this horseback riding tour of Monument Valley, you'll ride through this national park for about an hour for an average cost of £85.

When you arrive at the meeting point your guide will explain all the basics you need to know before the ride. He or she will also give you a helmet for safety. If you have no riding experience, don't worry, tell your guide and you will receive special treatment and even a trained horse to help you according to your level. You don't need to be afraid as these animals are used to this job.

The tour will be in the upper part of Monument Valley. In this area you will be able to see important sites such as Sitting Hen, Eagle Mesa and other red sand rock formations. You will also be able to make special stops to take the best pictures with the desert as a backdrop.

Details of interest

• Price: around €85.
• Duration: approximately 1 hour.
• Means of transport: horse.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to explore Monument Valley on a horse that suits your experience and skills.
• Disadvantages of this option: Some people are afraid of horses. If that's the case, it's best to choose another type of tour that you feel more comfortable on.

Traveller tip
Some people are very afraid that the animal will react in a bad way and an accident will occur. That is why it is better to be calm so that the horse is also relaxed. These animals are very intelligent and know the route, so you don't have to worry.

In case you are an adventure lover and want to spend a lot of time in nature, I recommend this type of tour. For three days and two nights you can tour the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. The average cost of this experience is €600 and it's worth every penny as you'll be provided with food, accommodation and all the comforts you need.

For this tour you'll need to pack a bag with at least three changes of clothes so you'll be comfortable every day. This type of tour starts early in the morning. Generally a group of at least five people are gathered together. The tour takes you along historic Route 66 in an open vehicle to appreciate the scenery.

On the first day you will visit the Grand Canyon and see the Hoover Dam and other interesting sights. If you like this destination I suggest you take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. On the second day it will be time to visit Antelope Canyon in northern Arizona, so get your camera ready and take the best pictures of this desert landscape! All this transfer will be done in a very comfortable car or van.

Finally on the third day you will arrive at Monument Valley and feel like in an "old western" movie with the panoramic views. In the morning you will enjoy the winding desert landscapes of the southwestern United States and in the afternoon it will be time to return to Las Vegas in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

Details of interest

• Price: around 600 €.
• Duration: about 3 days and 2 nights.
• Means of transport: open vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: with this type of tour you can explore the wilderness of the Nevada desert at your leisure, not just Monument Valley. In addition, you will always be accompanied by a tour guide who knows the area inside out.
• Disadvantages of this option: If you have little time to explore Las Vegas, this type of tour is not the best option as you will have to spend three days.

When you go on a tour of Monument Valley, keep in mind that this is a Navajo Tribal Park. It is also a beautiful desert wilderness area worth exploring. If you're interested, you can take national park tours from Las Vegas to continue enjoying the wilderness that the state of Nevada and Arizona has to offer.

On all tours you'll be able to see the vastness and beauty of the desert. Occasionally you will see some desert animals and plants. However, the natural monuments of rock formations are the main attraction of these tours.

Some of the tours I recommended also include a cultural demonstration of the Navajo people. This may include traditional dances or an exhibition of native crafts. This is a good opportunity for you to learn about their history and the reasons why this area is so loved and appreciated.

The great advantage of this type of tour is that your guide knows how to get to this place, the most iconic setting of the Old West. This is why I advise you to relax and trust your guide.

For excursions into the desert I always recommend wearing sunscreen. If you are exposed to the sun for too long without any protection, you can end up with a sunburn. It is also important to stay hydrated. These tours usually include water bottles, so feel free to ask for your own during the tour.

On the other hand, no matter what type of transportation you choose to tour Monument Valley, I recommend wearing breathable and comfortable clothing. This way you will feel cooler. Hats and sunglasses can be helpful items to protect you from the sand and light that can sometimes be a bit blinding.

Some of the hikes can take more than two days. In this case you should carry a small backpack with your belongings. Try to pack only what you need so that you don't carry too much weight on the way. You can take several items of clothing, your toothbrush, personal documents and your sunscreen.

I do not suggest you take personal hygiene items. Those products, at least the most essential ones, are available at the hotel where you are staying. Try not to bring unnecessary items to make your trip more comfortable.