Monument Valley Day Trip From Sedona

Discover the majesty of Monument Valley on a day trip from Sedona. This guided tour takes you through stunning landscapes, including the Painted Desert and Oak Creek Canyon. With a Native American guide, you’ll explore iconic sites like the East and West Mitten Buttes, learning about the rich Navajo culture. Enjoy a traditional lunch and learn about the breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking a cultural adventure, this journey promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• A full-day small-group excursion from Sedona to the iconic Monument Valley, with a Native American guide, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport.
• Scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff, with stops at the Cameron Trading Post to explore Navajo culture and crafts.
• Guided tour of Monument Valley’s key sights, including John Ford Point, the East and West Mitten Buttes, and the Totem Pole.
• Moderate fitness level required; tour not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
• Includes Sedona hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group excursion from Sedona to Monument Valley features a 100% traveler recommendation from 21 reviews.

The tour includes a guided tour with a Native American guide, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport. Departing Wednesdays at 6-6:30 am, the approximately 12-hour tour first travels northeast through Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff, offering scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks and Painted Desert Cliffs.

Guests stop at the Cameron Trading Post before exploring Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, highlighting landmarks like John Ford Point, the Mitten Buttes, and Totem Pole.

Scenic Route to Monument Valley

The tour departs Sedona and heads northeast, passing through the stunning Oak Creek Canyon and the city of Flagstaff. Along the way, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks and the Painted Desert Cliffs.

Scenic Highlights	Description
Oak Creek Canyon	A picturesque and dramatic geological formation carved by the Oak Creek
San Francisco Peaks	The highest mountain range in Arizona, with the tallest peak reaching over 12,600 feet
Painted Desert Cliffs	Vibrant, multicolored rock formations created by erosion over millions of years

The 4-hour drive offers a scenic prelude to the main attraction: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Cameron Trading Post Visit

After passing through the scenic landscapes of Oak Creek Canyon and the Painted Desert, the tour makes a stop at the Cameron Trading Post.

This historic trading post has operated since 1916, offering visitors a chance to browse an array of authentic Navajo crafts, jewelry, and textiles. Guests can explore the store’s collection of pottery, rugs, and handmade goods, many created by local artisans.

The trading post also features a restaurant serving traditional Navajo cuisine. This stop provides an opportunity to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo people before continuing the journey to Monument Valley.

Guided Tour of Monument Valley

Upon arriving at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, guests embark on a guided tour of the iconic landscape. Led by a knowledgeable Native American guide, the tour explores the valley floor, showcasing its dramatic geological formations. Travelers visit key sights like the:

Site	Description
John Ford Point	Iconic viewpoint featured in classic Western films
West and East Mitten Buttes	Towering sandstone formations resembling mittens
Totem Pole	Distinctive spire-like rock structure
Rain God Mesa	Unique mesa with intricate erosional patterns

The guide provides insights into the Navajo culture and history, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for this sacred land.

Highlights of the Valley Floor

Guests explore the valley floor, captivated by the dramatic geological formations that have made Monument Valley an iconic landscape.

Led by a Navajo guide, they visit key sights like John Ford Point, famous for its appearance in classic Western films. The towering East and West Mitten Buttes, with their distinct shapes, stand in stark contrast to the flat desert floor.

The Totem Pole, a slender sandstone spire, and Rain God Mesa, with its striking red hues, offer breathtaking photo opportunities.

Visitors gain insights into the Navajo culture and history as they enjoy this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Inclusions and Practical Details

The Monument Valley day trip includes Sedona hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance fees to the Navajo Tribal Park.

Lunch and bottled water are provided, and professional guides lead the tour.

However, guests must arrange their own car seats or booster seats for children under 8 as required by Arizona law.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

A moderate fitness level is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Traveler Recommendations

Travelers consistently praise the tour guides for their knowledge and friendliness, highlighting the scenic landscapes and abundant photo opportunities throughout the excursion.

They offer enthusiastic reviews, with 100% of the 21 travelers recommending the tour. Guests rave about the quality of the included lunch and the overall experience.

Many recommend reading about Navajo culture before the trip to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the sights.

The tour earns high marks for its seamless organization, from hotel pickup to the guided exploration of Monument Valley’s iconic formations.

Preparing for the Journey

Although the Monument Valley day trip is a seamless and well-organized excursion, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when preparing for the journey.

Firstly, guests must provide their own car seat or booster seat for children 8 and younger, as mandated by Arizona law.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Maintaining a moderate fitness level is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bringing a hat, sunscreen, and proper footwear is also recommended for the outdoor activities.

Sum Up

Monument Valley’s breathtaking landscapes and rich Navajo culture make this day trip from Sedona an unforgettable experience. Explore iconic sites, enjoy a traditional lunch, and learn about the region’s natural beauty, all led by a knowledgeable Native American guide. This adventure offers unparalleled scenic vistas and a deep appreciation for the region’s heritage.