Monument Valley is not only one of the most iconic natural wonders in Arizona and Utah, but it's also among the most photographed places on earth. There are several different ways to enjoy the scenery: taking a scenic drive, spending the night at The View Campground, and—perhaps the best of all—embarking on a jeep tour into areas of the Valley not accessible to the public. That's exactly what you'll get to do when you book with Simpson's Trailhandler Tours, a company run by a Navajo family who grew up on this ancient, sacred land. Tours depart from The View Hotel, which is located on the Utah side of Monument Valley.
Taking passengers into restricted areas of Monument Valley not accessible to the public, Simpson's Trailhandler Tours showcases the iconic Arizona natural wonder like you've never seen it before.
You'll hop in a jeep and descend into the sacred Navajo homeland, learning about its history and culture from your native tour guide who was born and raised among the ancient rocks.
Simpson's Trailhandler Tours is owned and operated by Harold and Deborah Simpson, whose great-great grandfather, Grey Whiskers, is the namesake for one of the rock formations in the Valley.
The couple and their family know the terrain better than anyone else, and you'll hear first-person accounts of what it's like to live in such a powerful and storied place.
The classic tour lasts about 2.5 hours and takes you to all of the most famous spots throughout Monument Valley—many of which served as backdrops for well-known Western movies.
Tickets are $75 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $37 for children ages 12 and under. If you'd like a private tour, the cost is $210 per person for all ages.
Among the sites you'll visit are the three towering buttes, two of which are known as "The Mittens" due to their resemblance to a pair of gloved hands.
The third butte is known as Merrick Butte, and the three together form a triangle that's equally breathtaking from all angles.
The Buttes are undeniably the most recognizable natural wonders in the Valley, but they certainly don't tell the whole story.
You'll also see a series of dramatic, lesser-known sandstone arches that few have been able to check off of their bucket list.
Additionally, fascinating Anasazi ruins are hiding at every turn.
Not only will you take a peek into the mysterious history of the "Ancient Ones," but you'll also get to marvel at their intricate cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and pictographs firsthand.
If you'd like, your guide will also take you to visit a traditional Navajo hogan.
You'll learn about how the Navajo people learned and developed their native arts and crafts while watching a rug weaving demonstration by a Navajo grandmother. You may even get to take home a souvenir to remember the tour by!
Those looking for a more immersive experience might be interested in the overnight tour, which allows you to spend the night in a traditional Navajo Hogan.
The all-inclusive experience includes dinner and breakfast, entertainment such as flute playing and Navajo singing and dancing, a presentation of Navajo history, tradition and culture, and seasonal folk tales around a campfire. You'll also embark on a 2.5-hour sunset jeep tour, as well as a sunrise viewing tour in the morning. Tickets cost $250 per person for all ages.
Please remember that the Navajo Nation does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Several other tours are also offered, including a sunrise tour, photography tour, and several hiking tours. Visit the company's website or Facebook page to learn more and/or reserve a spot.
Have you ever taken a Jeep tour of Monument Valley with Simpson's Trailhandler Tours? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Don't forget to check out our previous article for another off-roading tour that showcases the Arizona desert in a whole new way.
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