After hotel pickup in Sedona or Flagstaff, relax in your comfortable climate-controlled van for the scenic drive to Monument Valley, which takes approximately three hours from Flagstaff. Along the way, your guide shares informative commentary about the geology, wildlife and history of the American Southwest, and points out landmarks that you pass.
Take in the sights as you travel through the San Francisco Volcanic field, Cameron Trading Post and the vast expanse of the Navajo Nation with the Painted Desert in the distance. When you arrive at Monument Valley, located on the Utah border and part of the Colorado Plateau, admire your first views of the otherworldly landscape. Stop for lunch (own expense) at a restaurant with views and choose from a menu of Navajo and classic American dishes.
After lunch, set out to see more of Monument Valley, known for the red sandstone buttes that tower up to 1,000 feet (304 meters) above ground level, with many basins, rock formations and cactus in between. Your guide takes you on the 17-mile drive to get closer to the soaring buttes and admire different perspectives on the stunning red-rock landscape.
As your tour the area, your guide provides insight into Navajo culture and traditions, along with the geography and natural history of the region. Keep your camera handy for endless photo ops of the breathtaking landscape, with your guide there to steer you to best vantage points. Various Hollywood directors have been inspired to film movies here, including several Westerns starring John Wayne.
At the end of a memorable tour to Monument Valley, your guide returns you to your hotel in the early evening.
