Finally, we are able to see Monument Valley which is part of the Navajo Parks and Recreation. Have heard about this time and time again. This park is 91,696 acres and 5,564′ above sea level. It also is in both the states of Arizona and Utah.
First Monument Valley is a Navajo Park and is run by the Navajo Tribe. So you will have to pay $20 a car to get in. National Park Passes are not accepted. We did find that all money raised with these tours, which are run by Navajos, are shared with the entire tribe and areas through the tribe.
On Sunday, the 24th, we did an All Day tour with Majestic Monument Valley Touring Co. There was a 3 hour tour in the morning, a break for lunch and then another 3 hour tour in the afternoon. Once again, we are taking advantage of these tours as they provide you access you don’t get without the tour. Here is a map of where they take you.
In the morning tour, which was known as the Backcountry. The colors were vibrant and beautiful.
You cannot see the 17 mile mile here clearly but the back country tour takes you to many places off the trail. If you drive the 17 mile trail, you will see many side roads marked as not accessible but our tour took us to these roads. If you do the 17 mile trail on your own, be prepared that the road is dirt and not smooth. There are a lot of potholes. We saw many regular cars come close to bottoming out in the potholes. You will need an SUV or a car that is higher off the ground – and one that can withstand all the bumps. Even though we were in a large jeep, we still got jostled around. 
So we started at the hotel where we were meeting everyone for our tour. Our first encounter was with the roadrunner coming across our path.
Then the amazing view from the balcony from John Wayne’s Point.
Then there were the incredible statutes inside.
From there we started our tour.
Then we were taken to a private village where we learned about the hogans which is made from local wood and the dirt from the area. It was amazing to learn that there are female and male hogans.
Please listen to this video of the Native American Hope playing a beautiful song.
