Culturele tour van Lower Monument Valley Tribal Park

We wilden Monument Valley van dichtbij zien en meer leren over de Navajo-cultuur en de traditionele manier van leven, daarom hebben we ons aangemeld voor deze tour. Het voldeed aan onze hoge verwachtingen dankzij Derrick, onze Navajo-gids, met wie we meer dan drie en een half uur hebben doorgebracht. Hij reed ons diep de vallei in, soms over wegen die voor het grote publiek waren afgesloten. We stopten op meer dan een half dozijn plekken voor foto's en ook Q / A met onze gids. We bezochten een vrouwelijke (permanente) hogan, praatten met de eigenaar en kochten wat leuke en goedkope sieraden van haar. Derrick speelde zelfs voor ons een beklijvende Navajo-melodie op zijn fluit onder het dak van de Big Hogan (die met het arendsoog). Al met al was het een onvergetelijke middag in een iconisch park gevierd met talloze films.

We had a great tour. Derick was a fantastic guide. Many beautiful sights and interesting cultural information.

We booked the tour online and made our long drive out to Monument Valley. We stayed for 2 days and 1 night. Upon arrival we experienced a snow storm and wasnt sure if we would be able to take the tour since it would be outdoors. We were thinking of cancelling due to it being too cold. They were understanding and accommodating to our request but the guide assured us that the snow wouldnt be an issue so we agreed to stick it out and take the tour. Were so glad we listened! We were lucky enough to get a private tour in a Ford Expedition with our guide who was very sweet and knowledgable about the land and her culture. We took the backcountry road where only guides were allowed so we didnt have to deal with annoying people stopping and taking pictures. She showed us all the best photo opportunities and we were able to catch unforgettable scenic views. She was patient while driving us around. Highly reccomend this company!

Thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. Our tour was essentially private. Will do again.

This tour was one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring things I have ever done. It's almost unbelievable, and also indescribable how breath-taking and the impression these rock formations make. Our guide was Derek, a Navajo young man who knew every detail about the valley and the history of the people as they are connected to the land. I didn't feel anything about the valley was set up just for the tourist. The gift shop and restaurant were very tastefully arranged. I am so glad I made time to be a part of the red dust for just a little while. I was very moved by the experience.

My wife and I are in absolute agreement this tour was the single highest moment of our summer vacation. I very much doubt you could learn half as much in twice the time on your own, and the personal touch of our experienced Navajo guide was powerful. Our guide John was a third generation guide who had grown up and now raises his family in the immediate area. Because of his honorable U.S. military service in particular, he impressed us with his ability to gently bridge mainstream American culture with that of his people. We've been armchair students of the Navajo people, culture and history for many years. In a few hours he answered many gaps in our perspective and knowledge, and this was not just with facts and history but also by the nature of his presence. This is not something we often would say - but we feel indebted to him as a cultural guide. John took us both through the standard vista points and trails here in the core of Monument Valley, but he also had personal connections he shared with us. Part of this, to be honest, was possible because the day of the tour it was just the three of us. If you haven't done a local or native cultural tour, my primary recommendation is to show up with a lot of respect and patience for your hosts. This was not our home, we were guests. Curiosity, patience and appreciation are reward often in surprising ways. In this case we also had quite a bit of time at a local Navajo family's home, specifically their hogan. We enjoyed hand harvested Navajo tea, a lesson in rug weaving from a woman who weaves for a living, and a relaxed interpreted discussion with a couple of Navajo elders that was a privilege. The most amazing piece was a tour through some of the local caverns, where John spontaneously played native music on his traditional pipe - wow! Depending on who your guide is, and how many people are in your party, you may or may not have these specific experiences but these are real local guides with great things to share. Well worth the investment of your time, energy and money. Also it gets very hot by 11:00 in the morning, so if you can - book an earlier tour. We must have had lucky timing because the weather was fantastic the day of our tour, and though warm we never overheated. Make sure to bring a jacket, sunglasses and water - even in the summer i can be everything from cold and windy, to oppressively hot. I've traveled widely and most guides go out of their way to help ensure your comfort. Have fun!

There was four of us with Stephen, the guide. The whole journey was the most wonderful experience. Stephen was a first rate guide, very informative, we learned so much from him which made it all the more wondrous. He helped me with my camera angles and best places for viewing. Overall we did 3,500miles on our holiday but we never stopped talking of our journey with Stephen and the sights there. Thank you.

Outstanding. Harry our guide was interesting, informative, entertaining, and edicutional. He along with Clint who joined us at times acould not have been better. One of our BEST experiences on our Western trip. The best way to see and understand Monumental Valley. Robert

I think we must have had Harry senior as our experiences do not relate the the young Harry who appears to delight everyone. Firstly the vehicle. It was really good. Pretty big and can seat up to about 20 and there were only us 2, and one other on the tour. The seats were well padded and plenty of places to hold on. The terrain was really rough but it was such fun. Our dissatisfaction was due to the guide Harry. He was nice enough. Relaxed and jokey and he did know the names of all the buttes unless he was making them up :-. We paid for the 3 1/2 hr cultural tour. We were due to start at 4 so we arrived at the meeting place at 3:45 as instructed. There was no one there and we were getting nervous, but Harry arrived dead on time. We then had to wait for the other passenger. Not Harry's fault, but we did not start until 4:20. We visited most of the places on the itinerary though I'm not sure we visited the ' Big Hogan' to feel the rocks, unless that was the demonstration. Our main disappointment was in the lack of cultural information. Harry did not tell us one story or legend. We were taken to a Hogan' and we watched a lovely Navajo lady demonstrate spinning and weaving. This was really interesting but while she was doing this Harry came to life and started showing us Navajo tools and telling us what they were made of. We couldn't watch the interesting craft demonstration whilst Harry was showing us the tools. This was the only time Harry spoke about Navajo culture. The final straw was at the Totem pole. The Yei Bi Cheii monuments weren't mentioned. Harry got out his own fancy looking camera and spent just ages taking pictures of 'the ripples', walking over virgin desert to get good shots. We wanted, and paid, to go on a cultural tour, not a photographic tour. We took a few snaps then had to wait until Harry had taken the Totem pole from every conceivable angle with ripples. We were returned to the hotel at 6:40. We only had 2hrs 20 mins

We had four people on our tour and all said it was a great worthwhile tour! Mathew took extra time to ensure we got the best value from the tour. In taking a self guided tour of monument Valley you will miss the unique commentary from the Navajo perspective and you get into areas that are only accessible with the Navajo guide.