Monument Valley Tours

[frmAloha]

Headed to Monument Valley in September. There are a number of tours offered. How do they compare? Any recommendations? Thanks.

[Floridafrances]

When we were there in 2006 we went on a private photography tour with Simpson Trailhandlers, just us and our Navajo guide in a Jeep. I don't recall how much more expensive it was than the tour out of Gouldings, but it wasn't astronomical or we couldn't have done it. But it was the best option for us. Once our guide knew what type of photographs we liked to take, he tailored our tour to fit, while still making sure we experienced the history and culture. At one point, he stopped at a place he called the Big Hogan and played his flute and sang for us. Absolutely one of the highlights of that SW trip.

And everyone is right - that fine red dust gets everywhere.

For me Monument Valley is a magical place. I hope to get back out there again one day.

[Padlin]

Thanks, headed that way in a couple weeks.

[2gypsies1]

We drove ourselves and never wished we'd taken a tour. You will get a lot of dust and wind. Tours are not for us. We don't like to be herded from place to place. Some like it.

[Marv_Hoag]

I've done it both ways. The last visit I did the tour and was glad I did.

[aslakson]

Not us . . .

al

[Padlin]

Those who did not take a tour but drove on your own, go you wish you had taken the tour instead?

[JoeH]

One more for the tour out of Gouldings. We were there a few weeks ago and our guide was very good, taking us to places not open to the public.

[kknowlton]

Another vote for the Gouldings tour. The advantages: going farther into the park than you can on your own, and the insight (and educational/entertainment value) of the local Navajo guides. Ours sang us several songs of blessing, protection, etc., as well as providing lots of insight into their culture. We found it very enjoyable and felt it was worth the expense.

[accsys]

We stayed at Gouldings and took the Navajo tour there and enjoyed it very much as the guide was great and they went farther back than you are allowed to go on your own. Afterwards we went back in with our Jeep so we could stay at some places longer and we could also spend more time dickering with the Navajo ladies for some jewelry. :B

[Dick_B]

X2 on Gouldings. Take the native American tour to get everywhere AND they could use the money!

[dapperdan]

We stayed at Gouldings and took their tour as well, we felt it was well worth the money.

Dan

[2gypsies1]

We also did it on our own multiple times.

[rv2go]

bob213 wrote:
Stayed at the campground for Gouldings. Used their tour. They picked us up at the campground. It was great. Bring a ziplock bag for your camera. The fine red dust gets into everything. The indian tour is worth the price as you see so much more. Indian campground is now reopened...no better sunrise!

Bob, I have sent you a PM

[bob213]

Stayed at the campground for Gouldings. Used their tour. They picked us up at the campground. It was great. Bring a ziplock bag for your camera. The fine red dust gets into everything. The indian tour is worth the price as you see so much more. Indian campground is now reopened...no better sunrise!