Monument Valley & Mesa Verde – Self-Guided Tour Bundle

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
The Road to Monument Valley
19 stops
1
To learn more about the history and rock formations of Bears Ears National Monument, visit the Kane Gulch Ranger station. There, you’ll find exhibits, hiking information, and friendly rangers to guide you on your adventure.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
The first of two lookouts with views that stretch across the San Juan Cliffs, and out to Monument Valley.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
While you’re lookin’ across the San Juan Valley, see if you can spot John’s Canyon Road, down at the bottom of the cliffs. On a clear day, you might also see Monument Valley’s iconic buttes and mesas, way out in the distance.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
The Moki Dugway road can be quite dangerous, but it's also gorgeous. It’s a three mile stretch of road that serpentines down twelve-hundred feet of cliffside, through a series of sharp switchbacks. If that doesn’t sound scary enough, it’s also pretty steep, with a grade of 11 percent. And to top it all off, the road is unpaved, and has no guardrails. But, there are several veiwpoints along the way where you can admire the road and the surrounding vistas.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
This view from Moki Dugway looks out at the vast expanses and towering monoliths of the Valley of the Gods.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Valley of the Gods
Sometimes nicknamed "mini Monument Valley," there's nothing mini about this experience. Big, grand red sandstone monuments stretch as far as the eye can see on this rough and bumpy dirt road. The western entrance exits on the other side of the tour near Bluff. The eastern entrance exits just under the Moki Dugway.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
This small state park features a short paved drive to the goosenecking San Juan River overlook, and then a long, bumpy dirt road off into adventure. A small fee is required.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
This landmark and recreation area features Native American rock art ranging from 300 to 3,000 years old.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
9
This great rincon is a massive butte set inside a now-dry oxbow lake. The dirt road down is bumpy, and a 4-WD vehicle s recommended.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
10
Just like the name implies, this big red rock looks like an upside down sombrero. While you can see it from the road, pulling in lets visitors hike and scramble their way to the top.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
This small town, just south of the memorable Mexican Hat Rock, is a great stopover for hungry travelers, curious visitors, and anyone wanting to stretch their legs by the San Juan River.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
"I'm pretty tired. Think I'll go home now." This unforgettable movie scene was filmed in a place every bit as extraordinary as the blockbuster film itself. This quick roadside pullover is a huge hit with tourists, and is totally free!
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
This is the famous "hanging arch" from the iconic film "Once Upon a Time in the West." While most of it has fallen, the base is still intact and it could be a worthwhile stop for film enthusiasts.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Monument Valley
This roadside pullover offers great views of the northeastern red rock features of Monument Valley.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
15
Even if you aren't entering the Monument Valley Tribal Park, this beautiful stretch of road offers glimpses of monuments such as The King on His Throne, the Stagecoach, and Brighams Tomb.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Goulding's Lodge and Trading Post is an iconic piece of history. Stop in to grab a bite, stay the night, or learn about some Navajo and film history at the museum.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
17
Navajo Welcome Center
The Navajo Welcome Center is a great stop to refresh yourself, learn about local tours, and, of course, pick up some great handcrafted souveniers. This is also where you can switch over to your Monument Valley Shaka Guide Tour, if you've purchased it.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
18
Monument Valley
Monument Valley rose to superstardom with John Ford's classic western, "Stagecoach." Today, Monument Valley’s idyllic towers, buttes, and mesas have become nearly synonymous with the American west.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
19
This is a great chance to pick up your own artisinal Navajo souvenir, like a woolen rug, silver jewelry, or authentic leatherworks.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Monument Valley Tribal Park
16 stops
20
Navajo Welcome Center
The Navajo Nation Welcome Center is a great first stop. There's a lot of information on the area, as well as restrooms, crafts for sale, and a restaurant.
Admission ticket free
21
This statue is a quick photo-op on your way into the park.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
22
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
With park personnel ready to answer all your questions, plus a gift shop, cafe, and many informative exhibits this is a great way to start your drive through the valley. The viewpoint from the center is also a great place for a photo, and overlooks the first portion of the drive, including the two Mittens formations.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
23
This is one of two hikes that can be taken without a guide in Monument Valley. Lee Cly Trail is only two miles long; and it starts south of The View Lodge, then loops around near Mitchell Butte.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
24
Wildcat is an easy four-mile round trip hike that loops around the West Mitten Butte, and has excellent views of the East Mitten, and Merrick Butte.
Admission ticket free
25
The first major viewpoint along your Monument Valley Drive. From here, you can see the large Merrick butte as well as the two mitten twins. This stop sometimes has Navajo vendors selling local crafts.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
26
Another great view of the front features of Monument Valley, especially the wide Mitchell Mesa.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
27
This overlook looks out at one of the best features in the park. The three pillars of the sisters is said to look like nuns in their habits.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
28
John Ford’s Point
John Ford Point is the number one stop in the park. The panorama from the ledge was often used by director John Ford in his western films. If you're feeling adventurous, hop up on a horse for a christmas card worthy photo.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
29
Feelin' a little hungry on your adventure? Then swing by Linda's Frybread Stand for a fanstastic fried treat. Try it with salt and honey!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
30
Hub Point offers views of the wagon-wheel like hub, and a look out to Mystery Valley--the back area of Monument Valley only accessible by a guided tour.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
31
Totem Pole And Yei Be Chei
This viewpoint overlooks several great pillars. Yei Bi Chei is said to resemble masked Navajo dancers, and Totem Pole is one of the tallest free-standing spires in the world.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
32
The Cube looks so unusual, you'd think it has to be man-made. But no! This cubic sandstone feature was made by mother nature's handiwork, and fractured into perfectly straight lines.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
33
Artist’s Point
Astist's Point is one of the more famous overlooks in the park. The view of flat desert landscapes is broken by jutting rock features such as the distinctive King-On-His-Throne.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
34
The Thumb is just what it sounds like--a quirky little rock feature shaped like a thumb! There's also great views of camel and elephant butte.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
35
North Window Overlook
Another crowd favorite, this overlook looks out at the front of the valley, and is one of the most photographed spots in the tribal park.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Mesa Verde National Park
40 stops
36
Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Sign
When visitors first enter the park, they can take a quick photo at the entrance sign to commemorate their visit.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
37
Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is full of artifacts, artwork, and displays for visitors to enjoy. You can also have a chat with the rangers or grab a map to plan your trip easily.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
38
Entrance Station Kiosk
If you don't purchase your entrance pass prior to entering the park, this is where you'll purchase it.
Admission ticket free
39
Mancos Valley Overlook
This first roadside overlook offers beautiful views of the Mancos Valley.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
40
Morefield Campground
The Morefield Area, besides being home to the park's only gas station, hosts the Ranger Station, Campground, and several well-loved trails for visitors to explore.
Admission ticket free
41
Prater Ridge Trail
The Prater Ridge Trail crosses the Prater Ridge between Parater and Morefield Canyons. offers two hiking loops: the North Loop, spanning 3.6 miles (5.7 km), and the shorter South Loop, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 km). Hiking both loops completes the entire Prater Ridge Trail, totaling 7.8 miles (12.6 km).
Admission ticket free
42
Knife Edge Trail
This historic Trail follows the historic route of the Knife Edge Road and offers beautiful views of Montezuma Valley. This relatively level trail clocks in at around 2 miles or 3.4 km.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
43
Point Lookout Trail
Ascending steep switchbacks on the west side of Point Lookout, the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) roundtrip trail offers hikers magnificent views of the historic entrance road and mesa.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
44
Montezuma Valley Overlook
The Montezuma Valley Overlook showcases the valley, Cortez, and is also a great place to watch the sunset.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
45
Park Point Overlook Trail
This short, paved walk leads to the highest elevation point in the park, and includes several overlooks, informational signs, and to the park fire watchtower.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
46
Geologic Overlook Trail
A short walk leads to an overlook and wayside exhibits, sheding insights into the area's geology
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
47
Far View Sites
This easy, .8 mile (1.3 km)hike includes several Ancestral Puebloan sites, such asFar View Terrace, Far View Reservoir, the Pipe Shrine House, and the Far View Tower.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
48
Cedar Tree House is an Ancestral Puebloan Tower Kiva complex just a few steps from the parking lot. The Farming Terrace Trail is a short, easy 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) that showcases some ancient farming terraces.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
49
Spruce Canyon Trail
The Spruce Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult 2.4 miles (3.9 km) point to point trail, starting and ending at the Chapin Mesa Museum. It's one of the park's best trails for wildlife-watching, particularly birding.
Admission ticket free
50
Petroglyph Point Hike
An absolute must-do trail, this The 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop trail is moderately difficult and rock, with some mild scrambling at one end. It's more than wort it however, as hikers are rewarded with not only a stunning petroglyph panel, but also the remnants of an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling, and beautiful views of Spruce Canyon throughout.
Admission ticket free
51
Spruce Tree House
The Ancestral Puebloan Spruce Tree House is currently off-limits to in-site visitation due to structural instability, but visitors can still get a great view of the site from the balcony behind the museum. Extra-lucky visitors may also be able to catch a ranger program about the site. Check the museum for details.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
52
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is an essential stop for all park visitors. There, visitors can enjoy a film on the history of the park, several exhibits, and get information on ranger talks and tours.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
53
Spruce Tree House
If you aren't planning on packing a picnic lunch, consider stopping by the Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe for a quick snack or a hot meal.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
54
Pithouse
The first stop on the Mesa Top Loop Road, an Ancestral Puebloan Pithouse built around 55o C.E.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
55
Navajo Canyon View
This roadside viewpoint offers stunning views of the Navajo Canyon and the Echo Cliff House.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
56
Square Tower House
This is the tallest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde--a 4 story structure. The overlook is free, but to visit Square House, tickets are required.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
57
Pithouses and Villages
This stop allows vistors to appreciate the changes of Ancestral Ouebloan architecture over time, from the earliest pithouses to the more modern pueblos.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
58
Mesa Top Sites
These sites show beautiful Ancestral Puebloan kivas and chimney airflow systems.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
59
Sun Point Pueblo
This 30-room village was one of the last structures to be built by the Ancestral Puebloans before their departure.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
60
Sun Point View
A viewpoint with a viewing scope overlooking several cliffside dwellings.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
61
Oak Tree House
This roadside stops overlooks the 1250 C.E. Oak Tree House, a large cliff village.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
62
Fire Temple
This overlook peaks out at the Fire Temple, which boasts several homes, a firepit, and a central plaza.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
63
Sun Temple, an uncompleted Ancestral Puebloan ceremonial structure, has been puzzling anthropologists as to its exact function since its discovery.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
64
Cliff Palace
Cliff Palace is one of Mesa Verde's most popular stops--and for good reason. 150 rooms and 23 kivas make up this cliffside wonder. Visitors to this site must schedule a ranger-guided tour in advance.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
65
House of Many Windows
This "House of Many Windows" is actually swissed by countless small doorways, which are often mistaken for windows.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
66
Hemenway House Overlook
This carefully perched cliff house was built in the early 1200's as part of the larger Balcony House Community.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
67
Balcony House
Visitors will want to get advance tickets for this ranger-guided tour. The Balcony House is made of 38 rooms, 2 kivas, and a plaza. To visit, visitors need to be in relatively decent health, as they will need to climb through a small tunnel and climb several ladders.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
68
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
This short and easy 1.2-mile (2 km) out-and-back trail is ideal for wildlife spotting. Along the way, you'll enjoy several views of the cliff houses dotting the adjacent cliffside. Be sure to walk all the way to the Soda Canyon voerlook for teh best view of the canyon.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
69
Window to the Past
Wetherill Mesa's geologic overlook and picnic area is a great stop in the afternoon for a quick snack while you take in views of Montezuma Valley.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
70
This quick stop is a great place to look for raptor birds soaring above the cliffs. Visitors can also read the educational displays explaining the area's fires.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
71
McElmo Canyon
This is the final roadside viewpoint for enjoying Montezuma Valley overlook along Wetherill Mesa Road and is another excellent spot for birding
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
72
Rock Canyon Tower View Trail
The Rock Canyon Tower is a stop you'll want to pull out your binoculars for. The tower structure is located on the opposite canyon wall.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
73
Wetherill Mesa Kiosk Trail
The Wetherill Mesa Station Kiosk should be your first stop before heading to the Long House Trail. This informative hub, located at the end Wetherill Mesa Road, provides visitors with essential details about the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites in the area. Offering maps, interpretive exhibits, and trail information, the kiosk helps visitors plan their ideal route through the surrounding, intersecting trails.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
74
Wetherill Mesa
The Wetherill Mesa Sites include Step House, Kodak House, Long House, Nordenskiold Site 16, and Two Raven House. The hikes here can total up to or over 4.5 miles, if you visit all the sites. Visitors should prioritize Nordenskiold Site and Step House, as well as the by ticket-only Long House.
Admission ticket free
75
Long House
This is the only Ancestral Puebloan site on Wetherill Mesa Road that requires a ranger guide to visit. This sprawling structure consists of 50 rooms, 21 kivas, and several upper storage rooms.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
• Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
• Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.

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