Monument Valley Hogan Overnight Experience
4.5
Monument Valley Hogan Overnight Experience
By Simpson's Trailhandler Tours
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About
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2 days
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Local Navajo guide (english speaking)
- Open-air vehicle or enclosed van (depending on weather conditions)
- Evening Valley Tour
- Traditional Navajo dinner incl. drinks
- Live entertainment program
- Overnight accommodation in a traditional Navajo Hogan (including sleeping bag, sleeping mat & lantern)
- Sunrise Valley Tour
- Continental style breakfast
- Entry/Admission - Simpson's Trailhandler Tours
- Entry/Admission - Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Entry/Admission - Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
What's not included- Entrance fees to the Navajo Tribal Park
- Gratuities
- Start:
- Navajo Welcome Center, Welcome Center, Oljato-Monument Valley, UT 84536, USA
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66088P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A minimum of 2 people per booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66088P3
From
$275.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
Overview
Full Map
4 stops
Day 1
Evening tour and Dreamcatcher...
Day 2
Sunrise Tour
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- lindabN7956LR0 contributionsMagical evening in Monument ValleyYesterday we had a truly great experience in Monument Valley with Jamie of Simpson’s Trail Handlers. Jamie’s professionalism is countered with his wack sense of humor and he had us in stitches. We signed on for the dreamcatchers tour that departed at 4:30. The late afternoon sun was the best for photography as the colors are vivid and the shadows add dimension to the fantastic rock formations. Jamie took us to the best spots for viewing and always offered to take photos of us from our smartphones. He used the pano feature to create fanciful photos of us against the stunning backgrounds. He’s also a talented musician and played the flute to advantage against the echoing canyons. That was epic! Our last stop was a traditional Navajo meal lit by a camp fire. We were treated to native dances accompanied by Jamie’s magical flute playing. It was an unforgettable evening!Written October 11, 2024
- sharonhB1362RY0 contributionsIncredible TourThis was an amazing tour. We drove in Monument Valley the day before on our oun and was concerned we would just see the same thing. Cody was our driver, tour guide, entertainer, and camera expert. He took us on roads that are private, only for the tours. It was incredible to see the different structures and arches. Cody knew the names of everything and the history of the Navajo Nation. It was a great experience. We also had the Navajo Taco dinner by the bonfire with dancing and story telling. We truly enjoyed every minute of this tour and would do it again.Written October 5, 2024
- Q6085YBdonnaw0 contributionsA must do experienceThe whole experience was so wonderful! The scenery is breathtaking, the music amazing and the guide informative and entertaining. We especially liked the flute playing, the extra attention to making sure we had the best camera shot and the storytelling around the campfire. The dinner itself was so so but it didn’t matter as the experience itself was beyond words.Written October 4, 2024
- aleutians0 contributionsFantastic TourFantastic Tour Today we did a fantastic Dreamcatchers Tour with Cody. He was the bomb. It was good to learn some history of this beautiful place. The fried bread dinner was yummy. Entertainment after dinner was informative as well as entertaining. I would recommend this tour. M&W DonaldsonWritten October 2, 2024
- gosportm20240 contributionsSights of a lifetime!Wayne was the best, the sights incredible! Come home and watch The Searchers or Stagecoach, you were just there! You won't miss a thing on this tour, and you're lucky if you get Wayne as guide, trust me.Written October 1, 2024
- A2531UIchristiec0 contributionsBest experience of our tripFabulous! Our sunset photo tour was great from the moment we met our guide, Donna. She was friendly, interesting, and thoughtful as she shared information about the geology, history, and her experiences guiding photographers and film crews through the valley. Donna led us at a comfortable attentive pace. Guiding us as we chased the light through areas we were unable to see on the self guided 17 mile drive. She noted when we wanted to capture a view and shared favorite spots with us. It was the most special experience of our Arizona Utah road trip. Thanks so much DonnaWritten September 30, 2024
- VicJen0 contributionsAn evening to rememberWe booked this tour a few days out. Speaking to Ralph a co-owner felt like speaking to an old friend. He was both helpful and knowledgeable. The directions to where the tour left were accurate and easy to follow. The trucks are well used but do a good job and the guides (we had Cody) was personable, knowledgeable and very happy to take photos and suggest places to go (such as the ear of the wind). You get some appreciation of the size of Monument Valley on this tour. The dinner and cultural aspect of the tour is also well done (don’t expect toilets out there, it is remote). You return to the View Hotel around 8.30-9.00. It’s a long afternoon but definitely worth it!Written September 25, 2024
- Sunshine273817409670 contributionsWonderful experienceThis was a fantastic experience! Great setting out in the middle of Monument Valley under a massive cliff face at sunset and later, a full moon to highlight our group. The dancer, Kody (?), did his Stallion and Crow dance among other dances. The leader, Howard (?), also gave a pretty good explanation of the Navajo people and how the kids have to follow the blood lines when courting someone else. Interesting stuff. Only wish they'd given us an opportunity for Q and A at the end. Definitely recommend. Oh yeah, Rookie tip for us non- Americans: don't put the beans on your Navajo taco. It soaks it through and the whole thing collapses like a wet sandcastle. Go bean free!Written September 18, 2024
- carpemomento0 contributionsJamie made this experience unforgettableAbsolutely LOVED this experience with Jamie as our guide. He was knowledgeable and entertaining and took some cool camera shots for all 8 of us. He got us to all the special places when no one else was around. His flute playing at The Big Hogan touched my soul. The meal at the end, along with a true Navajo singer and dancer was very cool. I WILL be back to do the overnight. Thank you, JamieWritten September 12, 2024
- Dwight19780 contributionsAmazing sights and history.Very nice drive around area, guide was excellent. Amazing views. I highly recommend the tour guide. You will see more monuments, won't beat up your vehicle. Guide also gave us some Navajo history.Written August 7, 2024
- markwilliamsheehan0 contributionsMonumental Event in Monument Valley!"Richie" our Navajo Guide was exceptional! Clone the fella! It ticked all the boxes & then some. Enlightened & Inspired were the words that came from the group we went along with. Fabulous.Written July 30, 2024
- 74andriesk0 contributionsOnce in a lifetime experience!We had an overnight camping tour (not listed on the website). It was a unique, once in a lifetime experience! It was the full experience (no chemical toilets, tent had to be set up by ourselves). It was obvious this is not business as usual: the provided tent lacked tentpoles, so a new tent had to be provided. Sleeping bags were very good- the self inflatable mattresses were in bad shape, but good enough for the experience. It was a great experience. We were the only guests- it is magical to wake up in the middle of Monument Valley, have a great breakfast and experience the tranquility of the valley. Thanks again!Written July 28, 2024
- brentsI3628GJ0 contributionsThis one is a keeperWhat an amazing experience! We were met at the hotel by our guide and an open air bus/pickup. While we were on rough roads, and very sandy areas, the ride was comfortable and exhilarating as the sun began to set. Dinner was Navajo Tacos (fry bread and accouterments) and they were more than willing to accommodate the vegan in our party. At one point in the adventure, we were in a cave and our guide was singing and playing the flute as the clouds were passing over us.... You will not be disappointed.Written July 24, 2024
- bellsw10 contributionsCan't imagine a better way to see Monument ValleyAn amazing way to spend an evening and make the most of some of the most breathtaking scenery in all creation! Our guide, Jamie, did an outstanding job of enriching the experience with great commentary, more than a few secrets we never would have spotted without him (and some secret places we couldn't have gone to), and telling some good jokes along the way. Our whole group, ages from 6 to 50, had a great time on the tour itself. At the end of the tour itself, dinner at sunset was delicious! To cap it all off, Harold and his son Levi shared an outstanding historical and cultural experience with a great talk about Dineh/Navajo history and some awesome singing by Harold and grass dancing by Levi as the sky went dark at last. I am grateful that my kids had the chance to gain a small amount of firsthand exposure to this important part of the history and culture of this continent we call home. Thanks very much to Jamie, Harold, Levi and the whole staff!Written July 24, 2024
- 972grahamw0 contributionsDreamcatcherEasy booking system and kept updated on any changes, only hiccup was told to be at location for 5pm but didn’t see driver until 5:20 pm so did start to wonder. We set off promptly at 5:30 pm into monument valley in intense heat, our guide stopped at intermittent intervals for us to take that special picture and as we had booked the dreamcatcher we went further into monument valley than if you went by your own means. Absolutely stunning scenery and so quite and peaceful, we then headed to area for dinner which was very good and plenty plus water and soda, tribal dance Was performed exceptionally well and well done the young dancer.Written July 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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glenpyper
9 contributions
Stunning tour around the Navajo wilderness with our native guide. What an amazing place to see in the flesh.
The Hogan was basic camp, so take a pillow, and maybe a hand fan as it got hot.
The Hogan was basic camp, so take a pillow, and maybe a hand fan as it got hot.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colas Decloitre
Reading, UK6 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
I did the overnight experience in an Hogan. What a big mistake it was.
I booked this tour because I thought it would be great to see the monuments in both sunset and sunrise. Thanks to this company, I missed both.
First, he was obviously disapointed that I was alone in his tour, he did not bother exiting the car in most stops we made.
The first thing he told me was that it was cold and did not want to eat outside and that we would go to a "cantine". I did not mind that much so I said ok. This was in fact an empty room back in town (we had to leave the valley and come back to the hogan during the night).
One of the stops during the day is at the hogan you will sleep in so a lady can show you few ustensile Navajo used. This lasts about 5min and you are greatly encourage to give money (my guide basically told me: there is a box to put money here). Looking at the price we pay for this tour, I do not think this is ok to ask for more money playing on the old lady card, knowing that she does that for every tour and is part of the same clan etc... but why not...
The dinner is barely ok, they give you a taco with a burnt steak and some tea. Again, not really an issue if we were not paying so much.
The "European Breakfast" is a total joke as it consists of a banana and an orange juice given in the car. Again, paying 250$ for this is kind of bothering.
In the morning, the "tour" basically consists of taking you from the hogan to a place where you will watch the sunrise for 10min before leaving. I had specifically asked that we saw the sunrise on the monuments as I was alone in the tour and we did not see the sunset. My guide decided to take me to another place, which was ok but not what I wanted to see and what I asked... In the end, I told him i would prefer keep moving to the hotel so I could see it. We drove and had to stop at the bottom as the sun was already rising...ending in me seeing the sunset on the wrong side of one monument, the other being hidden in the back.
The night in the hogan is as expected and described, on a mattress with a sleeping bag. Nothing to complain about here, and the stargazing is quite amazing.
What I would do instead of this tour is book a night at the hotel where you would be able to see both sunset and sunrise and do a day tour with any company. That would be approximately the same price (or a lot less expensive if you are 2) and a lot better.
I booked this tour because I thought it would be great to see the monuments in both sunset and sunrise. Thanks to this company, I missed both.
First, he was obviously disapointed that I was alone in his tour, he did not bother exiting the car in most stops we made.
The first thing he told me was that it was cold and did not want to eat outside and that we would go to a "cantine". I did not mind that much so I said ok. This was in fact an empty room back in town (we had to leave the valley and come back to the hogan during the night).
One of the stops during the day is at the hogan you will sleep in so a lady can show you few ustensile Navajo used. This lasts about 5min and you are greatly encourage to give money (my guide basically told me: there is a box to put money here). Looking at the price we pay for this tour, I do not think this is ok to ask for more money playing on the old lady card, knowing that she does that for every tour and is part of the same clan etc... but why not...
The dinner is barely ok, they give you a taco with a burnt steak and some tea. Again, not really an issue if we were not paying so much.
The "European Breakfast" is a total joke as it consists of a banana and an orange juice given in the car. Again, paying 250$ for this is kind of bothering.
In the morning, the "tour" basically consists of taking you from the hogan to a place where you will watch the sunrise for 10min before leaving. I had specifically asked that we saw the sunrise on the monuments as I was alone in the tour and we did not see the sunset. My guide decided to take me to another place, which was ok but not what I wanted to see and what I asked... In the end, I told him i would prefer keep moving to the hotel so I could see it. We drove and had to stop at the bottom as the sun was already rising...ending in me seeing the sunset on the wrong side of one monument, the other being hidden in the back.
The night in the hogan is as expected and described, on a mattress with a sleeping bag. Nothing to complain about here, and the stargazing is quite amazing.
What I would do instead of this tour is book a night at the hotel where you would be able to see both sunset and sunrise and do a day tour with any company. That would be approximately the same price (or a lot less expensive if you are 2) and a lot better.
Written November 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit to beautiful Monument Valley and for taking the time to reach out and review our Navajo guided Hogan Overnight tour adventure.
We are disappointed in how you felt during this special experience of exploring our enchanting lands of the Navajo people.
As an apology, we would like to offer you a full refund of your money.
Please contact us directly at your earliest convenience, so that we can begin the refund process.
Thanks again and we look forward to hearing from you.
Written December 20, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann Smith
Chevy Chase, MD23 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We are a family of four (13 & 15 year old teens) who are taking a trip across the Southwest. I deliberated a lot about this overnight, given the negative reviews I saw. I even called to cancel, because it was so much money and I wasn’t sure it was going to be a good experience. I spoke with someone who assured me it was great and the negative review was someone who didn’t arrive to the tour on time and left early, so they missed the tour part. After being talked back into the overnight, we enjoyed the first part of the tour immensely (tour, meal and entertainment). This was the sunset tour that I had tried to change our reservation to and it is excellent and worth the $150 to have an afternoon/evening seeing the sights and hearing about Navajo culture.
Sadly, this where the accolades end. When we arrived at our hogan, it felt very confusing. Our guide seemed surprised we wanted to sleep in a hogan given how how it was outside. He let us in to the hogan, which was a souvenir shop and didn’t really have room for us and all the merchandise on display. He then suggested sleeping under the stars, which was what the other two groups planned to do. As a mom, the concept of sleeping outside in the desert when the “desert comes alive with life” was NOT appealing. We chose to sleep in the little shack where they sell things that barely has a roof but offered some protection from the elements. It was a horrible, sleepless night. The tarp covering the shed flapped all night long (imagine someone shaking a grocery bag by your ear all night) and sand constantly blowing in your face. Multiple times that night a dog belonging to a neighbor got into a fight with a wild horse and barked all night long. Our guide meanwhile, slept on a cot! I was so jealous and the entire night we weren’t sleeping I debated asking him to take us back so we could sleep in the car.
Yet, we persevered.... while it was a beautiful sunrise, the breakfast was just so so (fruit and banana bread or cereal), then we drove straight back to the hotel.
DO NOT spend an extra $150 for this “experience”! It ruined our next day, as instead of sightseeing we were all cranky and exhausted, so we barely saw Sedona. I am SO disappointed, particularly since I had tried to cancel this part of the tour and been talked out of it. Trust ME, not worth the loss of sleep!!!
Sadly, this where the accolades end. When we arrived at our hogan, it felt very confusing. Our guide seemed surprised we wanted to sleep in a hogan given how how it was outside. He let us in to the hogan, which was a souvenir shop and didn’t really have room for us and all the merchandise on display. He then suggested sleeping under the stars, which was what the other two groups planned to do. As a mom, the concept of sleeping outside in the desert when the “desert comes alive with life” was NOT appealing. We chose to sleep in the little shack where they sell things that barely has a roof but offered some protection from the elements. It was a horrible, sleepless night. The tarp covering the shed flapped all night long (imagine someone shaking a grocery bag by your ear all night) and sand constantly blowing in your face. Multiple times that night a dog belonging to a neighbor got into a fight with a wild horse and barked all night long. Our guide meanwhile, slept on a cot! I was so jealous and the entire night we weren’t sleeping I debated asking him to take us back so we could sleep in the car.
Yet, we persevered.... while it was a beautiful sunrise, the breakfast was just so so (fruit and banana bread or cereal), then we drove straight back to the hotel.
DO NOT spend an extra $150 for this “experience”! It ruined our next day, as instead of sightseeing we were all cranky and exhausted, so we barely saw Sedona. I am SO disappointed, particularly since I had tried to cancel this part of the tour and been talked out of it. Trust ME, not worth the loss of sleep!!!
Written July 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peanut7
1 contribution
May 2019 • Friends
A very good trip, worth it every step of the way ! Our guide Jamie was really great. It's an unforgettable nature experience. Even though not everyone would like it because of the adventurous side of the trip. Do the overnight only if you don't mind having a relatively rough night, but again, it's part of the adventure and completely worth a short and uncomfortable night. Two things : Yes it is a bit expensive and also the tour can be a bit unpredictable (bad weather, uninterested guide, late guests)
Written May 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roel
Fish Camp, CA1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
We took our children (between 11-17 years old) on an evening jeep tour, overnight stay in a traditional hogan and morning tour with the Navajo in Monument Valley.
This was the highlight of our 21 day trip in the western USA.
The jeep tour takes you into Navajo country that is otherwise not accessible to tourists. Our wonderful guide Stanley told us about the rocks, the names they were given and what they mean to Navajo culture. We had plenty of time to get out and walk around. Stanley often gave us tips from which viewpoint to take beautiful pictures. We drove to a place where a traditional dinner was served under the trees beneath a cliff. A friendly lady gave us delicious tortilla with all meat and vegetables we could eat. After dinner, we listened to a fascinating explanation about the history of the Navajo in and around Monument Valley. We also got to see ritual dances by Navajo in traditional costumes.
Then Stanley took us to the hogan for the overnight stay. This was very basic: sleeping on mats on the floor, sleeping bags were also provided. For us, it made the experience complete and it was just as expected.
In the morning we were woken up very early to go to a beautiful place to watch a truly magical sunrise: the upcoming sun, the silence, and the magnificent landscape. We also had a basic but very tasty breakfast.
A big thumbs up for the organization, who provided us with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highly recommended!
This was the highlight of our 21 day trip in the western USA.
The jeep tour takes you into Navajo country that is otherwise not accessible to tourists. Our wonderful guide Stanley told us about the rocks, the names they were given and what they mean to Navajo culture. We had plenty of time to get out and walk around. Stanley often gave us tips from which viewpoint to take beautiful pictures. We drove to a place where a traditional dinner was served under the trees beneath a cliff. A friendly lady gave us delicious tortilla with all meat and vegetables we could eat. After dinner, we listened to a fascinating explanation about the history of the Navajo in and around Monument Valley. We also got to see ritual dances by Navajo in traditional costumes.
Then Stanley took us to the hogan for the overnight stay. This was very basic: sleeping on mats on the floor, sleeping bags were also provided. For us, it made the experience complete and it was just as expected.
In the morning we were woken up very early to go to a beautiful place to watch a truly magical sunrise: the upcoming sun, the silence, and the magnificent landscape. We also had a basic but very tasty breakfast.
A big thumbs up for the organization, who provided us with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highly recommended!
Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DRJBenavidez
San Diego, CA10 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
I cannot begin to exclaim how amazing this experience was!
My father and I are of Navajo (Diné descent), so I wanted to take him to Navajo Nation for his 65th birthday and before I got too disabled to travel (I have Multiple Sclerosis).
We traveled to Kayenta, AZ from California and stayed the night at a hotel to be well rested for the tour. The next day, we drove to the tour loading site and we met up with our tour guide, Mr. Wayne. Now let me tell you about Wayne. He's a boss, a true G. He took so many good pictures of me and my father and even joined us in some. He explained each Monument and the story behind it. He was so friendly and patient with us!
The monuments themselves: OMG!!!!!!
Never have I spiritually connected with mesas. They all seem to have a shape of something so when you use you imagination you can really see why they're named the way they are.
It's not just one or two there are like 10-15 huge monuments that were epic!
We also saw Anasazi petroglyphs, pottery, and ruins. Talk about connecting with the ancients!
The pictures don't do what we saw justice!
After the tour, we stopped where Wayne's niece, Miss Pearl, cooked us delicious Navajo Tacos. She explained the history about them and was also so nice.
Mr. Simpson played the drum/sang and we had the honor of seeing Mr. Cody perform some ceremonial dances. Mr. Simpson had the most amazing voice; the acoustics of the canyon made it sound so ethereal. Mr. Simpson even sang happy birthday to my father in the Navajo language. He also sang a romantic ballad.
I felt so honored that the Diné people shared their culture with us.
We drove to the Hogan (a structure made by Navajos that they used to live in)
Keep in mind there is no running water (bring wipes)! And there is no electricity (bring lanterns, flashlights, and portable phone chargers).
Mr. Ralph, one of the owners, was VERY crystal clear about this so anyone who is "surprised" by the accommodations really shouldn't be because in the description and when you book, it is confirmed with you.
When we woke up in the Hogan we were scrambling to pack, but Wayne was very patient with us. He took us to see the sunrise and OMG what a spiritual experience to see the sun flood the valley.
After this we had a continental breakfast of cereal, muffins, fruit, juice, and milk. It was very nice of them to accommodate us this way. Again it is a continental breakfast, so don't expect a full course meal.
Book the overnight Hogan experience if you really want to connect with Navajo culture! It is well worth the price and traveling time! We had an Unforgettable experience thanks to this company!
Some things to remember:
You are a guest on Navajo Nation. We are lucky they even open their sacred land to us to visit given their history with outsiders in the past. Always show respect the people there. Do not talk over them or interrupt them. Do not ask rude questions. Do not be offended if they joke a lot or are quiet (this is part of the culture).
Educate yourself about the Navajo people and culture before you go. Learn about their origin story and the trials they have been through (such as the long walk and more current uranium mining).
Tip GENEROUSLY. The average salary of a person living on the reservation is under the poverty line. You have a responsibility to tip and to tip generously.
CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU GO. Don't assume it will be hit because it's a desert.
My father and I are of Navajo (Diné descent), so I wanted to take him to Navajo Nation for his 65th birthday and before I got too disabled to travel (I have Multiple Sclerosis).
We traveled to Kayenta, AZ from California and stayed the night at a hotel to be well rested for the tour. The next day, we drove to the tour loading site and we met up with our tour guide, Mr. Wayne. Now let me tell you about Wayne. He's a boss, a true G. He took so many good pictures of me and my father and even joined us in some. He explained each Monument and the story behind it. He was so friendly and patient with us!
The monuments themselves: OMG!!!!!!
Never have I spiritually connected with mesas. They all seem to have a shape of something so when you use you imagination you can really see why they're named the way they are.
It's not just one or two there are like 10-15 huge monuments that were epic!
We also saw Anasazi petroglyphs, pottery, and ruins. Talk about connecting with the ancients!
The pictures don't do what we saw justice!
After the tour, we stopped where Wayne's niece, Miss Pearl, cooked us delicious Navajo Tacos. She explained the history about them and was also so nice.
Mr. Simpson played the drum/sang and we had the honor of seeing Mr. Cody perform some ceremonial dances. Mr. Simpson had the most amazing voice; the acoustics of the canyon made it sound so ethereal. Mr. Simpson even sang happy birthday to my father in the Navajo language. He also sang a romantic ballad.
I felt so honored that the Diné people shared their culture with us.
We drove to the Hogan (a structure made by Navajos that they used to live in)
Keep in mind there is no running water (bring wipes)! And there is no electricity (bring lanterns, flashlights, and portable phone chargers).
Mr. Ralph, one of the owners, was VERY crystal clear about this so anyone who is "surprised" by the accommodations really shouldn't be because in the description and when you book, it is confirmed with you.
When we woke up in the Hogan we were scrambling to pack, but Wayne was very patient with us. He took us to see the sunrise and OMG what a spiritual experience to see the sun flood the valley.
After this we had a continental breakfast of cereal, muffins, fruit, juice, and milk. It was very nice of them to accommodate us this way. Again it is a continental breakfast, so don't expect a full course meal.
Book the overnight Hogan experience if you really want to connect with Navajo culture! It is well worth the price and traveling time! We had an Unforgettable experience thanks to this company!
Some things to remember:
You are a guest on Navajo Nation. We are lucky they even open their sacred land to us to visit given their history with outsiders in the past. Always show respect the people there. Do not talk over them or interrupt them. Do not ask rude questions. Do not be offended if they joke a lot or are quiet (this is part of the culture).
Educate yourself about the Navajo people and culture before you go. Learn about their origin story and the trials they have been through (such as the long walk and more current uranium mining).
Tip GENEROUSLY. The average salary of a person living on the reservation is under the poverty line. You have a responsibility to tip and to tip generously.
CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU GO. Don't assume it will be hit because it's a desert.
Written May 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TN307
Ypsilanti, MI12 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
This was one of the most memorable and beautiful experiences! Our guide John was WONDERFUL!!! Everything about the tour, dinner, culture and overnight in the Hogan was more than we expected. Being outside at night looking up at the most stars you could ever imagine and realizing that you are in the middle of one of the most beautiful places in our great country brought tears to our eyes. It is sad to see some of these reviews in such a negative form. If you are looking for a luxury hotel and a restaurant this is not for you. This is for those who know the true beauty of what the world is without all of the distractions...We would do this again in a heartbeat! Ralph set up our reservation and was so helpful with everything. Thank you for everything!!!!
Written July 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Departure24390133246
1 contribution
May 2024 • Business
it looked like the house of the teletubbies, I really had an incredible time there with po, scooting up the hill with the vacuum cleaner, and no I'm not a hippie.
Written June 6, 2024
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do you know of any experiences like this for 8-12 people?
Written November 16, 2021
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