Goulding's Monument Valley
Goulding's Monument Valley
4.5
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
Located in spectacular Monument Valley, Utah, Goulding's Lodge & Tours offers three different lodging options: 63 standard lodge rooms, 68 new suites, and 15 different houses or apartment units. In addition to lodging, Goulding's has a full-service RV park and campground, grocery store, gas station/convenient store with food court, museum and gift shop. We also offer scheduled tours and can arrange private excursions that enable guests to search out the mystery and enchantment of this extraordinary area.
Monument Valley, Utah
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Goulding's Monument Valley
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
595 reviews
Excellent
340
Very good
159
Average
61
Poor
18
Terrible
17
Michelle O
Denver, CO12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We made a three day trip to Monument Valley, staying at Goulding’s (an old trading post and lodge where John Wayne stayed in the prime of Western movies). The lodge has been expanded and modernized and the room was very comfortable. The restaurant was also very comfortable, with pleasant serving staff, and surprisingly good food. Navajo Taco best I’ve ever eaten! We took the full day tour, with a knowledgeable Navaho guide which was fascinating since he took us into parts of the Tribal Park you can’t access on your own. One word of warning - GO OFF SEASON! There were few people there in January, so we both ended up with a private tour and the ability to hit the restaurant at our pleasure. Later in the year the crowds become huge.
Written January 19, 2020
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.
BeverleyBlue
Beverley, UK166 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Stayed two nights in one of the cabins (451 has a very good view of the rock formations to the east per the picture) and they're quite spacious though we had a two bedroom unit to ourselves; single bedroom cabins may be different. Breakfast and dinner in restaurant were fairly simple but reasonably priced by current US standards. Museum and John Wayne's Cabin make for nostalgic viewing. Didn't get to use the swimming pool but the general store seems reasonably priced too.
We also booked the De Luxe tour of the Navajo "boundaries" which is home to the most famous rock formations and vistas in movies and advertising. At $89 per person it's not a cheap tour but we had no option as our saloon car would never have made it around the unpaved roads, regardless of the rental car insurance restrictions which prohibit off road driving. To be frank, if you don't see this area on your visit one way or another, the rest of the valley, aside from the Forrest Gump hill view, is underwhelming as US scenery goes.
We also booked the De Luxe tour of the Navajo "boundaries" which is home to the most famous rock formations and vistas in movies and advertising. At $89 per person it's not a cheap tour but we had no option as our saloon car would never have made it around the unpaved roads, regardless of the rental car insurance restrictions which prohibit off road driving. To be frank, if you don't see this area on your visit one way or another, the rest of the valley, aside from the Forrest Gump hill view, is underwhelming as US scenery goes.
Written September 20, 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.
CADreamin
Felton, CA583 contributions
Mar 2021
Since the Tribal Park itself was closed, we opted for the Goulding's Beyond the Park Sunset Tour. It started out a little slow (we had already driven up and down Hwy 163 earlier in the day) but our local guide, Mike, would stop and point out the different mesas and bluffs and their names which was really interesting. Soon we were back at Goulding's and Mike took us into a typical Hogan, talking about growing up in one and explaining about daily life. He also showed us the typical weaving done by many in the village. Then we piled into the UTV and off we went, into the backcountry where we were treated to spectacular views of the red cliffs. We ended up at Teardrop Arch which provided us with some beautiful photos with features of Monument Valley in the background. Mike was the perfect person to be with when touring this area and the tour was a great end to a wonderful day.
Written April 9, 2021
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.
Deepak K
Leesburg, VA1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Friends
We took the Monument Valley Deluxe Tour at 2:30pm and had the worst experience of our lives (paid to get ourselves hurt) . It was terribly cold on the day of our trip (somewhere between 2C and -3C and very windy which made it worse). The tour was in an open trailer which had tarps for windows and the tarps were folded up for the trip. This didn’t help in keeping us warm. My friends and I had a bad frost bit and were unable to use our hands for almost an hour after the trip.
Also, the tour operator hadn’t taken proper COVID transmission precautions. 20 / 20 people were packed onto a trailer. Although, we did wear masks, the weather didn’t make the experience comfortable.
Anyways, I felt like the tour operator should have been more responsible and should have cancelled the tour due to inclement weather. We weren’t offered an option to cancel or reschedule and ended up going on the trip as we paid about 100$ per person.
Also, the tour operator hadn’t taken proper COVID transmission precautions. 20 / 20 people were packed onto a trailer. Although, we did wear masks, the weather didn’t make the experience comfortable.
Anyways, I felt like the tour operator should have been more responsible and should have cancelled the tour due to inclement weather. We weren’t offered an option to cancel or reschedule and ended up going on the trip as we paid about 100$ per person.
Written December 28, 2021
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.
Smore L
4 contributions
Apr 2022
We visited in April of 2022, the weather was perfect, windy one of the days, so we did a side trip to Gooseneck State Park, instead of hiking. We took the 1/2 day tour to Monument Valley with Gouldings and Loved our tour guide Dusty, he had allot of great personal information he shared about the park, the area and the way of life for the Navajo! This tour picked and dropped us off at the campgrounds where we were staying. We had a great time, the stops were just about enough time to take a pic and look around at the booths. Bought a couple of bracelets.
We stayed at the campgrounds for 4 nights (probably one night too much, for not allot to do except Monument Valley) they are very nice, not just allot of room, but didn't feel crowded. Check in was super easy, there are plenty of trash cans around. The campground is tucked between two hills, so you are somewhat protected from the wind, unlike the KOA down the road. The little store had pretty much anything you would need Had the Navajo Taco at the restaurant, the fry bread was super fresh and it was huge...plenty to eat.
The Museum was closed due to lack of staff. Did go watch a John Wayne movie at the little theater, that was a fun treat.
The only thing we wished they had was some bike trails, would be perfect place to ride your bikes.
We stayed at the campgrounds for 4 nights (probably one night too much, for not allot to do except Monument Valley) they are very nice, not just allot of room, but didn't feel crowded. Check in was super easy, there are plenty of trash cans around. The campground is tucked between two hills, so you are somewhat protected from the wind, unlike the KOA down the road. The little store had pretty much anything you would need Had the Navajo Taco at the restaurant, the fry bread was super fresh and it was huge...plenty to eat.
The Museum was closed due to lack of staff. Did go watch a John Wayne movie at the little theater, that was a fun treat.
The only thing we wished they had was some bike trails, would be perfect place to ride your bikes.
Written April 5, 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.
Smantha
Cornwall, UK251 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Just left Goulding’s Lodge after a fantastic stay. The location and views from your balcony are amazing. We ate at the restaurant twice for dinner and twice for breakfast and all the meals were great- highly recommend the local Navajo Frybread.
The room was very clean and had all that you needed for a comfortable stay.
We took the all day tour and it was outstanding, one of the best tours I have been on. We were a small group just us two and another couple so the tour fealt very personal. Our tour guide Jonathon was amazing. We learnt so much and he answered all our questions. On the way home he even sang a Navajo birthday blessing song for my dad which was very touching. The views and places we saw were mesmerising. You get a packed lunch with a drink, sandwich, salad, crisps, apple and a cookie. Water is available throughout the 8hr day. I Highly recommend the tour and if you have Jonathon you are in for a good time.
The room was very clean and had all that you needed for a comfortable stay.
We took the all day tour and it was outstanding, one of the best tours I have been on. We were a small group just us two and another couple so the tour fealt very personal. Our tour guide Jonathon was amazing. We learnt so much and he answered all our questions. On the way home he even sang a Navajo birthday blessing song for my dad which was very touching. The views and places we saw were mesmerising. You get a packed lunch with a drink, sandwich, salad, crisps, apple and a cookie. Water is available throughout the 8hr day. I Highly recommend the tour and if you have Jonathon you are in for a good time.
Written August 27, 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.
CMPTexas
Tucson, AZ848 contributions
Jul 2020
Built in the 20's, this place is part of movie and western history. Seems movie director John Ford and the actor John Wayne stayed here, probably along with all the other actors and crew (you can see & tour his cabin) while making "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" movie. Many other great westerns were made here and the Monuments in the valley are the backdrop. Due to Covid, the actual Monument Valley park and drive were closed (it is NOT a National Park or National Monument-it is managed and run by the Navajo Nation) when we arrived at the end of July, but they can't hide the monuments; they're there, right along side the roadway. Plenty of picture taking opportunities to be had. Goulding's is a little town in itself; with a store, lodges, museum, restaurant, RV park, gas station, nestled in the huge rock cliffs. Many of these were closed as well. We stayed overnight in the area so we had the time to tour this little area. Worth the 10-minute drive or so to check it out if you like western or movie history.
Written August 4, 2020
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.
Blackie48
Temple Terrace, FL7 contributions
Mar 2021
Did the 4 hr full moon tour at 1630 hours with Navajo guide Colleen. She was terrific, took us on several hikes to the best spots for pics, better than awesome and the experience was one to remember forever. Great steak dinner cookout in the canyon, and Colleen performed Navajo tribal songs with her drum to the backdrop of a bright, full moon and the monuments in the background. Cost $115 each and worth every cent. Highly recommend
Written March 27, 2021
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.
Traveler793067
Murrieta, CA14 contributions
Jun 2022
Take the Deluxe Tour! We had an unforgettable time. The campground is clean, nestled under red rocks, and offers an indoor pool, showers and laundry, and a fun museum nearby showing the history of Gouldings and the movies made here. James, our Navajo guide, was funny and so informative. He played his flute for us in a beautiful setting and shared stories about his Navajo culture. I’ll always remember Monument Valley with love. Highly recommend.
Written June 21, 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.
pj-treehouse
Tulsa, OK91 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We travelled with friends both pulling trailers. We had requested sites next to each other and they were able to provide us 2 adjacent pull thru sites with great views. We really enjoyed our stay. We also took their tour and loved it. The sites are close together unlike many state parks, which we prefer, but we were only there 2 nights and it was just fine…we had a great time.
Written October 29, 2021
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.
Hi - If you do the sunset tour is there somewhere to eat afterwards, I see the tour for May starts at 6.15pm and the restaurant closes at 8.30pm?
Written January 31, 2023
We were visitors, not Goulding's staff, so cannot answer this question for you. Sorry ...
Written May 11, 2023
Is the tribal entry fee included in the price of the tour?
Written February 25, 2020
I did a tour with Goulding which was great and if there was a fee it would have been included. If interested in tour you can book it at the Goulding Hotel complex
Written February 25, 2020
AS much or as little as you want. There are stops along the way that require walking to see certain sights if you take a guided tour. There's also a lodge and a trading post as well as John Ford's viewing spot that you might want to walk around.
Written August 28, 2018
Sonali B
55 contributions
Any wildlife like bears and cougars near that lodge in Monument Valley USA?
Written July 16, 2018
Hi we will be arriving on Wednesday this coming week Sept. 27th & would like to do the 8 hour tour on Thursday Sept 28, should I booked this tour ahead of time or at check in and also is there a private 8 hour tour, if so what is the price...Thank you
Written September 22, 2017
Ours was part of a bus tour, so I can't answer you.
Written September 25, 2017
We are 75 & 76 years old and we will be staying at the Golding Lodge , we are thinking of doing an 8 hour tour. Can anyone tell us how they liked it...thanx
Written August 21, 2017
Depends on your stamina. My wife (68) and I (69) had no problems with either the 4 or the 8 hr. trip but the ride is rough and some of the sites required walking on loose rocks and slight inclines. I suggest starting with a 4 hour trip and see how you do.
Written August 22, 2017
Oh Brother,
Want to take a tour of Monument Valley but where to begin. Seems like they all get very good ratings. HELP!
Written April 27, 2017
We do have several options that we offer.
2.5hour Sunrise tour (departure times vary)
2.5 hour Sunset tour (departure times vary)
2.5 hour Basic tour at 1:30pm (daily)
3.5 hour Deluxe tour at 8:00am or 4:00pm (daily)
8.0 hour All day tour at 9:00am (includes T-shirt & Souvenir cup)
I recommend the sunrise or sunset if you are wanting to see the color changes that are created by the sun.
The basic tour offer the most amount of light which provide the awesome blue skies/red rock contrast.
The Deluxe tour of Monument Valley includes restricted back country areas such as; Sun's Eye, Ear of the Wind, Big Hogan and Sand Springs.
The All day tour covers the basic tour route of Monument Valley as well as an area call Mystery Valley, this area is known more for it's cultural history but there are some unique formation as well. Lunch is included (hamburger lunch) and is prepared by your guide/ driver.
Written April 27, 2017
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