Monument Valley Horse Riding

Trails of the Ancient - Valley of Gods to Monument Valley
Arizona USA
Special Offer Available!!


An exciting two week horseback riding adventure taking you from the Valley of Gods in Utah to the renowned Monument Valley of Arizona. You can book the complete trip or just section one or two - the choice is yours!

This is a forward going camping ride with some lay-over camps and loop rides full of great, desert and rock scenery and historical value. Ride and explore the canyons that were once home to the ancient Anasazi and more recently, the land of the Ute and Navajo. The many breathtakingly unique spots for photographs and long stretches available for cantering in between the ornate, red rock formations will make this an unforgettable adventure.

Section One: Starting with a pick up in Cortez, we enjoy a short introductory ride to some of the ancient dwelling sites in a hidden canyon below an impressive stone arch with hidden settlements, tombs and lookout towers. The next day we ride into the ancient canyon dwelling with spectacular views of Utah Navajo country in and through Recapture Canyon. From Mustang Mesa we then ride across sage covered plains into the north end of Comb Ridge near Arch Canyon with its breathtaking scenery of rock cliffs and canyons. Here we visit old ruins somehow still very much pristine and untouched by modern man. A long ride follows south along the towering ochre colored cliffs of Comb Ridge before we reach the spectacular and beautiful Valley of the Gods across endless sand dunes between spectacular red rock towers.

Section Two: You probably have seen Monument Valley hundreds of times, but as you ride through it, you will see the real Monument Valley, perhaps for the very first time. And somehow Monument Valley doesn't look like Monument Valley. It is rather overwhelming when up close and personal. From the Valley of the Gods (here we meet up with the riders from the first week), our next ride will lead us through sand dunes and along red sandstone walls and majestic canyons east towards the prominent volcanic vent called El Capitan. Then we are guided through Copper Canyon with its shear walls of stone and stately and unique spires rising up out of the earth, before heading in the direction of the Oljeto trading post toward our destination of Monument Valley, still surrounded by the splendor of Butts, Mesas, Spires and the vastness of the desert. Inside Monument Valley we will see the valley made famous in all its grandeur by Western Movie Star John Wayne, "Stagecoach", "The Hand", "The Three Sisters" and many other famous film sites from Hollywood and television. We are in for a treat of an authentic Navajo meal, pow-wow and dances, along with a chance to take up residence for the night in a traditional Hogan.

Camping Ride with vehicle support
Meeting: Blanding
Airport: Cortez
Transfer: Cortez Airport
Riders: Min 5 riders
Max 10 riders

+1 604-323-1141

Itinerary / Highlights

Section One -- Valley of Gods -- Utah

Day 1 Sun. Pick up in Cortez around 4 PM and transfer to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 Introductions and trail briefing before everyone selects or is assigned their horse for the trail then a short ride to ancient dwelling sites in a hidden canyon below an impressive stone arch as well as other hidden settlements, tombs and lookout towers. (15 miles, 5 h)

Day 3 Another day ride into the ancient canyon dwelling and spectacular views of Utah Navajo country in and through Recapture Canyon (Historic site where Native Americans where recaptured after escaping from their Spanish conquerors).
Steep climbs into the canyons and lots of archaeological evidence of early Anasazi settlements along the way makes this a very interesting ride.

Day 4 We ride from Mustang Mesa across sage covered plains into the north end of Comb Ridge near Arch Canyon for more breathtaking scenery of rock cliffs and canyons where you visit more ruins, still very much natural and unmolested by modern man.

Day 5 A long ride south along the towering ochre colored cliffs of Comb Ridge to a camp site at an old round up Corral is the day's adventure. Long stretches of trotting and cantering on this sandy stretch will add a feeling of being one of the first explorers of the area. We will finish the day camping under a beautiful star-lit sky - overnight in roomy tents.

Day 6 Another long day ride into the spectacular and beautiful Valley of the Gods (famed as the miniature Monument Valley - professed by some to be blessed with more breathtaking colors, rock formations, and natural sculptures in sandstone). The endless sand dunes between these spectacular red rock towers invite for a fast and interesting ride. Camp is back at Comb Ridge corrals.

Day 7 We transfer you back to Cortez around noon and check into a hotel for overnight (dinner on your own - not included). Those of you staying on for the Monument Valley Ride, you will relax in camp or go for a swim while transfers are taking place. The evening will see the arrival of the new guests in time for dinner under a wondrous sky.

Day 8 Hotel shuttle to the airport and departure.
-- Subject to change

Section Two - Monument Valley -- Arizona

Day 1 Sat. Pick up at the airport in Cortez, CO at 6:30 PM and transfer to the camp. Dinner and gazing at the wondrous sky ends the day.

Day 2 Sun. We head south towards Mexican Hat. Along the way you will see how this old town got its name. The upside down sombrero made of red sand stone can be seen from a distance in contrast to the natural, colorful painted hill sides of the San Juan. We will camp for the night in the area.( just outside of Valley of the Gods on Lime Creek.(28 miles, 8 h)

Day 3 Mon. We will load up and drive to Oljato Trading Post in The Navajo Nation and meet our Navajo guide in front of the old Trading Post for a ride to our next camp. The ride will lead us through sand dunes along red rock walls and canyons east towards the prominent volcanic vent called El Capitan ( Navajo - Agathla )where we spend the next two nights. (18 miles, 6 h)

Day 4 Tues. This day will see us being guided through Copper Canyon, seeing some shear rock walls and stately spires rising up out of the earth. You may also see the Navajo tending their sheep herds just as they've done for centuries. We return to camp on the Mesa for another relaxing night under a majestic sky.

Day 5 Wed. Today we head in the direction of the Oljeto trading post toward Monument Valley, still surrounded by the splendour of Butts, Mesas, Spires and vastness of the desert canyons.

Day 6 Thurs. We are in Monument Valley today and will see all the grandeur of the valley made famous by Western Movie Star John Wayne. " Stagecoach", "the hand", "the three sisters" and other famous sites from movies and TV will accompany us along the way. We are in for a treat of authentic Navajo meal, pow-wow and dances, along with a chance to take up residence for the night in a traditional Hogan.

Day 7 Fri. Our guide will take us through Monument Valley today for a visit of the most famous formations like " Stagecoach", "the hand", "the three sisters"," rain god Mesa" and other famous sites from movies and TV will accompany us along the way. In the late afternoon we prepare for our trip to Cortez and our farewell dinner in Monument Valley. (20 miles, 6-8 h)

Day 8 We transfer you back to Cortez around noon and check into a hotel for overnight (dinner on your own - not included).

Day 9 Hotel shuttle to the airport and departure.
-- Subject to change

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Roomy three season dome tents with cots (we also provide pillows and have spare sleeping bags for anyone needing the extra warmth on the cold desert nights); Hot shower facility in one of the support vehicles. Hot water is always available for freshening up of a morning from a large pot and wash basins. Although there will always be water available, please remember that it is a precious commodity out here so conservation is the key word..


Wholesome tasty meals prepared in a modern day chuckwagon are served in a variety of menus throughout the trail. Beef, pork, or chicken, fresh vegetables, potatoes or rice, bread or rolls and some Southwest meals for dinner are served family style around a table. Breakfast menus consist of eggs, pancakes, French toast, biscuits, potatoes, and gravy, bacon or sausage, juice and a lot of coffee, tea and cocoa.
Drinking water and water bottles are provided; flavoured drink mix (ice tea and fruit punch) and electrolyte supplements are also provided and you are encouraged to use them here in this southwest heat. Portable chemical toilets are provided in camp but while on the trail the bushes and trees will serve your needs. Other beverages are not included on this trip but can be brought from town “at cost” when the cook goes in for supplies.*


*Alcohol is not allowed in the Navajo Nation.


This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.