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Author Topic: Monument Valley Navajo Tours  (Read 5306 times)

automatic

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Monument Valley Navajo Tours
« on: August 30, 2003, 10:18:22 am »

I visited monument valley last december.  I was at the visitor center before sunrise shooting from there.  As it got light a crowd of guides showed up, I hired one for a half day and we took off, into the valley before it was "open".

So...
1) I don't now of a "good guide" but I have heard there are some, (you may refer to the Photagraph America news letter or other sources)
2) With a guide you can be in the valley in off hours
3) I was so enthralled that a half day didn't get me verry far. (and when my time was up; it was up)
- Al
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Doug G.

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Monument Valley Navajo Tours
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2003, 11:17:07 am »

I took the all-day tour sponsored by Goulding's Trading Post last Spring.  The cart was comfortable, and the guide knowlegable.  I believe he had been guiding for about 15 years.  The tour included a couple of tourist stops (Navaho hogan, Navaho on a horse) where tipping was obligable if you took pictures.  The first half of the tour took in the Mysterious Valley where unescorted touring is not permitted.  The guide cooked lunch (good hamburgers) and we then went through Monument Valley proper including several miles that are not available for unescorted travel. The cost was $60.  I made reservations by phone using a number I found on the Goulding's web site.  There were only three of us on the tour.  I understand that a tour would not "go" certain times of the year with only three guests, so I'd check on the liklyhood of a tour departure before making a reservation.

There always seem to be a group of "guides" at the gate into the valley offering half-day tours.  I don't know if the rates are negotiable.  Some kids with jeeps are around, and they don't appear to be very professional.
 :cool:
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Jay

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Monument Valley Navajo Tours
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2003, 11:34:37 pm »

Hello everyone,

I wonder if any one can tell me which tour operator is the best for photographers and are they all waiting at vistor center without the need for reservation? Is the full day tour appropriate to explore off-tracks and do they allow after sun-set before sun-rise time? How much would it cost?

Thanks much!
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Monument Valley Navajo Tours
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2003, 10:58:40 am »

I've used Tom Philips several times. He's reliable and understands the needs of photographers.

(928) 309-7440

http://www.monumentvalley.com/

Michael
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camilla

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Monument Valley Navajo Tours
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2003, 07:06:39 pm »

Hello!
I have been going to Monument Valley and area for the last 25 years. I have always used the same guide- Daniel Chee who runs Daniels Tours out of the Visitor's Center at M.V.- 435 727 3227. You need to ask Daniel to take you personally on the tours- he is quite an expert and is used by many photographers. He can take you to Mystery Valley, Monument Valley, Teardrop Arch etc. and also, organizes a fabulous overnight- sleeping in hogan or outside hogan, dinner etc. wonderful for star trails or plain conversation with a great Navajo guide. His rates are reasonable- one of his daughters works at Goulding's Lodge and another rents horses. Daniel has the knowledge, patience and a great sense of humor. I recently recommended him to a couple from California and they emailed me their photos and marvelous comments- and he is a photographer for Astronomy magazine. Just thought you might be interested..
Bye
Cami
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