We booked a tour the night before in January, during the slow season. Marjory, our tour guide, picked us up in a full sized Chevy(?) SUV. It was older, but clean and more importantly, warm! Not to mention, it was basically a private tour as my friend and I were the only ones. While you can technically drive yourself through the winding scenic backroad, I'd highly recommend booking a tour. First and foremost, your supporting the Diné people and a local business. Marjory was very helpful and showed us all the best spots to take a photo. It was also great being able to speak to a local and Marjory was very kind and answered all of my burning questions about life on the reservation and Navajo culture. The tour gives you access to a part of the road that is only accessible by tours and valley residents. We got to visit one family and go inside a hogan, one of the traditional Navajo homes. You also get to visit a few more monuments off the beaten path and even see some of the 1000 year old petroglyphs (my favorite part!). Tip #1: When it comes to visiting all the monuments, Marjory warned us ahead of time that it really depends on how long we spend at each place. She was super patient and let us decide when we left each monument. Fortunately, we were able to visit all of the monuments, but I can imagine that even with the best time management skills it may be difficult to see everything during the busy season since there are probably many more cars in the valley. Tip #2: The website told us to meet at the entrance to The View hotel attached to the Visitor's Center, however, the actual tour bus stop that they pull up to is located about 60 ft in front of the entrance. You need to walk down some steps to see it. Tip #3: Keep in mind that depending on what time you book your tour, it will affect the angle of the sun's rays and ultimately your photos lighting. We didn't really care but we booked ours for 1pm and still thought the photos came out great! Tip #4: I took a look at the gift shop after our tour and honestly, I think the items sold by the locals at some of the monument stops during the tour were better and more fairly priced. I'm so glad I ended up buying my earrings at one of the stands during the tour bc I wouldn't have been able to go back! It's still kinda expensive ($40) but the seller kindly discounted it $10 without me asking and come on, its local craftsmanship people!! And honestly, even if it isn't, I'm glad I got to support a local small business! I had been wanting some item with medicine wheel colors (Black, white, red, and yellow) for a while now and now I got some lovely earrings made with turquoise as well! When I got back into the car, Marjory mentioned that her mother told her to wear turquoise jewelry everyday so the spirits will recognize you. (I may have completely butchered that, but the point is, turquoise is important in Navajo culture!) Overall, great experience and highly recommended as the best way to experience Monument Valley!!