My family of four came out from the Denver area to visit once we heard the Tribal lands were open again. We stayed in Bluff, about 50 minutes away, at Bluff Dwellings- beautiful resort.
The tour was super. Friendly and welcoming. You meet at the intersection off the main highway- there's a set of buildings with shops and tour trucks waiting, bathrooms. One direction goes to Goulding's lodge and restaurant; the other direction enters into Tribal lands and the View Hotel. It cost $20/vehicle(Cash- atm at Goulding's, if needed, get ahead of time) at the gate before the View Hotel. The lady there was hilarious, telling us that we might need our "snow boots".
You need a tour to go into the valley. Couldn't drive in with private car yet. The road is gravel/dirt. We did the 1-1/2 hour tour on a covered truck. It covers 17 miles of the most iconic sites. The driver(Harry N.) talks through a speaker while driving., making frequent stops for pictures. Masks are required on Tribal land.
We were only ones on the truck. They had just opened up after over a year. Amazing sandstone monuments, breathtaking vistas. Harry stopped at many giving us photo tips, taking our picture, talking of the history of the area and teaching us about Navajo ways, life and language. He was great.
I had grown up watching John Wayne/John Ford westerns. We watch them with our kids, too. Stood on 'John Ford's ' point to take it all in. Bought local artwork at the point from the locals. Beyond beautiful. Don't miss it and support the local economy.
Thanks Harry N.
."