Booked an all day tour; going to Monument Valley and Mystery Valley . We have a party of 7 people (12 to 75 years old), and was given a private guide on a Suburban. (We didn't do the open-air vehicle because it was freezing cold...was there on the day after a snow storm.)
We were so fortunate to have gotten Cumashima as our guide. She is fantastic!! Not only did she explained to us the particular sites, but also provided some history and culture of each place, if applicable. She even took group pictures of us, and many of the pictures she took look very professional. Also, thank goodness Cumashima was there to keep us on time, as we sometimes can get carry away with photo taking! The view of Monument Valley after a full day of snow with a bright blue (no smog) sky was simply just breath-taking!
Our tour covered the 17-mile loop of Monument Valley (thank goodness we didn't use our van! You really need a 4x4 with high clearance). We stopped at The East and West Mittens viewpoint, John Ford’s Point & Three Sisters viewpoint, the Totem Pole viewpoint, Artist’s Point and the North Window viewpoints. We went to the "back-country", and stopped at the Sun’s Eye & Ear of the Wind, and several natural arches (Honeymoon arch, Half-Moon arch, and Skullhead arch => Mystery Valley). We also visited Navajo Hogan to view a rug-weaving demonstration, learn about Navajo culture and traditions. The Navajo "auntie" chose my 12 year daughter to demonstrate how she would tie a bun on a young maiden about to enter into woman-hood. It was so cool. And finally, at Half-Moon arch, Cumashima took out her hand-drum and sang an original piece (about traveling), she says she wrote. It was so beautiful and the echo from the mountain walls makes the song sounds powerful.
Overall, we had a fantastic time and great photo-taking opportunities. Try to request Cumashima, if you can. A great guide makes all the difference.