Monument Valley Photo Workshop
- 6 Days
From $5,695 - Interests
- Landscape, Night Sky
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 6–8
Iconic landscapes of the American Southwest
Monument Valley is one of the most recognized landscapes in the world. Its towering red sandstone mesas, buttes, and spires, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, rise majestically from the desert floor, creating iconic scenes that evoke the spirit of the American Southwest. You may recognize these scenes from Western films or the end of Forest Gump’s epic cross-country run.
Located along the Utah/Arizona border, Monument Valley Tribal Park lies within the Navajo Nation. The area holds a deep spiritual connection for the Navajo people, and we’ll be in the capable hands of local Navajo guides who will take us to the best photo locations, including some lesser-known spots that are only accessible via private tour.
We’ll photograph Monument Valley during the best light at sunrise and sunset and venture out at night for Milky Way and star photography under the dark desert skies. We’ll also explore the remarkable vistas nearby, such as Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Muley Point, and Moki Dugway, a dramatic stretch of Utah Highway 261.
Highlights
- A local Navajo guide will take us to locations accessible only to private tours.
- One night of camping and photography under the stars atop the rugged and remote Hunt’s Mesa.
- Navajo model photo shoot to add a cultural element to your photos.
- The workshop is optimally timed for Milky Way photography, arching across the formations in the valley.
- Personalized photo instruction and image reviews from an experienced photography guide.
- Transportation via a spacious SUV during the workshop.
Your Guides
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Kevin Lisota
Apr 4–9, 2027Apr 26–May 1, 2027 -
James Begeman
Apr 26–May 1, 2027Apr 23–28, 2028 -
Mindy Huston
Apr 26–May 1, 2027Apr 23–28, 2028
Activity Level
You should be able to walk up to one mile (1.6 km) on uneven dirt surfaces carrying your photo gear. Riding along the road to Hunt’s Mesa is bumpy and tiring and may not be appropriate for people with back issues. You can also remain at the hotel during this excursion and take photographs from the viewpoints there.
This tour has an activity level of Moderate. Read more about the Activity Levels for our trips.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Monument Valley
Arrive at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) before 11:00 AM on this day. Air travel delays are possible, so please consider arriving early, possibly the day prior. We don't want you to miss out on trip activities. Airport transfer is included on arrival.
Monument Valley is very remote and lacks direct airport access, so many participants opt for self-driving to explore other scenic areas nearby. Driving times are 5 hours from Phoenix, Albuquerque, or Grand Junction and 6+ hours from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
We also offer a shuttle service from the nearest airport in Flagstaff, about 3 hours away. You can keep cars parked at the hotel, as we provide all transportation during the workshop.
If you drive to Monument Valley, meet at The View Hotel by 3:00 PM. If you want to ride with us, arrive at Flagstaff airport by 11:00 AM.
We will check in to our hotel, have an orientation dinner, and head out for our first photo shoot in the valley at sunset.
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Day 2: Monument Valley
We'll wake early for our first sunrise session in Monument Valley. After lunch, we'll have time to relax and review our images. In the late afternoon, we'll head out to our photo session with a Navajo model in Mystery Valley.
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Day 3: Monument Valley
We'll head out in the middle of the night to photograph the Milky Way arching across Monument Valley. After breakfast, we'll rest to prepare for our night atop Hunt's Mesa.
In the late afternoon, we'll head up the bumpy road to the top of Hunt's Mesa, home to some of the park's best vistas. We'll enjoy sunset photography while our Navajo guides prepare our tents and dinner. We'll camp under the stars or stay up late for night sky photography.
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Day 4: Monument Valley
We'll photograph sunrise in the morning, then head down from the mesa, stopping at various arches and Anasazi ruins. Once back at the hotel, we'll rest after our night atop Hunt's Mesa. We'll head out for our final sunset photo session in Monument Valley in the evening.
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Day 5: Valley of the Gods/Goosenecks State Park
Today, we'll venture out of Monument Valley to Valley of the Gods, home to more dramatic red sandstone buttes, mesas, and pinnacles. We'll drive along the 17-mile dirt loop road, stopping for photography.
We'll also visit Goosenecks State Park, where the San Juan River has carved a 1000-foot-deep canyon that meanders in five dramatic bends. The scene is so immense that even your super-wide-angle lenses can't capture it all, but it is perhaps the most striking example of an entrenched river meander in North America.
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Day 6: Moki Dugway/Muley Point
On our final morning, we'll head up the Moki Dugway Scenic Backway to the top of Cedar Mesa for sunrise and photograph the vistas from Muley Point. After morning photography, we'll have breakfast and check out of our hotel. On our way back to Flagstaff, we'll make an option stop for a 3-hour tour of Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon reveals intricately sculpted sandstone walls and a complex interplay of light and shadow, creating a natural masterpiece.
Once we have finished in the slot canyon, we'll say our goodbyes. For those flying out of Flagstaff, we'll return you to the airport.
Departure from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). Book your departing flight no earlier than 7:30 PM on this day. Airport transfer is included on departure.
Accommodations
Lodging is sparse and expensive around Monument Valley. We’ll be staying at The View Hotel, perched on an overlook, with views of the valley from your balcony, giving us the most convenient access to our photo locations.
All rooms have air conditioning/heat, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a balcony view.
We will camp for one night under the stars atop Hunt’s Mesa. If camping isn’t your thing, don’t let that deter you. You can stay at the hotel and photograph the outstanding viewpoints there.
Why Travel With Us
Our small-group trips are designed for photographers, with guides who know the best locations and offer instruction to help improve your photography. Read more about why you should travel with us.
Dates & Prices
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Apr 4–9, 2027$5,695 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$950 USDSingle SupplementGuides: Kevin LisotaGroup Size: 8Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,000 USDBalance Due: Dec 5, 2026
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Apr 26–May 1, 2027$5,695 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$950 USDSingle SupplementGroup Size: 6Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,000 USDBalance Due: Dec 27, 2026
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Apr 23–28, 2028$5,995 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$995 USDSingle SupplementGuides: James Begeman, Mindy HustonGroup Size: 8Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,000 USDBalance Due: Dec 25, 2027
All of our standard Terms & Conditions apply. Be sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
What's Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single lodging is available with payment of a single supplement fee.
- All transportation during the tour.
- Airport transfers at arrival/departure.
- Snacks and water between meals.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from our expert photography guides.
- Personal pre-trip phone consultation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable.
- Our group will dine together, but the cost of most meals is not included.
- Travel medical & evacuation insurance (required).
- Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended).
- Cost of Antelope Canyon tour at workshop conclusion.
- Gratuities for local guides & crew.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
Prepare for Your Trip
Please review our photography travel resources, including know your camera and our camera gear list, to help you plan your trip. Before your trip, we’ll contact you with more detailed gear recommendations specific to your trip.
Also, get a head start on your workshop learning experience with our night sky photography tutorials.