Is Teardrop Arch in Monument Valley Worth It?

Teardrop Arch is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Monument Valley. Located away from the busy Valley Drive, this sandstone opening frames a beautiful view of Monument Valley and can be visited on a guided tour with a Navajo guide.

Tim and I visited Teardrop Arch on our first trip to Monument Valley. Before the tour, we weren’t quite sure what to expect or whether it would be worth the time and expense. But the experience ended up being about much more than simply seeing the arch. We hiked through a quieter corner of Monument Valley, learned about the history of the area from our guide, and got to explore places that most visitors never see.

So, is Teardrop Arch worth it? We think so, especially if you enjoy hiking, photography, and getting away from the crowds. However, if this is your first visit to Monument Valley and you only have a few hours, we would prioritize the classic viewpoints and the Valley Drive first.

In this guide, we cover what the Teardrop Arch tour is like, how much time you need, what it costs, and whether it deserves a spot on your Monument Valley itinerary.

Teardrop Arch at a Glance

LOCATION | Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, near Goulding’s and west of US-163

HOW TO VISIT: | On a guided tour with a Navajo guide

TOUR LENGTH | About 2 to 2.5 hours

COST | ~ $80 per person

DIFFICULTY | Easy to moderate. Expect uneven terrain and some scrambling.

BEST FOR | Hikers, photographers, and travelers who want to explore a quieter, less-visited part of Monument Valley

OUR TAKE | Teardrop Arch is not a must-see for a first visit to Monument Valley, but if you have extra time, it is a very worthwhile experience. For us, the best part was hiking with a Navajo guide and exploring an area most visitors never see.

Table of Contents

Teardrop Arch in Monument Valley

Where is Teardrop Arch?

Teardrop Arch is located west of Interstate 163 near Gouldings Lodge. From the Monument Valley Visitor Center, it is about a 15 minute drive to get here, the last portion on unmarked, sandy roads.

About Our Experience

Earlier in the day, our guide on our morning photography tour of Monument Valley warned us that Teardrop Arch is not very exciting. This had Tim and I wondering if we made the right decision scheduling this tour.

Because it is a less-visited spot in Monument Valley, we were the only two people on the tour out to Teardrop Arch in the afternoon. We used Navajo Spirit Tours and our guide was Sean. Sean told us that people rarely book this tour and the last time he led a group out to Teardrop Arch was one month ago.

Yikes!! Was this going to be a waste of time?!

Sean drove us past Gouldings Lodge and then onto sandy roads to Horse Shoe Canyon. It was here that Sean parked our vehicle and we walked for 15 minutes through desert terrain and up onto a rocky outcropping to Teardrop Arch.

From here, we had a view of Monument Valley. It’s a nice view, but with the buttes and mesas so far away and the local public schools in the foreground, I can see how this would not be the favorite view of most visitors to Monument Valley.

However, viewed through Teardrop Arch, Monument Valley is stunning.

If you want a unique photo opportunity, it’s hard to beat Teardrop Arch.

Knowing that Tim and I are hikers, Sean modified the tour so we could visit more than just Teardrop Arch. For the next hour, we scrambled up and down the sandstone formations, explored caves, and learned about the Anasazi people who once lived here. It was just the three of us, and to be able to explore like this was pure fun.

For us, it was a wonderful experience, and we really had a great time.

Why Visit Teardrop Arch?

If you like getting away from the crowds, this is a great tour to take. If you want an alternative view of Monument Valley, Teardrop Arch offers you a very unique perspective. And if you want to do a little hiking, this is the best tour to take in Monument Valley.

So, is Teardrop Arch Worth It?

We say yes!

However, if you have limited time in Monument Valley, the #1 thing you must do is drive the 17-mile Valley Drive. This loop hits the highlights of Monument Valley.

You also must make the quick drive out to Forrest Gump point (37.101620, -109.990654 on Google Maps) so you can get this iconic view.

If you have time for a tour, Teardrop Arch is definitely one to consider. It is pure fun, offering unique views of Monument Valley, and you just may have it all to yourself.

If you are traveling with kids, this may be more interesting for them than just driving around looking at buttes and mesas all day. They will enjoy exploring the caves and rock scrambling.

How to Visit Teardrop Arch

Teardrop Arch sits on Navajo land outside of Monument Valley’s public Valley Drive. To visit, arrange a tour with a Navajo guide rather than attempting to hike to the arch independently.

We visited Teardrop Arch with Navajo Spirit Tours, which currently offers daytime, sunset, and private Teardrop Arch tours. The standard daytime tour lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs $80 per person in 2026. Tours typically include Teardrop Arch along with other nearby sites, such as Horseshoe Canyon and archaeological remains.

The amount of hiking can vary depending on the group and your guide. Our tour included quite a bit of walking and some scrambling, which made the experience much more interesting for us. Expect uneven terrain, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water, sun protection, and layers if you are visiting early or late in the day.

Because this tour travels beyond Monument Valley’s main sightseeing route, it feels much quieter than the Valley Drive. That is one of its biggest appeals, but it also means you should confirm current conditions and tour details with your operator before your visit, particularly after heavy rain or poor weather.

Our recommendation: If this is your first visit to Monument Valley and you only have a few hours, spend that time on the Valley Drive and classic viewpoints. If you have half a day to spare and enjoy hiking, photography, and exploring less-visited places, Teardrop Arch makes a great addition to your itinerary.

More Tours in Monument Valley

Another popular tour is to Mystery Valley, where petroglyphs and the history of the Anasazi people are the highlight. We did not take this tour, so I cannot comment if it is better that Teardrop Arch.

We also took a sunrise photography tour of Lower Monument Valley with Phillips’ Photography Tours. This is highly recommended if you are interested in photography. If you do not like the idea of waking up so early, many companies also offer daytime tours of Lower Monument Valley.

Plan Your Trip to Monument Valley & Arizona

Planning your first visit to Monument Valley? → Our Monument Valley Guide covers the Valley Drive, guided tours, viewpoints, where to stay, and everything else you need to plan your visit.
Turning this into an Arizona road trip? → Our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary connects Monument Valley with the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, and more.
Want more ideas for Arizona? → Our Arizona Travel Guide brings together our itineraries, hiking guides, national parks, and favorite places throughout the state.
Heading to the Grand Canyon next? → Our Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide covers the best things to do, hiking trails, viewpoints, itineraries, and practical planning advice.
Looking for another quiet scenic drive near Monument Valley? → Valley of the Gods has a similar desert landscape with a fraction of the crowds and makes an easy addition to a Monument Valley road trip.
Visiting Page, Arizona? → If you only have time for one slot canyon, our Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon comparison explains how the two experiences differ and which one might be the better fit for you.

What do you think? Would you consider visiting Teardrop Arch? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Teardrop Arch in Monument Valley. Is it worth it?