Things to do nearEar of the Wind
The Ear of the Wind is a striking sandstone arch in Monument Valley, Arizona, renowned for its otherworldly silhouette, Navajo cultural significance, and sweeping desert panoramas.
The Ear of the Wind sits within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation Tribal Park in Oljato, Monument Valley, Arizona, on land that the Dine people have called home for centuries. The arch takes its evocative name from the way wind funnels through its circular opening, producing a faint, resonant hum that early visitors found almost voice-like. For the Navajo, formations like this carry spiritual weight, and the site is treated with quiet reverence by guides and guests alike.
Reaching the arch requires joining a guided jeep or hiking tour, since private vehicles are not permitted on the backcountry tracks that lead here. The journey itself rewards you with views across sandy washes and past towering spires, including the slender needle of the Totem Pole, one of the valley's most dramatic formations. Nearby, Big Hogan offers another geological curiosity worth adding to any guided itinerary.
The broader setting of Monument Valley provides an unforgettable backdrop, its mesas and buttes shifting color from amber to deep crimson as the day progresses. Few places in the American Southwest match the raw, unhurried grandeur of this corner of the Navajo Nation, and the Ear of the Wind stands as one of its most quietly powerful rewards.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Ear of the Wind
Visit in the early morning to catch soft golden light on the sandstone and avoid the midday heat, which can be intense even in spring and autumn.
Bring at least two liters of water per person, as there are no facilities near the arch and the sandy trail demands more effort than it looks.
Access to the Ear of the Wind requires a licensed Navajo guide, so arrange your tour in advance through an authorized operator at the tribal park.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, as the path crosses loose sand and uneven rock that can be slippery.
Bring a wide-angle lens if you shoot photography, since the full circular opening of the arch is best captured from a low angle with the sky as a backdrop.
Top tours & experiences near Ear of the Wind
Explore Monument Valley on a 3.5-Hour Backcountry Tour
Ride the Monument Valley backcountry and visit a Navajo Hogan
Explore Monument Valley On A 3.5-Hour Guided Tour
See Monument Valley’s 17-mile loop plus restricted backcountry stops in about 3.5 hours
Monument Valley Navajo Cultural Tour
Navajo-guided backcountry sights and cultural stories in Monument Valley
Sunset Guided Tour of Monument Valley
See Monument Valley's buttes, arches, and Navajo traditions as daylight fades
Monument Valley 2.5-Hour Backcountry Guided Tour
Explore Monument Valley's backcountry arches, rock art, and sandstone formations