The Arizona Native Guide Directory
Updated: Aug 10
Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, each with its own language, history, traditions, and deep connection to the land. From the sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon to the ancient villages of Hopi and the spectacular vistas of Monument Valley, some of Arizona's most unforgettable places are also among its most sacred.
One of the most meaningful ways to experience these places is by choosing a Native-owned or Native-operated guide service.
A Native guide doesn't simply point out beautiful scenery—they share stories, traditions, family history, language, and cultural perspectives that transform a visit into something far more memorable. They help visitors understand the significance of the land while ensuring that tourism supports the communities that have cared for these landscapes for generations.
In many places, a Native guide isn't just recommended—it's required.
Several of Arizona's most iconic destinations are located on tribal lands where guided access protects sacred places and cultural resources.
Examples include:
Antelope Canyon – Entry is only permitted with authorized Navajo guides.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – Many of the most spectacular backcountry areas and restricted locations can only be visited with authorized Navajo guides.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument – While visitors can enjoy the rim overlooks independently, nearly all access to the canyon floor requires a Navajo guide because the monument is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation.
Our Favorite Native-Guided Experiences
Antelope Canyon Navajo Nation, Page, AZ
Entry is only possible through Navajo-owned tour operators.
Antelope Canyon Tours (Upper) 855-574-9102
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours (run by the Begay family/Dalvin Etsitty)
Ken’s Tours (Lower Antelope)
928-645-6997
Antelope Slot Canyon Tours by Chief Tsosie
928-380-1874
Antelope Canyon X (Taadidiin Tours)
Antelope Valley Canyon Tours – Ligai Si’ Anii
928-640-2594
Navajo Nation Tribal Park
Self-driving the main loop is allowed; backcountry/sunrise/sunset tours require a Navajo guide.
Sacred Monument Tours, LLC
435-727-3218
Monument Valley Simpson’s Trailhandler Tours (Harold & Deborah Simpson)
1-888-723-6236 / 435-727-3362
Navajo Spirit Tours
435-444-7773
Goulding’s Tour (RGJ Inc.)
435-727-3225
Monument Valley Tribal Tours
385-347-6243
Navajo Nation, near Chinle, AZ
All canyon-floor access is guided-only (rim overlooks are self-access).
Beauty Way Jeep Tours (Leander Staley, family guiding since 1930)
928-674-3772
Canyon De Chelly Tours® (100% Dinéowned,est. by Leon Skyhorse Thomas)
928-349-1600
Twin Trails Tours
928-674-5874
Havasupai Tribe, Supai, AZ
Entirely tribally run — permits, lodging, and mule/helicopter transport all go through the Tribe.
Havasupai Tribe — Tourist Office / permits
928-448-2111 or 928-448-2201
Official Havasupai Tribe site
Village visits and Hopi-guided tours are arranged through authorized Hopi guides (there’s no single central “Hopi Nation” booking site).
Experience Hopi (authorized Hopi guides, cultural tours of villages)
Bertram Tsavadawa — Authorized Hopi Guide (Old Oraibi tours)
928-797-8145
Hopi Tours (Second Mesa)
Navajo Nation, Tuba City
No formal company — local Navajo guides meet visitors on-site at the pullout on Highway
160 and guide informally for a fee/tip. No advance booking system exists; best arranged in
person or through a Tuba City visitor contact.
Petrified Forest National Park itself is NPS land (no tribal guide required). For guided cultural
excursions into the wider Painted Desert badlands on Navajo land (e.g., “Blue Canyon”),
some of the same Navajo-owned outfitters listed under Monument Valley/Antelope Canyon
offer custom backcountry trips — worth contacting directly to ask.
928-524-6822
Always confirm current hours, pricing, and permit requirements directly with the operator.
Why It Matters
When you choose a Native-owned guide, you're doing more than booking a tour.
You're helping to:
Support Native-owned small businesses.
Keep tourism dollars in local communities.
Preserve languages, traditions, and cultural knowledge.
Create jobs for future generations.
Experience Arizona through the people who know these landscapes best.
The stories you'll hear, the places you'll visit, and the relationships you'll build simply can't be found in a guidebook.
At XO from AZ, we believe there's no better way to discover Arizona than by supporting the people who have called these remarkable places home for centuries.
Travel thoughtfully. Ask questions. Listen carefully. Support local. Choose Native whenever you can.
