The Diné, also known as Navajo, are Native American people who have lived in the Southwestern U.S. for over a thousand years. Now, travelers can experience their culture by staying in a traditional hogan at the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
A hogan is a special Navajo home, made from natural materials like wood, bark, and mud. Verna Yazzie, a Navajo woman from Monument Valley, built the MonetValley Eco Hogan in 2020. It’s an off-grid place — no electricity or running water — making it a perfect spot for stargazing and enjoying nature.
Verna’s goal is to share the Navajo way of life with guests. In the Navajo tradition, people herd sheep, weave rugs, grow crops, and make silver jewelry. She named her hogan after her grandmother, Bessie, who called the area “Mǒnet Bally.”
The MonetValley Eco Hogan has one cozy room that can fit up to four people. It features Navajo rugs and a weaving loom. Guests need to bring their food and water, but Verna can prepare a traditional Navajo taco dinner with fry bread if requested.
Located near Kayenta, Arizona, Monument Valley is famous for its massive sandstone formations and wide desert views. The hogan usually opens for guests in May, and prices start at $125 per person per night. Bookings can be made directly at monetvalley.com.
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