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The American southwest has been home to indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Some of those cultures have since vanished, others are still present, struggling for survival in a modern world. The cultural history of the Sedona vicinity is vast and fascinating, and tours to ancient ruins or modern Indian reservations offer visitors a glimpse into a rich past and into an ancient way of life that still exists today.
 Sinagua/Anasazi Ruins
In and around Sedona, there are several sites bearing witness to a thousand-year old pueblo culture which settled throughout the Southwest. You may opt to take a guided tour, or you can venture out by yourself. At ruin sites like Palatki (managed by the National Forest Service) and Honanki, just a few miles down a dirt road outside of town, you can explore the adobe brick ruins of these people and marvel at extensive pictographs and petroglyphs in which they recorded their history. At Montezuma Castle or Tuzigoot (both managed by the National Park Service), both about a half-hour drive from Sedona, you can gaze upon virtual cities where these people dwelled. You will also be able to see the remainders of their orchards and fields, and possibly stumble across ancient pottery sherds – marvel at them, but please leave them where you found them.
 Hopi Culture
The Hopi Indian reservation lies about a three-hour-drive to the northeast of Sedona. These people consider themselves the descendants of the Sinagua people and still practice their methods of so-called dry farming, using only the rain waters from summer monsoon storms for irrigation of their crops. Old Oraibi and Walpi are among the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the United States, and the Hopi are widely renowned artists, silversmiths, pottery makers and carvers. The Hopi, also called the Peaceful People for their determination to refrain from battle, hold their ancient traditions very dear and put much emphasis on the laws and stories passed down by the elders. Visitors have a choice of taking a guided tour from Sedona, a guided tour on the Hopi mesas or visit Hopi land on their own accord.
For information click here Hopi Lands and Culture Tour
 Monument Valley
This vast valley of imposing red rock monoliths and pinnacles along the Arizona-Utah border ranks among the classic icons of the American southwest. This is the enchanted land of the Navajo people, a landscape alien and lonely, yet full of majestic serenity. Its towering buttes reach skyward 400 to 1000 feet (120 to 300 meters); they are the remnants of ancient rock mountains, weathered down by nature´s forces.
Monument Valley is part of Dinétah, the land of the Navajo, who call themselves Diné. They call this place Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii, valley of the rocks. They have resided here for a thousand years, and their culture is one of incorporation – they learned from the pueblo people and are renowned for their basketry and weavings. Many still live in their traditional houses, the hogans. In Monument Valley, narrated tours with Navajo guides are available by jeep and on horseback. You can also take a guided full-day tour to Monument Valley from Sedona.
When visiting these sites and villages, please remember to be respectful of the people and their ways. Disrespect has led to the Hopi not allowing photography anymore. These are meant to be experiences of education and exchange, not of intrusion.
For Monument Valley tour information click here Monument Valley Tour
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