Kialo Winters, Founder & CEO of Navajo Tours USA, is Diné and Zia Pueblo and was raised east of Chaco Canyon on the Navajo Nation. With a background in education and tech sales, he combined his love for the land, teaching, and photography to launch Navajo Tours USA in 2016 with his wife, Terri. Kialo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and is passionate about connecting guests to the cultural and natural stories of his homeland. Whether guiding in the field or working behind the scenes, he brings a personal touch to every tour experience.
The Navajo Nation is the largest Native reservation in the United States, spanning 16 million acres throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Navajo Tours USA, founded in 2016 by Kialo and Terri Winters, is an Indigenous, family-owned company rooted in the heart of the Navajo homeland. They lead immersive tours that share stories, traditions, and the powerful beauty of places like Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, and Shiprock Peak.
Their mission is to deepen understanding of Indigenous culture through genuine, respectful, and educational experiences. Every tour is designed to foster cultural exchange, preserve ancestral knowledge, and connect guests to the sacred lands of the Southwest. For a deeper journey, guests can also join the 5-day Wonders of Northwest New Mexico all-inclusive experience, curated to explore landscapes, heritage, and food alongside local hosts and storytellers.
Tours
Chaco Canyon Adventure
Journey into Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where monumental stone buildings meet cosmic engineering. Walk among Great Houses precisely aligned to solar and lunar cycles, showcasing the brilliance of Ancestral Puebloan design. The tour includes an easy 2.5 km walk, guided by Indigenous experts who share the cultural importance of this sacred site that still holds meaning for modern Indigenous communities.
Bisti Wilderness Adventure
Trek into the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, a fossil-rich, dreamlike landscape shaped by erosion and time. You’ll hike 8–10 km across mostly flat terrain to reach natural landmarks like Stone Wings, and the Egg Hatchery. Along the way, our Indigenous guides share the deep cultural history of this area, making this more than a hike, it's an unforgettable story woven into the land.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Navajo Wilderness Adventure
Your journey takes you deep into the Valley of Dreams and Alien Throne, a protected stretch of Navajo Nation land where every turn reveals new textures and colors sculpted by wind, water, and time. Expect soft sand underfoot, fossil-rich mesas, and the kind of silence that feels timeless. Along the way, you’ll learn about the cultural significance of the area, the stories tied to the land, and how these formations came to be.
This tour is for explorers who want the real off-grid experience. No crowds. No noise. Just you, the land, and a guide who knows it like home. Perfect for photographers, hikers, and anyone craving a reset in one of the Southwest’s most mind-bending wilderness areas.
Shiprock Peak
Photograph Shiprock Peak, a towering volcanic neck rising from the desert floor. Sacred in our Navajo tradition, this 5-hour mostly driving tour features short hikes totaling about 3.2 km and delivers stunning views from select vantage points. Learn from Indigenous guides about the cultural and spiritual stories that surround this iconic formation. Please note: climbing the peak is prohibited, and access is only permitted with an insured tour company or escorted by a local.
Wonders of Northwest New Mexico – 5-Day Tour
This all-inclusive adventure in November is designed for travelers ready to dive deep into the region’s landscapes and culture. Highlights include guided visits to Chaco Canyon, Shiprock Peak, Bisti Wilderness, and a hands-on Indigenous farm experience. Enjoy locally made meals, cultural demonstrations, and guided storytelling each day. Airport transfers, lodging, and all meals are included. This tour is ideal for those seeking connection, learning, and unforgettable scenery over multiple days.
Tour Guides:
Raymond Ignacio Jr., is Diné, Ute, and Jemez Pueblo, and brings a spirit of adventure and connection to every tour he guides. A military veteran with a background in the trades, Ray has worked as both an electrician and an automotive tech. His extensive world travels have instilled in him a deep respect for all cultures, and he shares that perspective with guests through his storytelling and humor. Whether it’s navigating rugged trails or sharing sacred stories, Ray’s guidance makes every journey personal and unforgettable.
Gilbert Tsinnajinnie, is Diné and Zia Pueblo. He has extensive experience in community agricultural planning and consults to community agricultural groups throughout the Navajo reservation. He received an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Central New Mexico College.
Terri Winters, Founder & Advisor, has experience working in Early Childhood education and healthcare. In her free time, she has volunteered as an athletic coach and with the local Volunteer Fire Department. Terri is of Diné and White Mountain Apache descent.
