Welcome to Monument Valley, a place where history comes to life. Monument Valley is also known as “Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii” by the Navajo tribe, meaning Valley of the Rocks.
Driving into the Valley was like going back in time. As far as my eyes could see – the towering sandstone rock formations, valley, and desert. It was all so surreal.
The whole 13 square kilo meters of land here in Monument Valley was the true definition of what I thought of when I imagined the incredible American West.
Where is Monument Valley?
Monument Valley is located on the Arizona–Utah border, near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the territory of the Navajo Nation Reservation and is accessible from U.S. Highway 163.
Interesting Facts about Monument Valley
(1) Some parts of the movie – “Forrest Gump” was shot here.
(2) The Valley lays over two different states – Utah and Arizona.
(3) Navajos settled in the Four Corners area of the Colorado Plateau centuries before Christopher Columbus landed in America.
(4) Monument Valley is one of the most photographed places on earth.
Why Visit Monument Valley?
Monument Valley is one of the naturals wonders of mother nature. It is a place of Grandeur and Majesty. You will know what I mean when your eyes graze over the sandstone rock formations, soaring – 122 to 305 meters above the valley floor. That’s not all, image the surrounding spires, mesas, buttes, other formations and desert, whispering the stories of all old and new. Nature works in mysterious ways, and this Valley is one of its artwork – for millions of years layers and layers of sediments settling and cementing the basin, which eventually lifted up and became a plateau. From there the help of water, wind, and erosion created the formations we see today.
Things to Do at Monument Valley.
(1) Guided Jeep Tour – this can be booked through the Navajo National Parks and Reserves. Hop in the jeep, as your guide drives you on the dirt road, he will point out the important interest points of the Valley. E.g., Millen Buttes, Three Sisters, Yei-bi-chai, North Window, Famous Totem Pole, a slender 500-foot high dart, to name a few. The guide I had, was born and raised on this land, he was very proud to show me his home. And wow, what a home he had. He said they do not believe that they own the land, they believe the land owns them.
(2) Wild Cat Hike Trail – best way to feel the see the history is to get amongst it all. Walking this trail will take you through the best parts of the valley, see the magnificent views and breath the magical air of spiritual land. The track will take 2 to 3 hours, about 6.5km round trip.
(3) Watch the Sunrise over the Monument Valley – image – red sand desert, and over the horizon the first rays of the sun breaking through that dark sky. The colors of gold, over the Monument Valley.
(4) Admire the sparkling stars in the dark sky of Monument Valley – no city lights, no trees, no traffic, no noise. Everything is so still that you can hear yourself breath. Look up in the Darkest of Sky of Monument Valley. A sky full of bright starts – now that is magic. Deep breathing and just enjoy the moment.
(5) Goulding Lodge – you have to have lunch here, the food is to die for. A must try is the Vegetarian Taco. You can have meat one if you wish but I was just in love with the food, the service, and the view.
#Travelquote: “Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times”
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