Monument Valley Navajoland represents a miraculous union of the nature and indigenous cultural legacy and is considered to be one of the most representative sites of the American West. Located in Arizona, and bordering the southern part of Utah within the United States, this beautiful region is known for its red-stone buttes, desert plains, and a strong association with Navajo Native American tribe.
Historical Significance
The feeling of alienation stemmed from the strange landscape of layered sandstone buttes and mesas produced through millions of years of erosion in Monument Valley that is sacred to the Navajo people who have been living there. These structures rising majestically towards the sky, characterized by their large size and specific colors are not only memorable geological formations but at the same time – religious and creative assignments for the Navajo people and their legends.
Cinematic Legacy
Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable and famous geographical areas in the United States and throughout the world thanks to a large number of films, TV shows, and commercials that were filmed at the attractions. Many of the directors like John Ford who filmed numerous shooting tableaus belonging to the legendary westerns brought the aesthetic tips of the valley into the limelight thus making it as an epitome of the American wild west legends.
Planning Your Visit
Transportation Options
Renting a car is the most preferred way of going around the Monument Valley since they can easily move around the area at their own wish. Some nearby towns where there are rental car companies include Kayenta, Arizona and Bluff Utah; all car rental firms provide various cars based on the customer requirements.
Getting There
Thus, travelling south to Monument Valley, you don’t need to bring any maps since you only get to the monument valley through the US Highway 163 which passes right through the middle of the valley providing very close views of the major attractions. Visitors can self-drive from major entrenched cities and other structures such as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Zion National Park.
Visitor Center
When visitors come to the recreational area, they are advised to proceed to the Monument Valley Visitor Center for information, guide maps and authorizations. The visitor center also contains historical information and displays on the Navajo people, which is vital in understanding the area’s background.
Accommodations
Camping is allowed in specific parts of the park, but for visitors who prefer a little more comfort they can select from the nearby hotels. From small bed and breakfast kind of hostel to the luxurious hotels and resorts, you would find all kinds of lodgings.
Exploring Monument Valley
- Scenic Drives
While on a tour it is advised that you take a driving tour through the park using the marked roads so as to be able to capture the billowing sand stones. The Valley Drive loop allows observing the main attractions of the valley, namely the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Elephant Butte; however, for those willing to hike, there is the Wildcat Trail.
- Guided Tours
To get some insight into the tangible history of the place and its heritage Navajo’s conduct the guided tours for the visitors. For these kinds of tours, the clients can learn more about geology, traditions of Navajo Nation, and culturally significant places in this wonderful area.
- Photography Opportunities
Take the photographs for instance; Monument Valley is one of the best places for a photographer since they get a natural unending photo opportunity of the valley and its natural formations. From the break of dawn till the setting of the sun, the light changes colors, intensity and direction, and offers a lot of opportunities as far as artistic value is concerned to photographers.
Must-See Attractions
The Mittens
One of the most famous formations in Monument Valley are kitted like two giant gloves – these are the Mittens – two big sandstone buttes that tower over the valley. These magnificent structures are a favorite referring to photographers and are best viewed from the Valley Drive famous loop.
John Ford’s Point
This geographical feature is named after the famous moviemaker who made the world familiar with Monument Valley through his Western movies; from the top of the John Ford’s Point you will be able to admire the most marvelous and astonishing sights of the area: The Mittens, Merrick Butte and Sentinel Mesa. One can or even poss a definite location that che John Forg himself used to be occupying admiring the very sceneries that helped him shoot some of his trademark movies.
It is easy to combine families Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei because both of them are famous and common among the native American Indians.
Sited along the Valley Drive loop towards the northern end, the Totem Pole and the Yei Bi Chei are two tremendously colossal structures of geologic formation carved with petroglyphs and painted pictographs. These places has been identified to have links with Navajo gods, and thus could easily be considered sacred places by the locals due to their power.
Nearby Attractions
- Goosenecks State Park
Approximately 30min drive away from Monument Valley, located in Utah, is probably one of the best places to visit; Goosenecks State Park, where the San Juan River winds through the steep canyons. Located conveniently along the river bank, the park’s outstanding elevated terraces overlook the winding path of the river, which resembles the formation of a neck of a goose; therefore, the park’s name.
- Mexican Hat
Popularly known as the Mexican sombrero, Mexican Hat is a rather extraordinary structure commonly found along the San Juan River situated in Mexican Hat town in Utah state. This famous outcrop is one of the most visited places by people moving through the area and provides for a view of the neighboring desert expanse.
- Forrest Gump Point
A natural scenic view along the highway 163,Forrest Gump Point made famous by the film ‘Forrest Gump’ point gives a view of the valley and the desert surrounding it. Tourists can emulate the running scene of the movie and as well be able to view the wonderful scenes that are in the film.
Conclusion
Monument Valley is not merely a place to see but also to get into, which is a chance to touch the strongest pulse of America’s Southwest with matured rocks of buttes, expansive horizons, and traditional feelings. Whether you are going through the splendid big rocks, driving through the desert or being educated on the history of the Horseshoe Mesa, each time you will be taken through the beauty of Mother Nature at the Monument Valley. You should plan to visit today so that you can see the beauty and wonder of this unchanging place.