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| Mexican Hat |
Jerry's brother
Buck wanted to see what Mexican Hat was, so we took them by on our way to
Monument Valley.
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| 1939 Searcher Movie Set |
Do we have any old western buffs in our audience? Do you recall the first time you watched the 1939 Stagecoach? That movie created three icons: John Wayne, John Ford, and the 30,000 acres of glory on the Utah-Arizona border known as Monument Valley. If you’re not a western buff, perhaps you caught the stunning back drop in one of the other 11 movies filmed in the Navajo region of Monument Valley. Can you name them? Go here to see the list.
Monument Valley
~ Where the Earth Meets the Sky~ displays a firsthand look at one of the most
tremendous natural structures created by erosion. Time stand still for the people who live
inside the “Tse-Bii-Ndzisgaii”, meaning the valley within the rock, have long
sustained life through simple living. The absorbent sandstones hold underground
aquifers which give moisture to crops and adequate grazing for the livestock.
Southwestern corn holds an important significance besides food; whereas the
sheep is also a source of wealth, next to the value of Turquoise.
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| Sunset over East Mitten, West Mitten, & Merrick Butte |
There are
several ways to enjoy seeing the valley: your personal vehicle (motorcycles and RVs not
allowed), Navajo guided tour, or from the rim at the visitor center. Take a leisure 17 mile (allow 1.5 to 2 hours)
driving through the main valley yourself with an option to a 3.3 mile scenic hiking
around the West Mitten Butte (allow 1-3 hours).
Guided tours can range in price, so it’s best to do some research before
coming. When I check with the station
inside the park they offered two choices: 1.5 hour tour ($75* -main valley) and
2.5 hour ($90* -main valley & backcountry).
However, I talked with a lady who had done some research on photography
tours on the internet; found a Navajo who quoted her a 3.5 hour tour for $70. Just shows it worth doing some research. *for a group of 4
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| Totem Pole & The Yei Bi Chei (Navajo spiritual gods) to the east |
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| Ford's Point looking at Three Sisters & Mitchell Mesa |
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| Artist's Point |
Experience
Monument Valley as you have never seen before… The View Restaurant, Hotel &
Campground offers some of the most spectacular views of Monument Valley.
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| Backside over looking valley: Hotel, Restaurant, Visitor Center, Museum (left to right) |
Restaurant: Enjoy the ultimate poster window views of the
Mittens while you dine.
Hotel: The three floors provide 95 rooms, each one
with a private eastern facing balcony with views unlike anywhere else in world.
Our top floor features StarView rooms with unforgettable views of the stars,
the entirety of Monument Valley, and serves as a perfect venue for amateur
night-time long exposure photography without leaving the comfort of your
room. Other amenities include wireless internet access in the
lobby, conference room, a fitness center with sunset views, flat screen
televisions. Also included are in-room coffee makers with organic coffee and
tea, a micro-frig, and microwave. Unique to The View is the authentic Native
American décor with a locally woven Navajo Rug, traditional Navajo dye chart,
and other Native American inspired decorations.
Campground: open March 10th – January 1st
– Camping $19.95*, RVs $49.95*, or Cabins $99* (*off-season rate and increase
during peak season and does not include tax).
Campers: A full restroom and
shower facility is available. RVs: All
sites are dry sites with no hookups. Cabins:
fully-furnished with private porch. The
convenience store located at the registration office sells camping supplies,
food, drinks and ice.
**There are some other lodging options about 6 miles across the street in the Goulding's district. Click here for Lodge, RV & Camping.
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| Bill, Ronda, Sue, Deb, Jerry ~ 2013 |
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| Jerry, Deb, Buck, Nell ~ 2014 |
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| Ronda posing @ Ford's Point ~ 2013 |
John Wayne calls
this “God’s Treasure”; after a visit you may feel the same! It never gets old regardless how many times
we keep coming back and I’m sure it’s not our last trip. Sunrise and sunset provided photographers some
outstanding photos, so if you get a chance visit during these times.
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| End our trip with a beautiful sunset |
10/15/14 ~D
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