Monument Valley

January 26, 2020  •  Leave a Comment

Monument Valley (Oljato-Monument Valley) straddles Arizona and Utah and is in sacred Navajo Tribal Land. The Navajo observe Daylight Savings time (which is not the case in AZ nor with the Hopi's). Lodging is also Navajo (so no alcohol allowed) and is best either at The View (and the location of the visitors center) or Goulding's Lodge. A great inspirational photography experience either with a Navajo guide or self-driven on a 17 miles loop of rough roads.

Monument Valley at NightMonument Valley at NightMonument Valley in winter at night pre dawn.

Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau and consists of a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, some over 1000 feet high with overall elevation of the park at 5000 to 6000 elevation. Desert climate with cold winters and hot summers are to be expected. Cameras need to be protected from the dust as well as bumpy roads. Money TreeMoney TreeMonument Valley view from the money tree in the fall.

 This road in the movie "Forrest Gump" is infamous where Forrest decided to go home. It is located on the back side of Monument Valley and popular with photographers. Director John A Ford also used Monument Valley as the location for many of his films from the 1930s. Forrest Gump RoadForrest Gump RoadBack side of Monument Valley.

  Monument Vallery GirlMonument Vallery GirlDawn with photographer in Monument Valley

 A handful of Navajo (10 families) make their home in the park, where they live without running water or electricity and rely on farming and grazing for income. All visitors must exit before the sun goes down and are asked to respect their privacy. I hope you get a chance to visit. Young Navajo weaver.Young Navajo weaver.

 


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