Monument Valley
Towering red rocks in the Arizona desert.
When Adam and I were planning one of our first big van trips, we were mulling over a number of places to go. Adam was sitting on the couch, looking at the computer, and says, “Have you ever heard of Forrest Gump point?” And I said, “Monument Valley? I’ve wanted to go there for awhile now.”
And that’s how we ended up at Forrest Gump’s spot.
We visited Monument Valley, Arizona, in November 2022. We both get a week off of work for Thanksgiving, which we typically celebrate with my in-laws, so we only had few days to visit somewhere new that wasn’t too far away. Our trip included stops at Mesa Verde National Park (while Adam was cycling), House on Fire American Indian ruins, Moki Dugway, Monument Valley, and Muley Point.
I saw images of Monument Valley on Instagram and thought it was a beautiful place. Seeing it in person was on a whole other level. Pictures do not do Monument Valley justice. You are surrounded by massive red rock formations that are recognizable yet seem otherworldly.
Monument Valley seems like it should be a national park with federal protections. But as you pull up to the park, it’s apparent that it’s Navajo Nation land. Monument Valley is actually a sacred location, and that makes it even more special.
We visited Monument Valley mid-afternoon. The light was kind of terrible, but the wispy, cirrus clouds helped provide a bit of overcast shadow. I also had to do some heavy editing in Lightroom.
Within the park, there is a 17-mile loop that takes you around some of the most famous rock formations.
As with every spot I’ve ever visited, I want to go back and visit again! I would love to book a tour with a Navajo guide to explore the park more. There are areas that you can only visit if you are with a guide, so…
Cheers.
Beautiful. This has always been a bucket list place for me to visit. I also love Moab and that area, but have never made it to Monument Valley. Your photos are gorgeous.
Absolutely stunning images Rachel.
I have family in Arizona and when I’ve visited I’ve asked to head to Monument Valley. Unfortunately, it’s not worked yet (partly because US states are massive and it would take a long time to drive there from where they live 😂), but I hope to get there at some point.