[catie’s corner] Jeeping in the Navajo Nation; Exploring Monument Valley

HOME TO JOHN WAYNE WESTERN MOVIES AND INCREDIBLE GEOLOGY 

Like many of you, Monument Valley is somewhere I have always dreamed of going. We’ve seen it in movies and as a staple of the great American Southwest landscape. Located on the Utah-Arizona border in the Great Basin Desert at over 5,000 ft elevation.

Sandstone buttes, mesas and cliffs define the landscape here. As you drive throughout Monument Valley you will see all of the iconic formations. These crazy rock formations are said to be shaped by volcanic activity, followed later by wind and water.

Looking familiar? Monument Valley has been featured in a tons of movies like Mission Impossible, Forrest Gump, Back To The Future 3, and a ton of John Ford movies.

When I was exploring Monument Valley, there was a crazy dust storm! I’m talking sand stinging your face and whole body at over 50 mph lol. But not even that would stop me. It was still a lot of fun, maybe even more memorable with all the extra pain!

Monument Valley sits within the beautiful Navajo Nation. Please note that residents live within the Valley and the surrounding areas so be sure to get the proper permits and respect private land. Also remember to be respectful of Navajo laws when you visit.

Monument Valley is such a beautiful place. I am so thankful for getting a chance to explore it. Depending on the time of year you go, it may be on the colder, windy side, or the scorching dry heat of summer. Plan accordingly! Generally the best time of year to go is in the Spring or Fall when the weather isn’t insanely hot, but no matter when you go, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. After all, I was getting 50 mph wind gusts of sand and small rocks stinging me the whole time and I still had fun!

CONTACT INFO AND DIRECTIONS

Located not far from the famous “Four Corners” of the USA (junction of AZ, UT, NM and CO), Monument Valley gets a lot of visitors.  Here is more info for planning your trip.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Phone: (435) 727-5870
Fax: (435) 727-5875
P.O. Box 360289
Monument Valley, UT 84536

Website: https://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/monument-valley/