A partial rainbow under a huge thunderstorm between the Mittens of Monument Valley.
I had been looking online at things to see and do in Monument Valley, and seeing all the ads for guided tours and how much of the area is off-limits without a guide, the cynic in me decided that the Navajo Nation was simply exploiting the natural beauty for a profit in the same way commercial entities were exploiting Sedona. That was how I felt until I got there.
Storm clouds glowing just before sunset behind Eagle Mesa in Monument Valley.
Even before the RV was parked and hooked up in the campground, I had a sense that this place was different. Not just different…special. Before I even saw the sacred valley of the Navajo Nation, I could feel its energy. It was as if the land was welcoming me and I felt more relaxed than I had felt in weeks. It’s very unusual for me to feel that way on a travel day, and especially prior to getting settled in.
Just minutes before the sun rises over the horizon, the sky explodes with color, while the incredible sandstone buttes of Monument Valley remain in the dark. This is the classic view of Monument Valley, including the West Mitten, East Mitten, and Merrill Butte.
After spending a few days as a guest at the campground and both of the restaurants, I have to say my assumptions regarding exploitation changed. I believe there are many, many people who wish to experience this serene place, and they have been coming for years. Monument Valley has been not only a tourist destination, but a filming location for dozens of movies, starting in the 1920’s and continuing today. I have great respect for the way the Navajo people have come up with ways to accommodate that demand, while remaining respectful of the land and its heritage.
While most visitors to Monument Valley look to the northeast to see The Mittens and Merrill Butte, if you look to the southwest, you see Gray Whiskers and Mitchell Butte. This other view is particularly pretty in the soft glow of the early morning light.
In Sedona, I felt like a mark. Like I was welcome there as long as I had “tourist dollars” to spend. In Monument Valley, I felt like a respected guest, who was welcome as long as I behaved respectfully in return. And even though a guided tour was not in my budget this time around, I would like to take one sometime, since this surreal place is most definitely on my “want to visit again” list. I was a little sad to see it fade into the distance in my rear view mirror. But, I am also grateful for my time there as I believe it bestowed a bit of its wonder on my soul.
Mile post thirteen on US route 163 just north of Monument Valley in Utah. This spot became famous as the point in the movie “Forrest Gump” where Forrest decided to stop running. In this image, you can see the mile marker on the left and the red sandstone buttes of Monument Valley in the distance.
Loree … Beautiful, beautiful images! I agree with your assessment of Sedona — we were last there 11 years ago and it was “busy” then. I can only imagine what it’s like now. As for Monument Valley, it is such a peaceful place and then you look out over the landscape …… just wow. We did not take a tour but would like to some day. It’s one of my “definitely go back to” destinations!
Thank you so much! It’s hard to describe Monument Valley, but since you’ve been there, I’m sure you know what I mean. 🙂
Wow! You certainly captured some beautiful country. Your photos are so crisp and clear and well balanced.
Which camera are you using now? Which photo processing program do you like? Well hang in there and enjoy.
Hi Ron. Yes, it is beautiful country. I generally use my D800E for landscapes and the D7100 for wildlife. I also have a Sony DSC-RX100 “point and shoot” that I sometimes use when there’s no time to drag out and set up the DSLR, like when the rainbow appeared between the mittens. I use Lightroom for basic adjustments and Photoshop if more fine tuning is needed. But, none of that matters without good light. Light is everything in photography and I was extremely fortunate to have really nice light a lot of the time I was in Monument Valley and southeastern Utah.
I look at a lot of photographs online, and I am particularly appreciating the way you capture the spirit of a place with your great images and share your story and personal experiences as you travel. Thanks so much!
What a nice thing to say Jane! It really is my pleasure. I told someone just the other day that I work every day on photography, just like a job. But I love what I do, so it feels less like work and more like joy.