Monument Valley, on the other hand…
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.
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.
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.
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.