Monument Valley Visitor's Guide

Above, sunrise with the Mittens and Merrick Butte. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Where I live in Northwestern New Mexico provides me with easy access to scenic and historic places in the Four Corners region of the U.S.

One such place is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that straddles the Utah and Arizona border. I have been to Monument Valley several times, twice since I moved to New Mexico. I have taken two guided tours of Monument Valley, most recently a sunrise tour from Goulding's Lodge. Last September, I did some horseback riding from the Monument Valley KOA.

Above, the tour vehicle at The Thumb. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been there, Utah's Canyon Country website posted a Visitor's Guide to Monument Valley.

Here's a snippet from the guide:

Visiting Monument Valley

Straddling the border of Utah and Arizona, the magnificent allure of Monument Valley captivates visitors throughout the year. The giant sandstone formations that tower over the desert floor are unique structures you don’t see every day! They aren’t mere mountains, or canyons, or even just big rocks, but something totally different–they are monuments to the power of nature.

These formations have been given interesting names like Mittens, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole, and North Window. But describing them doesn’t do it justice. You need to visit Monument Valley yourself to truly appreciate this magical place!

The most ethereal moments in the valley are perhaps during sunrise and sunset. The play of light and shadow drenches the landscape in an otherworldly glow that compels professional photographers or weekend Instagrammers to capture the breathtaking vistas.

Above, at camp at Goulding's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full visitor's guide, go here.