Monument Valley Tours Run Half-Empty

Above, the tour bus stopped at The Thumb during a
 sunrise tour I took in 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, I have taken two guided tours of Monument Valley. Both were by open air bus originating from Goulding's Lodge. I also took a tour by horseback.

The Navajo Nation, in which Monument Valley is their tribal park, offers Jeep tours. It used to be necessary to make advance reservations as the tours were popular.

According to an article in Travelers Today, those tours have been running half-empty. The Goulding's Lodge tour I went on in 2022 was also half empty.

The article begins with: 

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is in the middle of its peak summer season, and something unusual is happening in the valley: the guided jeep tours that once required advance reservations are running at dramatically reduced capacity. The global drop in international travel to the United States has hit Navajo-owned tour operators at Monument Valley harder than almost anywhere else in the Southwest — and for a traveler arriving this summer, that creates a rare window of access, even as the park's fees are higher than ever and the Navajo Nation holds a presidential primary today that will shape its tourism policies through 2027.

Above, yours truly at a viewpoint during a sunrise tour in 2022.
The East Mitten and Merrick Butte are in the background.

To read more, go here. 

Adventurous Monument Valley Tours Expands Access

Above, the Mittens and Merrick Butte during a sunrise tour of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico eight years ago, one of my favorite trips within the Four Corners region of the U.S. is to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

It is less than a half day's drive from home and the tribal park area has campgrounds available (Goulding's Lodge Campground and Monument Valley KOA Kampground). 

The tribal park also has guided tours available and Adventurous Monument Valley Tours has expanded Navajo-guided backcountry and air experiences.

According to Journals & Courier:

OLJATO-MONUMENT VALLEY, UT, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Adventurous Monument Valley Tours, part of The Adventurous Group, is expanding its Navajo-led tour experiences, offering travelers enhanced access to Monument Valley’s iconic red rock landscapes through guided backcountry and aerial tours. The expansion strengthens the company’s mission to provide immersive, culturally respectful, and unforgettable experiences across one of the most recognized landscapes in the American Southwest.

Located within the Navajo Nation along the Utah–Arizona border, Monument Valley is both a world-renowned travel destination and a protected tribal park with deep cultural, historical, and environmental significance. While millions of visitors are drawn to its towering sandstone buttes and expansive desert views, access to much of the region is restricted without a certified Navajo guide.

Adventurous Monument Valley Tours addresses this limitation by providing structured, guided backcountry experiences that allow visitors to explore beyond the standard scenic Monument Valley drive. Through its offerings, guests gain access to areas of the valley that would otherwise remain inaccessible, along with expert interpretation that brings meaning and context to the landscape.

Above, the Three Sisters rock formation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.  

Goulding's Lodge Campground Movie Location

This evening while I was having dinner, I was watching the John Ford/John Wayne classic, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon (1949) when a scene came up that looked familiar.

It looked like the canyon outside of Monument Valley near Goulding's Lodge. It is now the site of Goulding's Lodge Campground. The lodge itself is beyond the canyon around the rock formation.

I took the below photo of the television screen showing the location from the movie in 1949:

Below is a photo of the same rock formations (on the right) I took during my stay at the campground in 2016:

Here's a blow-up view of the rock formation:

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. 

Navajo Nation Acquires Historic Goulding's Lodge

Above, the historic Goulding's Lodge trading post and living quarters of the Gouldings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The historic Goulding's Lodge is now officially owned and will be operated by the Navajo Nation.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on June 14.

According to Hoodline:

In an event marked by a gentle rainfall, the Navajo Nation officially took ownership of Goulding's Lodge, a historic site nestled in the heart of Monument Valley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 14 saw Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and other dignitaries celebrate this momentous acquisition. "This is a day we’ve been waiting for," President Nygren said, regarding the collaboration's success between the legislative and executive branches that facilitated this deal, as stated by the Navajo Nation Office of the President.

Founded by Harry and Mike Goulding in the 1920s, the lodge is now a world-renowned tourist location, boasting yearly projected revenues between $22 and $31 million, as per the Office of the President. The purchase, finalized in October 2023 for a sum of $59.5 million, was a joint effort between the 25th Navajo Nation Council and the Division of Economic Development, aiming to funnel the income into supporting Navajo programs and bolstering the local economy.

Above, at Goulding's Lodge Campground in October 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Goulding's Lodge includes a restaurant, market, hotel and campground. I stayed at the campground twice, most recently two years ago.

To read more, go here. 

45 Years Since John Wayne's Passing

Today marks 45 years since the passing of John Wayne from cancer in 1979. 

Today also marks 45 years since I began as an insurance adjuster at United Pacific/Reliance Insurance Cos.

Below is a painting of John Wayne as Ethan Edwards in The Searchers (1956) by Robert McGinnis. He painted it in 1980.

I read that it hangs at Goulding's Lodge near Monument Valley. I had been to Goulding's Lodge two years ago, but I did not see it. I'll have to keep a lookout for it the next time I go there.

Monument Valley's North Window and "The Searchers"

Movie locations have held a fascination for me, whether it is Japanese monster locations (I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan fourteen years ago) or within the confines of the United States. 

The Facebook page, Film Locations - Then and Now, posted this of Monument Valley. It is of a scene from The Searchers (1956) along with a view from present day.

In October 2022, I took the Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley from Goulding's Lodge. One of our stops was at this location, known as North Window.

The photo below is one that I took of it.

In 2016, I took the afternoon tour. It took us to different locations than the Sunrise Tour. They are both great tours, but I prefer the Sunrise Tour. 

Navajo Nation Moves To Purchase Gouldings

Above, the original Goulding's Lodge and trading post in 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The nearly 100-year-old Goulding's Lodge near Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park may be purchased by the Navajo Nation. 

Goulding's Lodge was founded by Harry Goulding in the 1920s and served Hollywood, especially director John Ford, starting with the 1939 classic, Stagecoach, starring John Wayne and Claire Trevor. 

According to the San Juan Record:

The nearly 100-year-old iconic Goulding properties in Monument Valley are moving closer to changing ownership to the Navajo Nation.

Members of the Navajo Nation Council approved legislation on October 17 to approve the purchase of Goulding’s Monument Valley Lodge for $59.5 million.

The legislation was sponsored by Council Delegate Herman Daniels, Jr. Delegate Daniels represents Tsah Bii Kin, Navajo Mountain, Shonto, and Oljato chapters on the Navajo Nation Council.

“The purchase of Goulding’s is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Navajo Nation and has the backing of the Oljato Chapter who passed a resolution supporting the purchase,” said Daniels.

While the agreed purchase price for the property is $59.5 million, the Nation shares it is $13.9 million below the appraised value of the property. The property will be purchased using money from the Navajo Nation Land Acquisition Trust Fund.

A presentation given to the Navajo Nation Council in July estimated the Navajo Nation would generate an annual return of $7.4 million, a return of investment of 12.45 percent for the tribe.  

Included with the purchase of the property are assets that include 670 acres of land, a Monument Valley Tour business, an RV campground with rental cabins, the gas station and convenience store, grocery store, the airstrip, and all existing utilities. 

Above, my 2016 Goulding's Lodge Campground campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have stayed at Goulding's Lodge Campground twice, in 2016 and, most recently, in October 2022. Both times I have taken their tours of Monument Valley.

If the sale to the Navajo Nation goes through, I hope they keep the Goulding's name.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel: Monument Valley

Above, the Mittens at sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Readers of this blog have read my posts on Monument Valley Tribal Park and the nearby Goulding's Lodge and Campground. My most recent visit was last October. Luckily for me, it is only a few hours away from home. 

RV Travel has posted an article on Monument Valley and Goulding's Lodge by Nanci Dixon. She includes different things to see and do while there.

It begins with:

As we meander our way up north, we had an amazing short stop at Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation, Utah. I was awed well beyond my expectations. While the drive on US 160 from Flagstaff, Arizona, was winding and a little bumpy, it was so worth it. For years I have seen spectacular, otherworldly photos and postcards of Monument Valley and longed to go in person. For those of you who have been there, you know.

We stayed for three nights at Goulding’s RV park and although it was a bit tight between sites, the scenery more than made up for it. The park was immaculate, had full hook-ups, and was well thought out with laundry, showers, and a magnificent trail. This is the view from our campsite!

Above, a view from Goulding's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

John Wayne Imagery In The West and Southwest

John Wayne may be gone (died June 11, 1979), but his image can be seen in many places around the West and Southwest. I can't think of any other movie star who has been so honored, except Elvis Presley.

In my travels, I've seen several of those images. I'm sure they don't even scratch the surface.

Naturally, the main place is the John Wayne: An American Experience museum at the Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas. I visited it a month after it opened.

Here are some images I've come across:

Above, Gallup's El Rancho Hotel lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, El Rancho Hotel dining room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Old Tombstone Western Town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Boot Hill Graveyard gift shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Goulding's Lodge near Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside John Wayne's Cabin at Goulding's Lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall in Ely, Nevada. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, at the John Wayne: An American Experience museum in Fort Worth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monument Valley, Totem Pole and Clint Eastwood

Above, Totem Pole (center) as seen during my 2016 tour of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During his heyday as an action film star, Clint Eastwood often pushed the envelope to deliver the goods for his movies when outdoors doing action scenes.

One such time was in The Eiger Sanction (1975) in which Eastwood plays a college art professor who is also a retired secret agent for a secret government spy agency that specializes in eliminating (called sanctions) enemies. He is called back into service, reluctantly, by the agency head who is a full-fledged albino (played by Thayer David of Dark Shadows fame). 

Above a view of Totem Pole taken last October. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

He is charged to sanction someone connected with an international climbing team of Switzerland's Eiger mountain for murdering a fellow agent who was also a friend. He proceeds to Utah for his pre-climb training under the wing of George Kennedy. Scenes of his training include Zion National Park (Checkerboard Mesa, the Zion Lodge pool (now gone)) and Monument Valley Tribal Park, where Eastwood became the last person to legally climb the 400 foot tall Totem Pole. Scenes of his Totem Pole climb are spectacular, particularly when Eastwood and Kennedy pop open some beer while sitting atop it. While Eastwood climbed the world's tallest spire himself, Kennedy was airlifted onto it by helicopter.

During recent years, I took two tours of Monument Valley with Goulding's Lodge Tours and saw Totem Pole from two distant vantage points. 

Things To Do In Monument Valley

Above, a view of the Mittens and Merrick Butte at sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park or for those who have but were unaware that there of things to do there, the following will be your cup of tea.

I was in Monument Valley in October and took a sunrise tour of the 17-mile loop.

Travel2Next has a list of 20 things one can do in Monument Valley. It has something for everybody.

They begin with:

Monument Valley is one of the most famous and iconic places in the United States. The valley is inside the Navajo Nation, meaning it is protected and owned by the Native Americans who live there – they have their own laws and customs and even their own president. The towering rock formations, known as mesas and buttes that dominate Monument Valley have become famous through films set in the Wild West, such as The Lone Ranger, How The West Was Won and Stagecoach, directed by John Ford, who gave his name to one of the valley’s most famous locations.

Monument Valley receives thousands of visitors annually, even though it can be tricky to reach. It is spread across the Utah and Arizona border, around a 6.5-hour drive from Las Vegas or three hours from Flagstaff. The area is breathtakingly beautiful and offers plenty to do, such as the Monument Valley loop, which encompasses all the major sights, and outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and stargazing.

To read more, go here. 

Monument Valley: Road Trip To The Wild West

Above, the Three Sisters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in October, I took a little trip up to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It had been six years since I was last there and I had a hankering to visit it again (and to stop at Hubbell Trading Post along the way).

While in Monument Valley, I took a sunrise tour of the park with Goulding's Lodge Tours. I had a great time photographing the rock formations illuminated in the morning light. Since I live about three hours away, I plan on going back.

Above, John Ford Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tyson Hugie has a new article on his recent mid-holiday trip to Monument Valley posted in The ClassicCars.com Journal. It is an enjoyable read.

It begins with:

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a magical place. Despite being only about a five-hour drive from my home in Phoenix, it feels like another planet entirely. At the same time, it has the vibe of a time-travel destination: The landscapes appear straight out of an 1950s cowboy film from the Wild West. Add in the hospitality and culture of the native Navajo people who reside there, and it becomes the kind of place I wish I could spend for an entire week or more.

To read the full article, go here. 

Trip Wrap Up

Above, The Mittens and Merrick Butte during the Sunrise Tour. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day I wrap up my little trek to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

I enjoyed my trip, the Sunrise Tour through Monument Valley with Goulding's Tours was well worth it. Six years ago, I took another tour and some of the formations were in shadow (like the Three Sisters). Going early in the morning gave better view of them as the lighting was much better. I recommend this tour.

Above, at The Mittens viewpoint during the Sunrise Tour.

One disappointment was the Stage Coach Restaurant in Goulding's Lodge. The food was good, but the dinner selection was not much. They should have more offerings. There were more choices for breakfast. But their window seating was great.

The last time I was at Goulding's (six years ago), the shuttle wasn't operating as it was mid-November. This time, they were in operation and would pick up passengers anywhere at Goulding's. All it takes is a phone call from the facility one's at and the shuttle will arrive in minutes. 

This sime, I was able to go inside John Wayne's cabin. There were some interesting exhibits inside. It was closed the last time I was here. Only the exterior of the cabin was used in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon. The interiors were shot in a soundstage in Hollywood.

Above, inside John Wayne's Cabin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The drive through the Navajo Nation was not bad, I rather enjoyed the scenery along Indian Route 59. That and the other highways made the 3 1/2 hour drive pleasant. I just might come to Monument Valley more often.

I was thinking of taking the route that would have me at Four Corners Monument, but that's 107 miles out of the way, so I'll skip it. 

Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Above, yours truly at Artist's Point.

This morning, I got up early (I usually do anyway) to get ready for the Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley NavajoTribal Park.

The tour bus came to the campground at 6:30. I was the only passenger to be picked up at the campground. But there were more people to be picked up at Goulding's Lodge hotel. Our driver and tour guide was Bennett. He was a good Navajo guide and very informative. He also had a great sense of humor (more about that later in the photos below).

We had ten of us in all on the tour. Besides Americans, we also had families from Germany and Belgium.

The tour route had us go along the 17-mile drive in Monument Valley, stopping at different viewpoints. One thing I learned was that the Arizona-Utah border goes right in-between the Left and Right Mittens. 

The road was a bit rough due to recent rains, but the tour bus handled it fine. Thankfully, it wasn't too cold out, about 52°. But I dressed warmly, just in case it was colder.

Naturally, plenty of photos were taken during the tour and here's a sampling (the program put these in last to first order):

Above, yours truly at the viewpoint for The Mittens.

Above, when I saw this, it made me think of the Monoliths in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
I told this to Bennett, our driver and guide, and he laughed and now sees the same thing.

Above, interesting formations.

Above, Totem Pole.

Above, Spearhead.

Above, our tour bus.

Above, The Thumb. Sometimes called John Wayne's Boot.

Above, John Ford Point.

Above, the Three Sisters.

Above, Mitchell Butte and the moon.

Above, the Left Mitten.

Above, The Mittens and Merrick Butte.

Above, on the drive to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Arrived At Monument Valley

Above, the historic Hubbell Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After four hours after leaving home, I arrived at Goulding's Lodge Campground around 11:00 this morning.

It would have been a 3.5 hours drive, but I stopped at the historic Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona. I spent about a half hour there browsing around and bought a few things. It was an interesting place. I will post a full blog report once I get home.

Above, yours truly at the Hubbell Trading Post.

The weather in the Monument Valley area has been nice. It has been sunny and in the upper 70s (it could've been in the low 80s). 

After relaxing a while after checking into the campground and setting up, I took a shuttle down to Goulding's Lodge area. I had been there before, six years ago, but it had been cold and windy at the time. I spent more time looking around and wasn't in any hurry.

Above, the Beast at Gouldng's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I checked out the museum, which includes Harry and Mike Goulding's living quarters. The building had been featured in Fort Apache (1948) and in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon (1949). 

Also, John Wayne's Cabin (as Capt. Nathan Brittles) in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon was open. It was closed the last time I was here.  

She Wore A Yellow Ribbon will be screened tonight at Goulding's Lodge.

Above, John Wayne's Cabin from She Wore A Yellow Ribbon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I ventured into the gift shop to browse around. Unfortunately, a tour group of seniors were in the gift shop and an old lady with the group "broke wind", fouling up the air. 

I wrapped up my visit to the lodge area with a beef stew dinner at the Stage Coach Restaurant, which had nice window booths to enjoy the vistas of Monument Valley.

Above, one of the window booths at the Stage Coach Restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After dinner I headed back to the campground via the shuttle. I later had to go back to the area as the campground store had no "moo juice" (which got a laugh out of a lady shuttle driver). 

Tomorrow morning, I will be going on a 2.5 hours sunrise tour of Monument Valley. I am looking forward to that!