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:

AZ Central's Guide To Monument Valley

Above, a sunrise view of the West Mitten. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Arizona-Utah border. It was made famous by director John Ford in 1939's Stagecoach, starring John Wayne and Claire Trevor. It has appeared in many more movies since then.

I have visited Monument Valley several times. It is less than a half day's drive from home. I have camped at Goulding's Lodge Campground and at Monument Valley KOA.

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

AZ Central has posted an "ultimate guide" to Monument Valley listing the best things to do.

It begins with:

A boundless open sky greets travelers heading toward the Arizona-Utah border, with just a few red-orange sandstone monoliths reaching heights of up to 1,000 feet tall along the horizon.

The transcendental landscape at Monument Valley inspires visitors with its towering sandstone buttes so picturesque that it has served as a backdrop for many movies.

Monument Valley, the 91,696-acre tribal park on the Navajo Nation that spans parts of Arizona and Utah, was named by Arizona Republic readers as a finalist in the Most Beautiful Places in Arizona Poll, which was won by the Grand Canyon.

Monument Valley is a popular destination for travelers visiting northern Arizona and southern Utah. Here's how to plan a Monument Valley trip, including the best time to visit and what is the closest town.

To read more, go here. 

Ultimate Guide To Monument Valley

Above, Monument Valley's West Mitten. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being a resident of the northwestern sector of New Mexico, it affords me easy access to places in and around the Four Corners of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. 

Above, John Ford Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One place that's an easy three-hour (or so) drive from home is Monument Valley Tribal Park. I have been there four times, two of which has been within the past three years.

For those who may be wondering about where to go for a spring or summer vacation, Monument Valley should be placed high on the list. There are hotels and campgrounds for extended stays. I have stayed at two area campgrounds: Goulding's Lodge Campground and Monument Valley KOA.

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

Mygrandcanyonpark.com has posted an "ultimate guide" to visiting Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. 

It begins with:

Monument Valley Tribal Park, an iconic landscape of breathtaking beauty, has for centuries stood as a testament to the Navajo Nation’s culture, traditions and connection to the earth.

It is a place where nature’s wonders take center stage. The sandstone buttes, in hues ranging from warm oranges to deep reds, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Whether you plan to embark on a guided tour, traverse the scenic drives, or venture on foot to embrace the solitude of this ethereal landscape, Monument Valley Tribal Park promises an unforgettable experience.

Find this park in the very rural southeastern portion of Utah. It’s located just north of the Utah-Arizona border, off Hwy. 163, between Kayenta, Arizona and Mexican Hat, Utah. You’ll definitely want to add this park to your agenda if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, or Utah’s eastern parks like Arches and Canyonlands. Just past the border, turn east onto Monument Valley Road, which takes you towards the visitors center and into the park.

Above, Ear of the Wind arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about Monument Valley, go here. 

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. 

MTA HORSE TOURS

Above, the MTA Horse Tours stables. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last September, I stayed at the Monument Valley KOA Kampground. I usually stay at Goulding's Lodge Campground, but I decided to try out the KOA.

The KOA is a relatively new campground. I did enjoy my stay there.

One attraction at the KOA is the MTA Horse Tours. It had been 50 years since I last rode a horse, so I decided to take a 90 minute ride.

Above, a photo taken during my ride. 

The stables are right next to the KOA, so it was an easy walk from one's campsite.

From the MTA Horse Tours website:

Monument Valley is well known for glowing red buttes and mesas that tower over the beautiful Southwestern Desert.

​As you take part on this adventure with MTA Horse Tours you will be among the sacred spirit of our horses.

Horses represent significant and spiritual roles within the Navajo Culture. Many Navajo people acknowledge the spirit of these amiable creatures who embrace you with the medicine of tranquilizing enjoyment. So, prepare yourself for an interactive, bumpy, and exhilarating ride! 

Above, at the stables before my ride.

I enjoyed my ride. If one plans to visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, I recommend taking a horseback riding tour.

For more information, go here.

Monument Valley After Ridgway?

Above, the East and West Mittens and Merrick Butte. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next month, I will be heading up to Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation marathon. 

Since will be "out and about", I am considering extending the trip to include Monument Valley Tribal Park. 

I was last in Monument Valley in October 2022. I enjoyed the visit, which included a sunrise tour of the tribal park. If I go to Monument Valley, I will likely take that tour again. I stayed at Goulding's Lodge Campground. 

The weather in September will still be warm. It averages 82° highs and lows averaging 58°. 

Above, Ridgway, Colorado to Monument Valley. 

The drive from Ridgway, Colorado will entail some mountain road driving. But The Beast can handle it. It is a route that is basically west and then south. The driving time is around four hours. 

Since the route will take me on U.S. 163, there is a new KOA Kampground (Monument Valley KOA Journey) on that road I can try out. I read that the campground is five miles from Monument Valley and has great views.

I have a few weeks to decide. 

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. 

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. 

How To Visit Monument Valley In 2024

Above, a morning view of John Ford Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're only now just starting the second month of 2024, but vacation season will start in four months. 

In case one is now thinking about a vacation to somewhere, The Planet D has posted a guide to vising Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in 2024.

I have been to Monument Valley several times, most recently in October 2022. I camp at nearby Goulding's Lodge Campground. If one is interested in geography or old western movies, it is a place worth seeing

The Planet D begins with:

Monument Valley just hits differently. The red-sand desert floor stretches over 92,000 acres across the Utah-Arizona border, dotted with sandstone buttes and dirt roads. This region is best known for Monument Valley Tribal Park – a once frequent filming location for old Western movies. You’ve already seen the valley on your TV screen. It has featured as a backdrop for all the John Wayne films, plus classics like Forrest Gump. But there is more to the valley than just good looks. You can visit attractions like the Navajo Shadehouse Museum and enjoy incredible hiking trails.

Researching Monument Valley is so much fun. It is one of the most famous sections of any Arizona road trip and one of the leading US road trips. Between the red-sand scenery and Hollywood-worthy scenic drive, Monument Valley has wiggled its way onto millions of bucket lists. 

To read more, go here. 

Preventing Cat Scratches On RV Furniture

Above, Sierra at Goulding's Lodge Campground in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My cat Sierra is a well-traveled pet. She has been traveling with me in the motorhome since she was only a few months old.

Early on, I had to train her from scratching her claws on the RV cushions and other things. I got her a special scratcher that she uses and have placed small covers over the cushions. Now that she's eight, she travels with no scratching issues for me to be concerned about.

Traveling with cats and their claws is the topic of an article in Do It Yourself RV.

They begin with:

We all love our pets, but they can sometimes be a handful, especially when it comes to cats and their natural urge to scratch. While it might not seem serious at first, cats scratching furniture and carpets can cause significant damage over time, and this is particularly concerning in RVs.

To tackle this issue head-on, I’ve put together some effective tips and strategies. These will not only cater to your cat’s natural behaviors but also protect your RV’s chairs, sofas, and carpets, ensuring they stay in good condition.

To read more, go here. 

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 Awnings: Use and Maintenance

Above, making use of the awning at Goulding's Lodge Campground near Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago, I had to replace my awning fabric as it was tearing at its connection. At first, the tear was about a quarter inch, but as the years went by, it got to about two inches.

Rather than have a sudden gust of wind tear it even worse while camping (I've seen it happen), I decided to replace it.

RV Travel has posted an article on what one should know about using RV awnings and maintaining them.

They begin it with:

An RV owner in one of my Facebook groups posted the below photo and wrote, “This is the first time using the awning as this camper is new to me. 2022 Winnebago 2108FBS. Is there anything I need to do to the awning other than extend it out? Adjustments, greasing, maintenance, etc.?”

I’m so glad you asked! Yes! Here’s what I recommend as a basic checklist for RV awning maintenance.

 To read the full article, 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. 

Is The RV Lifestyle Right For You?

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

Since the Baby Boomer generation are now in retirement age, figuring out what to do with one's leisure time is uppermost on their minds. 

Many are taking to the highways in their RVs, either full-time or part-time, and enjoying the "RV lifestyle". 

But is the RV lifestyle right for you?

This question is asked by RV Life and there are some signs to look out for.

They begin with:

RV fever is sweeping the nation, especially during the past few years. But is the RV lifestyle right for everyone? Let’s take a look.

Many people are abandoning their homes and apartments and hitting the road. This is a personal choice for everyone. Many RV dreamers now wonder if the RVing lifestyle is the right fit for them. Of course, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Some people feel right at home in an RV, while others can’t wait to get home. If you choose to live in your RV full-time (or at least most of the time), there are a few qualities and personality traits that can help you feel comfortable in this setting. 

The following signs can reveal if the RV lifestyle is a good for you. Ultimately it’s your choice though. If you have a deep love for RVing, you can certainly get by, even if you only have a few of these traits.

To read more, go here. 

RV Decal Restoration

Above, my RV at Goulding's Lodge Campground last October. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My 2015 motorhome looks pretty good even though it is eight years old.

The fiberglass, paint and decal graphics look in good shape. The main reason is that I keep it clean and store it inside my RV garage (GOCO Beast Barn) that keeps it protected from sunlight and the elements.

There are some RVs out there of the same age that are beginning to look ratty, particularly the decals. But they can be restored.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on restoring RV decals.

They begin it with:

Unfortunately, RV decals have a tendency to oxidize, fade, and crack over time. This leaves RV owners looking for RV decal restoration options. 

The good news is there are ways to fix your RV decal problems. In this article, we will share our top tips for RV decal restoration, so you can get your RV looking nice and shiny for your next big adventure.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Predicted To Boom In 2023

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

2023 looks to be shaping up to be a good year for RV traveling if a survey conducted by the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) holds true.

RV Travel posted:

If a survey by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association of RVers’ travel plans holds true, you won’t be alone out there on the road this year—quite the opposite. The survey shows that 37% of American leisure travelers, representing 67 million, plan on taking an RV trip in 2023.

Among leisure travelers, who are defined as any U.S. resident who has taken some type of leisure trip in the past year, the top reasons for RV travel are exploring the outdoors and having additional flexibility through remote work or school. While spending time outdoors has consistently remained a top reason for RVing, the number of respondents who cited flexibility in work have increased by 12% in the past year.

To read more, go here. 

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. 

RV Shipments Plunge In September

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

Well, it was bound to happen. RV shipments from the RV manufacturing capital of Elkhart, Indiana have dropped in September. 2021 saw record RV shipments due to the pandemic and people wanting to vacation safely.

According to Chuck Woodbury at RV Travel:

The champagne has quit popping in the RV manufacturing capital of Elkhart, Indiana, after celebrating record shipments and sales.

Results for the RV Industry Association’s September 2022 survey of manufacturers determined that total RV shipments ended the month with 28,333 units, a decrease 48.5% compared to the 55,014 units shipped in September 2021. Through September, RV shipments are down 8.2% compared to the same point last year with 415,594 wholesale shipments. 

To read more, go here. 

New RV Sales Head Downward

Above, RVs at Goulding's Lodge Campground last week. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It look like that RV sales are down. Along with that, wholesale prices are also down.

Now that people can travel as they please, the demand for RVs is not as strong as it was during the pandemic. Also, we're in a recession.

A new article in RV Travel takes a look at where the RV industry is at and what the future looks like.

They begin with:

Like a kid coming off a “sugar high,” the RV industry may be seeing the end to the “good times roll” of the COVID-19 pandemic years. We reported earlier that wholesale prices for RVs at auction have taken a tumble. Now the report for folks registering new RVs with licensing agencies for August seems to be indicative of a fall-off for the RV industry. Sales are decidedly down.

To read more, go here.