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| A memorable moment in front of "The Mittens" at Monument Valley (L-R: Christie, Terish, Angela, Anne, Mary Beth) |
EBYD is a blog spot to talk travel and share experiences about places far from home, in the greater Southwest or right in our own backyards.
This spring I was invited on a memorable journey to Monument Valley, AZ/UT...and I'm still dreaming about it! It's already been about two months since we embarked on a road trip of a lifetime to see one of the most photographed (and filmed!) places on earth. Monument Valley has mesmerized me with its majestic views of bold red rock formations juxtaposed the quiet reverence of Navajoland.
Monument Valley is located in the Navajo Tribal Park on the border of Arizona and Utah, about 20 miles north of Kayenta, AZ. The park was designated in 1958 to preserve approximately 50 miles of sandstone buttes, mesas, spires and arches.
Through timeless erosion, this landscape created unique rock formations or "natures patient sculptures." It's amazing to think about how the "simple wearing down of altering layers of soft and hard rock slowly revealed the natural wonders of Monument Valley today." The Navajo name for the area is Tse Bii'Ndzisgaii, or the valley within the rock.
http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm
Monument Valley is located in the Navajo Tribal Park on the border of Arizona and Utah, about 20 miles north of Kayenta, AZ. The park was designated in 1958 to preserve approximately 50 miles of sandstone buttes, mesas, spires and arches.
Through timeless erosion, this landscape created unique rock formations or "natures patient sculptures." It's amazing to think about how the "simple wearing down of altering layers of soft and hard rock slowly revealed the natural wonders of Monument Valley today." The Navajo name for the area is Tse Bii'Ndzisgaii, or the valley within the rock.
http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm
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| The many colors and textures of Monument Valley Photo by Terish Kuka |
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| Photo by Terish Kuka |
I was happily along for the ride, which ended up being quite a road trip! It takes a little over five hours to get from Phoenix to Kayenta. One thing to note is Kayenta, and this part of northeastern AZ, does observe Daylight Savings Time and was one hour ahead of Phoenix when we traveled. Keep this in mind when planning your trip!
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| Photo opp for Terish and I along the way...it was very windy! |
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| Rock formations we saw along the road were amazing! Can you find us? |
We decided to drive beyond Kayenta and head toward the Monument Valley area to take in the views and cross the AZ/UT border. Inspired by a memorable scene in Forrest Gump (1994) we stopped and took some "Run Forrest Run" pics...fun!
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| A "Run Forrest Run" moment near Monument Valley! |
In addition to Forrest Gump, did you know there have been many movies made over the years that feature Monument Valley? Check out this list of well-known movies with scenes of the area:
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/09/28/12-movies-shot-monument-valley-navajo-nation-151484
Our group was invited to stay with our new friend and personal tour guide, Angela. She happens to live in Kayenta (lucky girl!) and not only knows a lot about the area, she's also an avid hiker! Angela led our group on a fun local two-mile hike known as "The Toes."
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=16324
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| Hiking "The Toes" in Kayenta, AZ |
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| Mary Beth and "The Mittens!" |
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| Terish says, "Look at this amazing place!" |
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| Angela and Anne enjoying a photo opp! |
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| The 17-mile scenic "Valley Drive" got us up close to rock formations. Shot of "Three Sisters" spires in Monument Valley |
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| Our tour guide, Angela, leading us on the "Wildcat Trail" in the park |
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| My view of "West Mitten Butte" on the hike...stunning! |
The East and West "Mitten" buttes are probably the most well-known formations in Monument Valley. They are thought to look like hands, with the West Mitten the left and the East the right hand. According to the book, "Monument Valley: Navajo Tribal Park and the Navajo Reservation" (Nicky Leach), the "Mittens are believed to be the hands left behind by the Holy People to signal that one day they will rule again."
Hiking so close to the majestic and mystical West Mitten was awe-inspiring! Others on the trip described Monument Valley as a "peaceful, spiritual and beautiful area."
I think this poem, shared in the book, describes the experience quite well and may be why so many love this land:
Beauty before me,
With it I wander.
Beauty behind me,
With it I wander.
Beauty before me,
With it I wander.
Beauty below me,
With it I wander.
Beauty above me,
With it I wander.
Beauty all around me,
With it I wander.
In old age traveling,
With it I wander.
On the beautiful trail I am,
With it I wander.
From First Song of Dawn Boy
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| Photo by Terish Kuka |
I am grateful for the chance to visit such a beautiful and sacred place. A big THANK YOU to our entire group for the opportunity, hospitality and the memories!
It's true, beauty consumes you when you visit this amazing land, which is right here in Arizona! We invite you to Explore Beyond Your Door and experience the beauty and wonder that is Monument Valley...where the earth meets the sky.
Happy Travels!
~ Chris
