Monument Valley

You find yourself in the middle of a deserted landscape, with rocky mesas jutting up from the ground in the distance, and not a soul in sight for miles. It feels like a cowboy on horseback could come rushing by at any moment, right? Welcome to the Wild West - or better said, Monument Valley!

Monument Valley is one of the most popular photo spots during a road trip across the USA. The valley lies on the border between Arizona and Utah and has served as the perfect backdrop for many commercials and Western films. Its endless expanses, spectacular rock formations, and breathtaking views stretching to the horizon give you a sense of being incredibly small. Let me share with you what to expect during your visit to Monument Valley.

Monument Valley is a landscape with massive rock formations located on the Colorado Plateau and lies within the Navajo Nation, which extends over an area of nearly 69,000 square kilometers. It originated about 270 million years ago from a lowland basin where sediments from the Rocky Mountains were initially deposited.

At sunrise and sunset, the rocks glow beautifully - a spectacular sight that I was able to admire with my own eyes during my last trip to the USA.

Over millions of years, rain, wind, and snow have eroded the limestone and sandstone, shaping the distinctive mesas and monoliths. The notable reddish-brown color of the rock mass is due to the high content of iron oxide in its rock layers.

Interestingly, the pointed tops of the individual rock formations are referred to as 'buttes' in English. According to their distinctive shapes, the rock formations have names such as Elephant Butte, Camel Butte, Mitten Buttes, Merrick's Butte, Three Sisters, or Totem Pole. Each one is a fantastic photo opportunity - so definitely keep your camera handy!

Monument Valley became famous, especially through the numerous films that used the valley as a backdrop. Well-known movies like 'Once Upon a Time in the West' and 'Easy Rider' were filmed here in the late 1970s. Director John Ford frequently chose Monument Valley as a setting for his Western films, including several iconic works featuring John Wayne. He shot a total of nine movies here. The area surrounding the mesas is humorously referred to as John Ford Country. A rock outcrop that he regularly used is even named after him. You can find John Ford's Point in front of Merrick Butte. Even today, Monument Valley and the highway leading to it are popular locations for film shoots. I'm sure you all recognize the famous Marlboro Cowboy, right?

If you want to see all the mesas and monoliths, you should drive along the famous Scenic Drive. The route is 27 kilometers long and takes you to the most beautiful viewpoints in the valley. If you don't want to venture out in a rental car or are interested in a guided tour, you can also book one of the Navajo Jeep Tours that are regularly offered here.

If you want to experience the true cowboy feeling, it's best to forget the car entirely and climb onto the back of a horse. In Monument Valley, there are several providers who will take you on a horseback ride through the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Try to ride out just before sunrise to witness the magical moment when the first rays of sunlight bring the valley to life. The ride is not as long as the Scenic Drive; however, you will experience Monument Valley as it was over hundreds of years ago by the Native Americans.

About 1,500 years ago, the Anasazi Indians were the first to settle in Monument Valley. For a long time, they lived in rock caves, and you can still admire their paintings and engravings on the rock walls today. Before the first European settlers discovered the valley, the Anasazi vanished.

Today, the area around Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation, the second-largest Native American tribe in the USA, and is still home to approximately 300 Navajos. Many Navajos continue to live according to ancient traditions and strive to keep their customs alive today. You can even view the Indian caves from the outside during your visit - but please do not take any photos.

There are only a few accommodations directly in Monument Valley, but they are all the more beautiful for it. In the towns of Mexican Hat and Kayenta, north and south of the valley, there are various motels just like those you see in classic American films - right off the highway and adorned with colorful neon signs.

However, my journey did not lead me to a motel but to another, very special place - Goulding's Lodge. You can't imagine the unique scenery waiting for you right outside your door. As if the cozy little lodges weren't wonderful enough, you can also gaze directly at the extraordinary rock formations from here. It's simply magical, especially at sunrise and sunset. And if you want to get even closer, you can drive to The View Hotel - or even stay there. In the evenings, Goulding's Lodge even offers a barbecue with live music, campfires, and traditional dancing upon request, right under the starry sky - an unforgettable experience, I promise you. A night at Goulding's Lodge starts at $240, at The View Hotel from $265.

Extraordinary lodges, deserted highways, and the endless expanses of Monument Valley - doesn't that scream for an exciting road trip across the USA? Let my other articles inspire you, keep an eye out for cheap flights and accommodations, and plan your next adventure. You definitely won't regret it.