Monument Valley: Where Western Dreams Are Made!
From the moment I read today’s guest writer’s article, I felt like I had known her all of my life. Patricia Rubel, from The Patrish Pages blog, is currently training to hike Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, a bucket list travel destination for so many of us. Patricia and I share a sense of adventure and truly could have been sisters in another lifetime.
Patricia has wondered if she has what it takes to complete the upcoming hike, on a lengthy and difficult trail far out of her comfort zone.
Yes, Patricia, you do! Take it from me; I summited Mt. Kilimanjaro last July, a hike that was half a world away from my comfort zone. It was indescribably difficult, but that’s part of what made it so great.
So, lace up your hiking boots, strap on your backpack and go! I have no doubt you will have the time of your life. In the meantime, we will enjoy reading about your amazing journey in today’s guest post ~ Monument Valley: Where Western Dreams Are Made!
Patricia’s Bio: Patricia is an avid traveler and novice hiker who is determined to make every day an adventure! She is a business owner, has been married to her husband for 32 years, has three adult children and one adorable grand baby. At the ripe old age of 57, she decided it was time to get in shape and take up hiking. Her message to women of all ages is to say yes to adventure, if she can do it, anyone can! She has hiked through Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Aspen, Durango and is currently getting ready for a 5-day hike through Havasupai in the Grand Canyon. Follow her on Instagram at @PatrishPages
Monument Valley: How Western Dreams Are Made
If you have ever watched old western movies and watched cowboys ride off into the sunset, chances are you are familiar with Monument Valley. To see it on-screen only gives you a glimmer of the majestic beauty of what the Navajo People call Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii or “Valley of the Rocks.”
The beauty of these red rock formations will take your breath away. The colors seem to dance and change as the sun and the clouds move across the sky. The Navajo people say that the mesas and buttes have a heartbeat, after spending time and exploring Monument Valley, I believe them.
Monument Valley is a 92,000-acre tribal park that straddles the Arizona and Utah border. The Navajo people consider this valley to be a sacred land, the heart of the earth. To truly see the beauty of this land you need to experience it through the eyes of one of the native guides.
There are two tour companies I would recommend, Navajo-Spirit-Tours and Goulding’s Tours. Both of these companies are staffed with local Navajo guides that have grown up in the Monument Valley Area. They are knowledgeable about the history and geography of the land and share stories and insights into the Navajo culture. The tours take about 3 hours and transportation is in open aired Jeep trucks.
The tour companies have tribal permission to take you into restricted areas that are not accessible by public roads. Trust me, it is worth the tour. You will see ancient petroglyphs, visit actual hogans and ranches, see ancient ruins and natural arches.
If you are a hiker and want to experience Monument Valley by foot, The Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided trail open to the public. This is a moderate trail that covers about 4 miles round trip and will take you about 2 to 3 hours.
I took my time; the scenery was so beautiful that I kept stopping to take pictures and enjoy the views. A word to the wise, make sure you bring extra water, there is very little shade along this trail and even in cooler weather the dry desert air will quickly dehydrate even seasoned hikers. I would also highly recommend a hat and sunscreen!
To really enjoy Monument Valley, plan on at least one or two nights so that you can experience sunset and sunrise views. We stayed at Guilding’s Lodge on the Utah side of the park. Every room has a private balcony and spectacular views of the valley below. There is a wonderful restaurant on property serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to try the Navajo Frybread, it is absolutely delicious! On a side note, there is a strict no alcohol policy on the Navajo reservation, the restaurant only serves nonalcoholic wine and beer.
One of my favorite parts of Guilding’s Lodge was the Trading Post Museum. They have everything from movie memorabilia, beautiful Navajo pottery, and the restored “living Quarters” of the Goulding’s home from the 1940’s and 50’s. When you walk around the lodge you can’t help but think of what it was like when John Ford directed John Wayne and the Golden Age of Western Movies.
Before you visit, treat yourself to a marathon of old John Ford movies; Stagecoach, The Searchers, My Darling Clementine, Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. If you love mystery books read the Navajo detective series by Tony Hillerman, Monument Valley is prominently featured in many of the books.
Or show up and start your own adventure, either way it’s worth it!
Did you enjoy reading about Monument Valley? I know I did, and Patricia’s pictures captured the essence of the landscape perfectly. Be sure to visit The Patrish Pages and check out some other great articles.
Planning to visit places near the Grand Canyon? Check out this guide to obtaining a Havasupai Falls permit.
Comment below to let Patricia and myself know if you have visited Monument Valley, or a similar area nearby.
If you enjoy the Travels with Bibi blog, be sure to like and subscribe!
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Great pictures – I want to go! Hiking is my all time favorite form of “exercise” – I put that in quotes because it’s so fun it doesn’t feel like a workout!
Mine too Pam! Once I retire, I plan to be on the trails more than in the house. 🙂
This looks like an amazing trip! The lodge alone sounds wonderful, then add in the scenery! Pinned this for later to reference and hopefully we can visit Monument Valley soon!
Sweet! I plan to get out to the Grand Canyon next year myself. I LOVE the reds in every landscape scene.
We have not been to Monument Valley yet. It is on our list of places to visit.
After hosting Patricia’s post, Monument Valley has made it to the top of my bucket list. 🙂
Whoa these photos are dreamy. You really know how to capture a places essence! 🙂
Patricia did a fantastic job with the photos!
Wow! I’ve never been to the southwest, but it’s on my bucket-list for sure! Love this!
I’ve visited a couple places in the Southwest and cannot wait to add Monument Valley to my “done” list.
So cool. Love the photos. Makes me want to put this on my bucket list.
I agree Phil. The landscape at Monument Valley is awesome!
Wow. Those pictures really bring our the beauty. Sounds like a great trip to take.
I love everything about Patricia’s photos. She did a really great job with this post.
Loved Patricia’s article on Monument Valley. I felt like I was actually there!
Aren’t those the best kind of articles? I could picture myself there too.
Love it! Can’t wait to visit.
Thanks, Kristi! I’m excited about planning a trip to Monument Valley too.
Wow your pictures are beautiful! This trip looks amazing 🙂
Thanks, Shar!
Great going. Willing you on.
Thanks Joleisa!
Thanks, Patricia for sharing these! They’re beautiful photos!
I love Patricia’s post and I’m grateful that I could host it for her. Go visit Patricia’s blog and find more beautifully written posts.
You got some incredible shots!
She really did. I love the buttes!
Sounds like a great adventure! Never been myself but would love to check it out one day!
Monument Valley is definitely going on my must see list!
What a great review! Yes, Patricia’s photos are amazing – I really need to make it here. Love how the Navajo people say that the mesas and buttes have a heartbeat!
I love that the Navajo people said that. I’ve seen a couple of buttes in my travels and I would have to agree with them.
Wow this just looks so stunning! I can’t wait for another trip away with the family! Thanks for sharing!
xo,
Josephine
Patricia’s journey looks like a great time, doesn’t it?
Looks wonderful! What great photos!
Thank you! All the credit goes to Patricia. 🙂
Beautiful! Monument Valley is on my list of places to visit. I hope to make it there soon!
Allison
I hope you can too Allison!
My Gosh, your photography skills is amazing! Your picture alone I am sold and i am adding this place in my bucket list to visit.
Patricia’s photos are gorgeous!
My husband and I took some good hikes before we started traveling with our kids. Maybe when they are older we’ll start again
I see kids on the trail all the time so don’t discount hiking with them when they are young. I remember one family with a toddler in a backpack climbing Mt. Whitney (14,508 ft.) in 2016.
It looks like this was such a fun time that you had and it really does capture such a true Western spirit. It makes me think of Westworld, only because it’s a TV show that I watch. Also, your photos really do the place justice — that blue sky and red dirt really pop!
Great post!
Michelle
I love the western US sky…so blue!
Great pictures! Love the post.
Thank you!
Hello! I really enjoyed reading your post – it must have been a fantastic experience. I have never ever done anything like this before, but I would love to do so.
Also, your photos are just gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing!
Alex
I love Patricia’s post too. She did a great job capturing the essence of Monument Valley.
Looks like an amazing trip! I’ve never been to Monument Valley, but it’s definitely on my list!
It’s on my list too! I can’t wait to get out there myself.
I DID enjoy reading about Monument Valley. When I first started my travel bucket list you wouldn’t find anything remotely desert like on it. I have since been swayed a bit, and this just pushes me over the edge!
I would love to tour with the Navajo guides and really experience the heartbeat they say exists there. In other writings I have read that it is life changing!
PS. You’ve TOTALLY got this, Patricia!! Havasu is on my list. I am no less terrified, but imagine the pay off. Soooo much beauty!
Havasu Falls is on my bucket list too! I can’t wait to read about Patricia’s adventure.
This is fantastic! I always wanted to visit Monument Valley! Very informative article! I am pinning this post if I haven’t already! 😊❤️
Sweet! Thank you!
That sunset picture is absolutely stunning! This looks like such a serenely beautiful place!
Thank you!
I love how good photos can bring a story to life! This looks like such an adventure. Thanks for sharing!
Agreed Ashley! Something about pictures speak 1,000 words right? I think they speak at least that many.
I love going on hiking tours! This one seems especially special. The views also cannot be beat
The views are spectacular!
The red rocks are just stunning!!
I love red rocks too! So beautiful.
I live in Utah and always think about the fact that I need to get down to Monument Valley – and then we never go. I need to move it higher on my list!
One day, I’m going to hop in my husband’s Dodge ProMaster van and travel all over the west and southwest. Everything is so beautiful!
i’ve never heard of monument valley! i’ve been planning a road trip across the western states, you’ve now added a place for me to visit. thank you!
Very cool Katie! I’m glad this post helped you find a new location to add to your road trip itinerary!
We haven’t been out that way in years, but have never been to Monument Valley. Sounds like quite an adventure!
It sound like an adventure that I would love ! I’m glad this post is getting the word out to more people about this special area of the Southwest.
I live within driving distance of Monument Valley and haven’t visited it yet. I really should plan a weekend trip soon!
You definitely should Christa!
I love hiking. I love this post.
I’m so glad Marianne. Hiking is my favorite activity too!
That look amazing! Totally need to add this place to my travel list!
I agree Kathryn. Monument Valley looks like an amazing place.
This trip looked incredible!
I agree! I want to visit Monument Valley and hire a Navajo guide.
What a beautiful place! I would love to bring my kids and go hiking around there.
Monument Valley is stunning!