the wandering chick
...Monument Valley
Movies have been made here. People from all the world have visited. Nowhere in America symbolizes the southwest U.S. more than this piece of land owned by the Navajo Indian Tribe. Ironicallly, it's not a U.S. national park, but is as equally recognizeable as any in the country.
Numerous John Wayne movies were filmed here, as well as such favoites as "Back to the Future," "Forrest Gump" and "The Eiger Sanction." For several years it was movie director John Ford's playground, making such movies as "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon," and "Stagecoach, "The Wild, Wild West" and "How the West Was Won." Even the Marlboro Man made it to Monument Valley.
But aside from the movies and the TV commercials, it's a land of breath-taking landscape, absolutely deserving of the attention it gets.
the epitome of the American southwest
Entering Monument Valley from Utah on Highway 163. It's the well-recognized view of the park. This road is called "The Forrest Gump" road by the locals, as in the movie, it's the one Forrest was walking on when he decided to turn around and go home.
It was Harry Goulding who instigated the making of movies in Monument Valley. He and his wife Leona, known as 'Mike," opened a trading post as a way of helping the Navajo people. He succeeded in bringing revenue and attention to the park and helping the Navajo adjust to the 20th century.
Today there stands a lodge, a campground, restaurant and their home, which has been made into a museum (left and below). Their memorial (above) sits in an appropriate spot, overlooking the more familiar monuments that make up the park.
A "whiptail" lizard, so named for its extra-long tail
The Left Mitten and the Right Mitten
Above: The monument known as "The Hub," named for its likeness to a stagecoach wheel.
Left, above: The Mittens and Merrick Butte
Left, below: Rain God Mesa
Below: a closeup of Rain God Mesa
Above and to the right are pictures of what the Navajo have named "The Sun's Eye." Below are petroglyphs that were found along the lower portion of the left flank of the rock.
The name for this rock is "Ear of the Wind."
The Navajo have named this rock formation The Big Hogan. A hogan is a traditional type of dwelling and is considered sacred to the Dine (Navajo) people. Today, even though they may live in a more modern-styled home, many still include a hogan for religious ceremonies and events.
Called The Totem Pole, or fondly by the Navajo "ET's finger." This rock formation was used by Clint Eastwood, who stood atop it along with others, during the making of "The Eiger Sanction." It's also been featured in various TV ads and commercials.
South of the Totem Pole is a formation translated meaning "the Navajo Fire Dancers." One of the various spellings is "Yei Bi Chei."
As far as I know, this rock formation is unnamed, but my travel pal saw in it a group of tall water vessels. So, we just gave it our own name.
Sand dunes are constantly being formed and reshaped on this desert floor.
Tours around the 17-mile loop on the valley floor can be had for a reasonable price. It offers you views of the monuments that cannot be seen otherwise. It's also possible to drive your own car along the same route, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the unpaved road.
An interesting tree trunk stands in front of the rock formation called The Thumb.
The sun begins to cast its last light of the day on the Navajo's valley of monuments.
Thank you for visiting these photo pages.
If you're interested in seeing more, please return to the Main Menu at the bottom of my home page and make your selection.
All images within 'The Wandering Chick' Web site are copyright protected. They may not be downloaded or otherwise copied.
Please contact me if you think a particular photo or set of photos can be used in your publication.
