Monument Valley is a small part of the 16 million acres over 5 states that represent Navajo tribal land. John Wayne and John Ford returned frequently to this popular spot for filming western movies. Our hotel played old western movies every night!
- The Duke, John Wayne, made 5 movies here. The American Film Institute voted “The Searchers” the “Greatest Western of All Time”.
- Director John Ford made 12 films in Monument Valley. Check out the lone horseman at “John Ford Point”.
- Monument Valley was also the place that Forrest Gump STOPPED running.
- When a Navajo diies, their favorite pottery piece was broken and buried with them. Visitors are warned to not to take pottery pieces, lest the spirit of the deceased follow you to get it back.
- A barrel cactus bursts forth with the joy of spring
- Climbing up into the ruins used for shelter.
- Geronimo, facing down the wind.
- East and West Mitten Butte. Don’t they look like hands with mittens?
- A little filly is keeping her eye on the photographers.
- Black streaks on the rock are manganese oxide, from when this area was under the sea.
- 270 million year old sandstone buttes looking amazingly delicate.
- A Navajo sweat lodge, where chanting and sweating summons spirits of Earth, Air and Water.
- With equal parts mountain goat and adventurer, Mike and Bob climbed on any rock possible.
- Bob and Bill under the shadow of Big Hogan.
- The Navajo Geronimo flag flies proudly here.
great scenery, I would like to there eventually