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West Mitten [1,000ft high], East Mitten and Merrick Butte at sunset in Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona/Utah.
Monument
Valley is a little underwhelming after coming from the pristine grandeur
and surreal magic of Arches NP. Yes, the massive sandstone buttes
that appear in those old westerns are stunning and the skies go on
forever, but the decrepit jewellry kiosks, collapsed sheds and exhausted
visitor centre are a depressing foreground image.
Many buttes are visible from US-163 road without entering the park,
though the best view, above, is from the visitor centre/restaurant
terrace.
Monument
Valley, sitting on the state line between Utah and Arizona, belongs
to the Navajo - calm and pleasant people but clearly struggling to
make a living - and is a small part of a 16 million acre Navajo Reservation.
Turning off US-163 for four miles brings you to a toll gate, car park,
visitor centre, campground and start of a 17 mile dirt road through
the park.
Self drive on the bumpy dirt road is possible - though not recommended
for RVs - and takes about an hour.
Rock climbing and alcohol are not allowed while lengthy hikes are only permitted with a Navajo guide. Alternatively the Navajo run informative jeep and horseback tours, including some movie locations.
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Monument Valley Photos USA © Julian Loader