A Tour of Monument Valley, Utah

October 21, 2018

On our multi-week tour, Gary and I spend the night in the small town of Bluff so that we can get an early start down to the place where so many of John Ford's western movies were made.  The first attraction is the remarkably balanced namesake formation of the nearby community:

Mexican Hat

The morning clouds add interest to other nearby attractions.

Alhambra Rock

Presently we reach the wonderful spot that I was anticipating, but which Gary never has seen.  Of course, it is obligatory to shoot a photo from the middle of the road.

Down the hill, another guy is doing the same thing

The last time I came by here, I had intended to do a free hike, yet changed my mind upon discovering that the rules have changed.  Now, one gets to pay twenty dollars per carload just for the privilege of entering the Visitor Center to spend some money; but the optional 17-mile, self-guided tour is included, and a map is provided.

Gary and I opt to do the drive right away.  The first thing we encounter is the iconic scene that one sees on most of the postcards:

The famous East and West Mittens

The lighting on the two buttes is poor at the moment, so we will save them for later.

The road itself is supposed to be suitable for any car; yet motorcycles are prohibited.  That could be because of the occasional pieces of wiring intended to be helpful in muddy conditions, but which are sticking up dangerously in the middle of the roadway.

That distant formation is worthy of a name:

The Can Opener

Midway through the driving loop is a lookout that offers more than the others.

Many movies were made out there

A resident farmhouse

He has seen enough

At the parking lot, Gary buys a piece of jewelry for his sweetie; then it's just a matter of getting back.  On a deck at the Visitor Center, the lighting has improved considerably.

The Mittens

I believe that photo to be a nicer rendition than what is available in the Gift Shop:

The typically over-saturated 'Postcard' shot

§: The auto tour was interesting; but once is enough.  On the other hand, the Visitor Center has some interesting artwork as well as a room dedicated to the amazing Navajo Code Talkers, who were instrumental in helping to win two World Wars.  They get a lot more recognition here than they received last November at the White House.