ARIZONA – MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK

Notes: Monument Valley has been the setting for dozens of movies, beginning with John Ford’s Stagecoach, starring John Wayne. Fortunately, a visit to this iconic location will enable you to see its spectacular mesas and buttes in glorious, knock-your-socks-off color rather than black-and-white. An admission fee is required to get on the Valley Road, a 17-mile loop that meanders among the wonders of this area. This dirt road is passable in most two-wheel drive vehicles. Early morning or late afternoon are good times to be here. If you can make the drive both times, great. But if you have to pick one time, I would suggest the afternoon. Also, if you have the time and interest, a backcountry tour – led by a Navajo guide – is worthwhile. (This does require a separate fee.) Motel accommodations are limited to The View at Monument Valley or Gouldings Lodge across AZ 163. Even if you don’t stay at Gouldings, it is worth visiting to see the movie memorabilia they have there.

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