Monument Valley

We arrived at Monument Valley in time for sunset and shot the classic view from the resort's parking lot of the sun's last light on the Mittens. And the next morning we drove the tribal park's 17-mile public loop. Unfortunately, it was mid-morning by the time we were allowed in and the light had become too harsh for photography. I suggested that we hire a Navajo guide to visit some of the non-public park areas; and I had a recommended name. So, we lined up both a sunset and sunrise private tour. In the meantime, I showed Andy nearby Valley of the Gods and the San Juan River's Gooseneck state park.

We rendezvoused with Carlos a couple of hours before sunset and visited three locations: Teardrop Arch, Honeymoon Arch & Ruins in adjacent Mystery Valley, and a sunset viewpoint in that same area. And at "oh-dark:thirty" the next morning we met up with his brother, Carl. We had the drive loop to ourselves (before it was opened to the public), and private roads around the Totem Pole & Yei Bi Chei towers. The access-restricted towers area has long been on my to-do list, and it didn't disappoint.

Panoramas – Tap/click on a pano's thumbnail to show an interactive, moving panorama; use the on-screen control bar or your finger/mouse to move around:

Honeymoon Arch & Ruin:

Mystery Valley sunset:

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