Biel On The Go

Again we spent some time debating about what would be our next adventure and if we should fly or drive. It was 2022 and we decided that during Thanksgiving break we would drive to Arizona and visit the famous Monument Valley.

“Monument Valley, a breathtaking expanse on the Arizona-Utah border, is a symbol of the American West. Known for its towering sandstone buttes, some reaching 1,000 feet, it offers a surreal landscape shaped by wind and time. Featured in countless films, its iconic vistas are a cultural treasure. Explore the 17-mile scenic drive or take a guided Navajo tour to discover ancient petroglyphs and sacred sites. Sunrise and sunset paint the valley in mesmerizing hues, enhancing its mystique. Home to Navajo traditions, the valley’s history and natural beauty make it a must-see destination for travelers seeking wonder and connection with the land.”

Mom always wants to stay in modern good hotels. So Daddy had some hard time finding one but he did find a great place called Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa. Great little gem in the middle of the dwellings.

A bit more than 8h drive.

And on the next day, we drove from the hotel another 45min until we reached the entrance of the park.

“Monument Valley, located on the Arizona-Utah border within the Navajo Nation, is renowned for its iconic sandstone buttes, some towering over 1,000 feet above the desert floor. These striking formations were carved by millions of years of erosion. The valley spans 91,696 acres and is considered sacred by the Navajo people, who call it “Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii” (Valley of the Rocks). It has been featured in numerous Western films, including Stagecoach and The Searchers. Visitors can explore the 17-mile Valley Drive or take guided tours to learn about Navajo culture, view ancient petroglyphs, and experience the area’s awe-inspiring beauty.” from ChatGPT.

You have to pay an entrance fee to be able to drive into the reserve. Dad booked a tour with a local guide n the morning, and another one also with a local guide in the afternoon.

If you might be asking how these rock formations got these shapes, here an explanation from ChatGPT:

“The rocks of Monument Valley were formed through a combination of geological processes spanning hundreds of millions of years. Here’s how:

1. Deposition: Around 250 to 300 million years ago, layers of sediment, such as sand, mud, and silt, were deposited in a shallow inland sea and desert environment. These layers eventually hardened into sandstone and shale.

2. Uplift: Tectonic forces lifted the Colorado Plateau, including Monument Valley, about 70 million years ago. This created the elevated landscape that set the stage for erosion.

3. Erosion: Over millions of years, wind, water, and temperature fluctuations eroded the softer rock layers, leaving behind the more resistant sandstone buttes and mesas. These dramatic formations are remnants of larger rock layers that once covered the area.

Today, Monument Valley’s towering buttes and mesas are a testament to the power of natural forces shaping the Earth’s surface.”

Then the tour guide brought us to a typical Navajo house made of wooden structure and clay.

“The Navajo tribe, or Diné, traditionally built two types of houses: hogans and summer shelters. Each served specific purposes and reflected their connection to nature and their environment.

Hogan (Traditional Dwelling)

• The hogan is the primary and sacred dwelling of the Navajo people. It is traditionally made of logs, wooden poles, and earth, often with a dirt floor.

• Male Hogan: The original style, used for ceremonial purposes, is conical in shape.

• Female Hogan: A larger, dome-shaped structure that became more common for living, symbolizing family and the earth.

• The door always faces east, welcoming the morning sun, aligning with spiritual beliefs.”

And then the guide brought us to a natural Hogan, a rock formation like and arch and to another named Big Hogan.

We stopped here for a while and the local guides played a native song. Beautiful!

And more beautiful rock formations, arches and hogans.

So, after the morning tour was over, we went to one of the few restaurants in the area to spend some time until the next tour started. The infrastructure at the reserve offers limited options of restaurants and hotels.

Now it is time for the afternoon tour with sunset…

And then, somewhere in the reserve, our guides brought us for a traditional Navajo dinner. Fried bread with meat and toppings. Delicious!!

After dinner, a beautiful demonstration of the Navajo culture with dances, traditions and music!!

An amazing day!!!

(Monument Valley 2022)