Monument Valley is one of the most photographed regions of the United States. Its beauty he Natural Park is known worldwide and has been the setting for several Hollywood films. Located on the Navajo Indian reservation on the west coast of the United States, the address attracts many tourists with the same goal: to discover something new!
One of the most curious things about the place is its name: the “Monument Valley” is home to a rocky mountain that means “The Four Corners” in Portuguese. The name was given precisely because the monument is located not just in one state, but in four states at the same time: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.
The area has become famous for being the backdrop to many landmark films, such as Back to the Future 3, Forrest Gump, Easy Rider and Mission Impossible 2. But the spotlight began to shine on the region back in the day, mainly due to the filming of cowboy movies by director John Ford, with the leading actor of the time, John Wayne.
In addition to serving as a “backdrop” for Old West feature films and other genres, another striking feature of Monument Valley is its sandstone hills, reaching up to 305 meters high, ideal for historical photographs and records.
This great valley has sandstone masterpieces that rise to a height of 400 to 1,000 feet. Framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that gracefully roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accentuates these graceful formations, providing simply fascinating landscapes.
The landscape is impressive, not only for its beauty, but also for its size. The fragile rock cliffs surround kilometers of sedimentary formations, shrubs, trees and wind-blown sand, all of which make up the magnificent colors of the valley.
Get to know
More than just a protected area, with more than 17 million acres, this is a region of indigenous territory of the Navajo people. Unlike other nature reserve park systems, this is a place where the “laws” are formed and enforced by the Indians themselves.
The important thing to focus on is that when you enter this ground, the rules and policies established by them need to be followed. The items that are most exclaimed about revolve around the preservation of their traditions, their native language, a lifestyle that is harmonious with the land and the appreciation of local handicrafts. Therefore, the topics end up meeting the activities that tourists are looking for and want to see in the region: the day-to-day life of the Indians and nature without interference from the modern world.
Note: The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, as the Indian-owned areas are called, is known as a long-standing program, created in 1964.
Main activities
Apart from the separate part at the end of the tour where you can buy some beautiful handicrafts made by the native Indians, the best thing is to take advantage of this opportunity to explore the whole region and its charms amidst jaw-dropping rock art and ancient structures dating back to 1,200 BC from the Anasazi peoples, which are extraordinary.
This “Indiana Jones” moment can be done in various ways, you just have to see what suits you best. Among the permitted options, you can take bike trails that cross the mountains and canyons of southeastern Utah, or if you like to appreciate every detail on a hike, you can walk through the rocks and venture out with a local guide, learning the history straight from the mouth of a native. There’s no better way to learn than that, don’t you think?
Other suggested excursions, which are in high demand, are balloon flights, which take you over the entire region through the calm air of the area. And for those who want to get into the Wild West mood once and for all, the horseback trails are incredible, making the experience more intense than ever.
Climate
Although Monument Valley is also located in a desert, unlike Las Vegas, the temperature in summer is not as harsh as you might think. Being located in an arid, high-altitude region, the heat is not so aggressive.
The refuge averages around 54 days above 32° Celsius per year, with summer highs rarely exceeding 38° Celsius. At night, the summer is also generous, with cool temperatures. In winters the daytime high is usually above zero, even so, temperatures below -18° degrees are uncommon.
Accommodation
Thinking of extending your tourism in the region? Know that the place is ready to welcome you in comfort!
Opened in December 2008, The View Hotel is a Navajo Indian-owned business located within the Navajo Tribal Park in Monument Valley.
The complex offers accommodation that meets the needs of visitors from all over the world. The three floors, decorated with authentic Native American elements, provide 95 rooms, each with a balcony facing the natural beauty of the rocks. On the top floor, the rooms in the Star View package offer unforgettable views of the stars, serving as the perfect place to photograph landscapes without leaving the comfort of your room.
Features: wireless Internet access, conference room, fitness center with sunset view, flat-screen TV in rooms. Also included in the rooms are coffee makers with organic coffee and tea, as well as a micro-freezer and a microwave.
Address:
Bldg. 36A E. Hwy. 264 @ Route 12
Window Rock, AZ 86515
Vegas Brazil service:
To book tours of attractions, don’t hesitate to contact us! (contato@vegasbrazil.com)
Photo: Disclosure/Internet
Text: Alice Camargo
