Monument Valley: it’s one of those typical red desert views that pops up in mind when you think about a classic American west landscape. With the unique rock formations in the area, the big mesas, steep canyons and gorgeous views it almost feels as if this piece of Navajo land has been manipulated by nature with some impossible architecture.
While driving around and gazing at the formations, I was constantly reminded about the old John Wayne movies. But the valley hasn’t only been used for dusty cowboy movies. Parts of Easy rider, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Forest Gump have been shot in here too. (Regarding Forest Gump: it’s the place where he stopped running in the film, turned around to face his fellow runners and said “I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll go home now” :)). So even if you’re not familiar with the site, there’s a big chance you’ve seen it at some point on tv.
Every rock in the valley stars some vivid tales and they are all best captured at the beginning or end of the day, when the light warms the vivid colours of the sand. Though we were doubting to visit the place due to its remote location the area was absolutely worth the extra hours of driving. See here an impression of a day well spent around the rocks!
