October 18, 2026
East and West Mitten at sunset (facing east with the sun behind me)
I am going to devote this blog post to our visit to Monument Valley in the Navajo Tribal Park. This was THE highlight of our trip - a place we have never visited before. We spent the first night in the campground where I took this photo as the sun was setting. While The View Campground was little more than a gravel parking lot with picnic tables, the panorama was awe-inspiring. It also served as the starting point of our backcountry tour with our Navajo guide, Jerome. Recent rains in the area had closed down the tours, but the unpaved road conditions improved enough for us to book a full 2.5 hour tour. Dressed in multiple layers on this brisk, 40 degree morning, we set off. The road was very rough and back-jarring and required 4 wheel drive in places, but we were in capable hands. We were the only ones in Jerome's truck while we saw other guides with 6 to 8 passengers.
Three Sisters formation reminded me of my three younger sisters who have passed away.
looking straight up
evidence of recent rains
wild horses
The View Hotel - we treated ourselves one night here - every room has a balcony with a view
Sunrise from our balcony
Truth
Kachina figures on the fireplace in the lobby
Examples of Navajo rugs
Time and circumstance were on our side once more. It was drizzling when we left Monument Valley. A few days later, the scenic drive was closed again because of washouts and hazardous conditions. So much rain and flooding have occured in the Southwest this month in places we just visited. We are safe and grateful and hope the affected areas recover soon.
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