By Kent Ninomiya
Most things to do in Monument Valley have to do with the Wild West. The area of the Colorado plateau along the Arizona-Utah border was the setting of many major Hollywood westerns. The spectacular desert scenery punctuated by dramatic rock formations made it an ideal backdrop. Monument Valley is within the Navajo Nation. Many things to do in Monument Valley have to do with Native American culture.
Natural Stone Bridge
One of the most popular things to do in Monument Valley is see its most famous landmark. The Natural Stone Bridge is a remarkable natural formation. It is the largest of its kind in the world and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is located within the Natural Bridges National Monument. There are actually three natural stone bridges there.
Natural Bridges National Monument
HC-60 Box 1
Lake Powell, Utah 84533
Phone: (435 692-1234)
Fax: (435 692-1111)
Four Corners Monument
Another popular thing to do in Monument Valley is travel to the Four Corners Monument. It is the only place in the United States where four states meet in a single spot. You can walk in a small circle around it and step in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo Nation charges admission to enter and closes the road when the ticket booth is unstaffed.
Four Corners Monument
PO Box 2520
Window Rock, AZ 86515
Phone: (928 871-6647)
Monument Valley Drives
A relaxing thing to do in Monument Valley is to drive around and see the natural beauty. There are many stunning drives around Monument Valley. The Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway contains jagged red rocks that resemble the landscape of the Moon. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is punctuated by buttes and mesas you might recognize from old Hollywood westerns. A 1000 foot view of a meandering river can be seen at Muley Point in Goosenecks State Park.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
PO Box 360289
Monument Valley, Utah 84536
Phone: (435 727-5874)
Monument Valley Sports
Monument Valley is full of enjoyable sporting activites. If you like to hike, Grand Gulch offers access to the Anasazi Indian ruins and several breathtaking viewpoints of the San Juan River. Those who like the water can ride the rapids on the San Juan River below. The calm parts of the river have some peaceful fishing spots.
San Juan Resource Area
Box 7
Monticello, Utah 84535
Phone: (435 587-2141)
Navajo Nation
Monument Valley is one of the best places to learn about Navajo culture. Visit the Pueblo ruins at Edge of the Cedars and the Hovenweep National Monument. They are remarkably well preserved. Certain locations permit visitors to actually walk inside the ruins.
Edge of the Cedars State Park
660 West 400 North
Blanding, Utah 84511-0788
Phone: (435 678-2238)
Hovenweep National Monument
McElmo Route
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: (970 562-4282)
About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
