Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Monument Valley

We were driving here from Flagstaff AZ. The nearer we got to Monument Valley, the darker and more ominous the skies grew. We paid our fee and entered the park, driving my Toyota Rav 4. Rocky road was crazy sketchy with ruts. I thought I would high center my vehicle several times. As I drove nearer to the Mittens Rock Formations, I began to imagine my vehicle falling apart- pieces vibrating off from the roughness of the road. We ended up making it to a nice vantage point to view the Mittens and I carefully pulled to the side of the road. I got out and started taking pictures of all the close-by statuesque rock formations. Within 15 minutes, the heavens absolutely opened up on us, and sky dumped rain with a fury I've rarely experienced. I got in my car and we attempted to wait the storm out. After 30 minutes of watching huge drops hammering the windshield, we left this place. The Navajo offer riding tours of this magical place and if I ever visited again, I would most assuredly do that. It would save on the nerves, worrying if you were gonna ruin your vehicle. I craved a chance to visit Monument Valley after seeing beautiful pictures of this area with perfect lighting and rainbows in the shots. We didn't exactly get that on the day we visited. My impression after seeing Monument Valley in person is the red desert sand and red rock formations are even more vivid than I imagined, from looking at pictures of this place.

Took a weekend trip here with my husband and it was quite the experience. It was a little on the chilly side, which we prepared for. But, one thing we didn’t prepare for, was how much the wind blew and the sand is super super fine that it came right through the tent. 🏕 It was all over the place. We planned on making food, but ended up at the restaurant.....we didn’t feel like eating sand (in our) food. Which the restaurant isn’t to expensive. It was better then eating sand. When is came to bed time, we actually ended up sleeping in the car. We got up to see the sunrise 🌄 and it was the most incredible thing ever!! It was still windy and chilly 🥶. But it was worth it!!! They also have a hotel there, and spots for campers/RVS. The campsites are really reasonably priced. There’s a loop trail to walk around monuments. Very easy trail.