Monument Valley

As the winter rains disappeared and the temps crept into the 90s, we packed the RV and hit the road for our summer getaway. 

For those of you not residing in the desert southwest, early May is likely not yet summer.  Trust me, summer starts early in southern Arizona.  So, Gary and I, along with our furry companions, Willie and Rosie, are headed north to explore national parks and other great landscapes.  This trip focuses on Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.  And the first planned stop is Monument Valley.

Enjoying the rock formations

RV Park in the red rocks

Monument Valley crosses from Arizona into Utah, with accessible areas (roads lodging, etc) located within the Monument Valley Navajo Nation Tribal Park.  We stayed in Goulding’s RV Park.  The lodge, small shopping complex, and RV Park all carry the Goulding name.

Willie and Rosie loved a hike near the park

View from the Museum, former Goulding home and trading post

Harry and Mike (Leone) Goulding arrived in this area in the late 1920s. The young, hard working couple developed a relationship with the Navajo, established a trading post, and then convinced John Ford (Hollywood director of many movies) to visit the valley. They remained connected to the site for years after departing the valley. As some would say – “the rest is history”. 

Cabin used as Wayne's military housing in movie set

Subsequently, several John Wayne western movies (Stagecoach, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and others), along with many other movies have been filmed in this area.  And, various film projects are still produced in the valley today. Anyone traveling here will understand why – wonderful rock formations, excellent light, clear nights, and little to no pollution!  It’s like a step back in time, but also timeless.

 While there are several tours offered through the current Goulding’s lodge complex (all tour guides are Navajo), but none offered a focus on photography.  Fortunately, we were introduced to Fred Cly (Fred’s Adventure Tours) - a wonderful, professional photographer who travels internationally with film crews, etc.  However, lucky for us, the Navajo Nation is his homeland, and he has provided private, small group (up to 6 person) tours in Monument Valley for 30 years. 

Gary, Fred, and me in the middle

And, Fred knows where to go and what time to be there for the correct sunlight, exposure, and all things significant for perfect pictures. Fred was even able to give me a little instruction with my iPhone, since I “goofed up” and forgot to charge my little camera. Gary, on the other hand, came well equipped with his big camera and tripod and got all kinds of great photos.

Fred was able to take us to sights well “off the beaten path” that were sooo beautiful.  What a wonderful 4 hours. He also conducts night tours of the skies – that also sounded great, but our time was too short to try that this trip.  If you are ever in Monument Valley and want the best photography tour – do contact him!

Enough words – here are some of our pictures, which more truly present this magical landscape.