Monuments

One of the features of this part of Utah and Arizona is the amazing 'monumental' scenery. Buttes, mesas, canyons, valleys - all dry, all made up of different layers of red earth and rock.

Monument Valley is 'the' place, but busy and costly. Our guide book recommended 'valley of the gods', between Bluff and Mexican Hat. Great views, free (!), and possible to drive and walk yourself. We followed the 18 mile dirt track through dry 'washes' and endless scrub.

Van america08

Among the rocks, we came across lots of flowering plants:



Driving south towards Canyon de Chelly, after Goosenecks and Mexican Hat, we passed into Indian Territory. And Monument Valley - where John Wayne shot loads of his films.

Here's the view as we drove through:



Next stop: Canyon de Chelly