Down in Monument Valley

Monument Valley - Sunrise

Saturday morning started early once again, but not 4:30 early, more like 6 a.m. early. John took this picture of Monument Valley from outside our hotel. The colors were incredible!

Monument Valley and one of the "Mittens"

My one complaint about the park is we weren't able to explore and hike. Monument Valley is not in the National Park system because it is a Navajo establishment. We were only permitted on the 17-mile dirt road loop and were told not to hike. This was disappointing, yet I understand that they want to keep the park in pristine condition.

Rolling Stones in Monument Valley

Monument Valley "Mittens" at sunset

John and I decided to hike a trail that was marked on our hotel's map to Hidden Arch. The map wasn't that great and we couldn't even find the trail head. I asked at a convenience store, and I was told that we needed to go to the back of the campground, cross a dry river bed by foot and then follow the "light" trail. We started along the trail not knowing how far the path would take us. We weren't very far into the trail when there were a number of "light" trails going in all directions. We went one direction, then another and John spotted the arch that was right in front of our faces. Because of the rocks behind the arch, it was hard to make it out. You can spot it at the right angle when a bit of blue sky peeks out.

Hidden Arch - Discovered!

Hidden Arch

We had beautiful weather through our stay until we left the lodge. This picture should look somewhat familiar. Let me give you a hint. Run, Forrest, run!