There are a number of reasons that living in Arizona is a goal for many individuals and families. From southern Arizona to the high Sonoran desert of central Arizona to the stunning saguaro forests of Tucson and to the gorgeous Grand Canyon in the north, Arizona boasts a wealth of diverse season, climates, and amenities making it easy to see why Arizona real estate is so wonderful and why some many live, work and do business here.
According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, one of the most photographed landmarks in the United States is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a sprawling preserve that spans the border between Arizona and Utah. Located inside the ancestral home of the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is approximately four hours northeast of Flagstaff, near the Four Corners area.
Photo by: Averette
Dominated by wine-hued mesas and surreal sandstone towers, some that soar as high as 1,000 feet, the magnificent landscape is also known for dramatic lighting, with the sun illuminating the towers and casting long shadows on the valley floor. As a representation of the “Old West,” Monument Valley has been a favorite shooting location for Hollywood filmmakers since the early days of the frontier genre, beginning with Stagecoach, in which John Wayne horseback rides across the region. Monument Valley is still a popular backdrop for numerous films, commercials and other media venues.
Though now a part of the Colorado Plateau, Monument Valley was once a simple flat basin. Over millions of years, layers of sediment piled onto the basin, which was eventually uplifted by pressure from below. Wind and water slowly eroded the plateau, leaving siltstone and its sand behind, creating the wondrous formations that we marvel at today.
Backdropped by panoramic views of the world-famous Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte, the Monument Valley Visitor Center is located north of Kayenta, off of US 163. Here, you’ll find information on self-guided tours as well as guided tours, a restaurant with native Navajo cuisine and a gift shop.
There are hotels located in Page, about three hours away, and in Kayenta, about one hour away. If you prefer to stay inside the Park, the View Hotel offers rooms with a fabulous view of the Mitten Buttes. Camping is also available at Mitten View Campground. For more information, visit www.navajonationparks.org .
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