Cacti & Canyons Mar/April 2015 - Day 7 Grand Canyon to Monument Valley

[katiebaz]

After another great sleep we were up early and headed off to get breakfast. We were really looking forward to it as we had been recommended to try the breakfast burritos and they did not disappoint. Daniel was very happy with breakfast too as he found a bowl of frosted mini wheats - his favourite cereal, so that was a result too After checking out of the Maswick Lodge we headed over to the visitor centre again so that Daniel could get sworn in as a junior ranger and get his badge. This is such a great scheme and a very proud moment for us all.


We headed out of Grand Canyon village and drove along the beautiful Desert View Drive, stopping at various viewpoints. The views were breathtakingly beautiful and maybe because it was early, despite being Easter Saturday we had most of the viewpoints to ourselves. It was simply stunning and a wonderful way to spend a morning. We loved visiting the Grand Canyon and it was so much better staying there than our previous quick trip from Vegas. In fact we wished we were staying longer and could have hiked into the canyon itself - oh well a good reason to come back?








As we left the Grand Canyon we drove towards our next destination, Monument valley. The drive didn’t take that long but the scenery started to change to being a lot more desert like and very empty with just a few odd houses and a petrol station, then lots of nothing. We stopped in Kayenta to have some lunch and were a bit confused by the time, our Sat Nav was saying we had over an hour to our final destination but we could see on the map it was only 20 miles away. It was then we realised we have crossed time zones and the clock had gone forward an hour. It is very confusing as Arizona is on Mountain Time and does not observe daylight saving time but the Navajo nation do. So at certain points of the year the Navajo part of Arizona is on a different time zone to the rest of Arizona.

Having sorted out what time it now was we headed into burger king for lunch. Now this has got to the only burger king we have ever been to that has a museum inside, all about the Navajo role in World War 2 codes. Back during the war, it was noticed that the Navajo language was completely unlike any other language in the world and therefore would be an excellent basis for creating codes that the enemy would not be able to decipher. Many Navajo contributed a great deal to creating uncrackable codes using their unique language that played a role in ensuring victory for the allies.

So after a burger and learning some fascinating Navajo history we headed to our hotel, Gouldings Lodge, which was just a few miles outside the entrance to Monument Valley. We were blown away by the view of Monument Valley from our room, which was amazing and spent quite a bit of time just taking it all in. We were also excited to have crossed into a new state we’d not been to before - Utah. Although Monument Valley is still in Arizona, Gouldings Lodge is in Utah.


After admiring the view we headed for a swim and then had a wonder round the lodge, which was a former Indian trading post and also played a major role in bringing Hollywood out to Monument Valley to use it as a backdrop for so many films. There was a lovely little museum on site about the history of the lodge, how the area developed when Hollywood came as well as a look at all the films that have been made in the valley over the years, such as John Wayne westerns, Back to the Future, Thelma and Louise, National Lampoon etc. We also had a look in as well as John Wayne’s cabin from one of his many films shot in the area.




We then had dinner in the restaurant on site, which had a massive window overlooking Monument Valley. Most of the people who work in the lodge and restaurant are from the Navajo nation and they were all so lovely, gentle and really friendly. We had a delicious dinner of Chilli and Navajo Tacos ( which were delicious and like a giant flat Yorkshire puddings) and watched the sun set over the monuments.

[CrispyA]

Looks stunning - wonderful pictures .

[Harry]

Trying to work out our itinerary for next years West Coast trip... have been trying to work out how we can squeeze in Monument Valley (looking to stay 2 nights at the GC)... how long did the drive from the GC to Monument Valley take?

[florida girl]

Lovely photos brings back memories of our trip to Monument Valley such a beautiful place well worth a visit.

[katiebaz]

Originally Posted by Harry

Trying to work out our itinerary for next years West Coast trip... have been trying to work out how we can squeeze in Monument Valley (looking to stay 2 nights at the GC)... how long did the drive from the GC to Monument Valley take?

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It too us only about 3 hours to drive from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley - I would highly recommend squeezing in a night if you can. It was a highlight of our trip. I am hoping to fit in this week writing my report on our day touring the valley itself which you may find interesting.

[katiebaz]

Originally Posted by florida girl

Lovely photos brings back memories of our trip to Monument Valley such a beautiful place well worth a visit.

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It is simply amazing and was a real highlight of our trip

[Guest]

One place we have never made yet - but one day. That view is stunning.

[Pussycat Doll]

Brings back so many memories, I keep saying we need to do another road trip! Great day and stunning photos. Pussycat

[florida girl]

Originally Posted by katiebaz

It is simply amazing and was a real highlight of our trip

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We treated ourselves and stayed at the View hotel plus booked horseriding and a sunset Jeep tour with a Navejo Indian as it was our 30 th Wedding Anniversary. A truly amazing experience.