Monument Valley is a breathtaking area of giant isolated peaks formed by sandstone on the Colorado Plateau, straddling the US states of Arizona and Utah.
The scenic and colorful Monument Valley has been created by centuries of weathering, making it a world-renowned geological wonder.
Many famous movies and TV shows have been filmed in Monument Valley, including scenes from the Back to the Future series and the popular Flying Wolf series, which chose this location as its "secret base" many years ago.
The Western genre has also extensively used this location, which has stereotyped the West as a vast wilderness of horses and hills. However, it is this very stereotype that has made Monument Valley famous for its stunning scenery.
In the movie Forrest Gump, the titular character runs from the East Coast of the United States to the West Coast, passing through mountains and hills before finally stopping at a place called HWY 163, with the dark red Monument Valley in the background of the film.
The movie has made the location even more famous, drawing more visitors to experience its grandeur firsthand.
Monument Valley is not technically a valley, but rather a cluster of isolated red peaks rising from the vast Gobi.
There are ancient Rocky Mountain deposits that were deposited and transformed into sandstone in the area.
Over time, increasing pressure underneath the substrate caused the surface to fracture and rise, gradually forming a canyon which, with centuries of wind and rain, became a natural bulge standing tall like a monument, hence the name "Monument Valley."
The isolated peaks of the valley are divided into several strata, of which the most significant are three.
The lowest stratum is a shale called Organ Rock, the middle is the de Chelly sandstone, and the top is a shale called the Moenkopi Formation.
The topmost layer is covered by a siltstone called Shinarump. The Valley of Monuments contains numerous large rock structures, including the Eye of the Sun.
As visitors enter the Monument Valley area, they will see the red-hot flat-topped peaks and towering spires rise out of the wilderness and desert, scattered across the vast Gobi in a majestic scene that has been seen in countless Hollywood Westerns.
The wilderness is scattered with monoliths, platforms, towers, and pillars in a variety of shapes and forms, making for a breathtaking sight.
The best way to experience Monument Valley is by taking a guided tour, where visitors can explore the valley's many hiking trails and take in stunning views from various lookout points.
The Navajo Nation, which owns and operates the area, offers several tour options, including Jeep tours, horseback riding, and camping.
Monument Valley is a world-renowned geological wonder, famous for its stunning scenery and the many movies and TV shows that have been filmed there.
Visitors can explore the valley's hiking trails and take in the breathtaking views, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the American Southwest.