TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: monument valley

  • Goulding’s Lodge & Tours – Monument Valley

    Goulding’s Lodge & Tours – Monument Valley

    Do you remember this spot from the Forrest Gump movie? There have been many movies filmed in Monument Valley which makes for fun trivia when road tripping through!

    Best place to stay in Monument Valley, Arizona

    Speaking of movies, staying at Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border, feels like you’re on a set. The lodge is located approximately five miles from the Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center, which allows you to get up close and personal with the monuments. Plus, you can set up exclusive tours right at the lodge or drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop on your own. This iconic view!!!

    view of monument valley

    Goulding’s offers a variety of lodging options, including spacious rooms, suites, stand-alone villas, and a campground/RV park. Amenities include the onsite Stagecoach Restaurant, Grocery Store, Laundromat, and Gas Station. We loved the convenience of having everything we needed so close. Some rooms are dog friendly, and we loved that each unit has its own door. It makes it so much easier when traveling with the dogs. The views of the monuments are incredible; both sunrise and sunset were spectacular. There is easy access to hiking right out your door and not to mention all the onsite attractions. There is so much to do and see at the lodge and beyond.

    a picture of a hotel at monument valley

    Sunrise views from our room.

    Things to do in Monument Valley

    The dogs loved the trails and hiking around the Goulding’s property. Other onsite attractions include the Goulding’s Museum, Gift Shop, Earth Spirit Theater, Navajo Culture, and history, including “John Wayne’s Cabin” filled with movie memorabilia. 

    a dog looking at monument valley

    You have to try the traditional fry-bread at the Stagecoach Restaurant! Mouthwatering.

    a picture of fry bread

    Monument Valley is magical. This was our second time visiting, the first time we just drove through and this time we stayed a couple of nights. I didn’t want to leave. Here are more incredible views…

    Check out my Southwest Utah and Monument Valley blog post from a few years ago for more places to see: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/03/08/monument-valley-southern-utah/

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Southwest Utah

    Southwest Utah

    Exploring Southwest Utah – Monument Valley

    Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park is located on the Arizona/Utah border. These grand, mysterious, sandstone monuments formed over millions of years and show us what happens when Mother Nature is left alone to do her thing. It’s always an honor to explore Southwest Utah and Monument Valley.

    Goosenecks State Park Southwest Utah

    Our first stop as we headed towards Monument Valley from Durango, Colorado was Goosenecks State Park in Mexican Hat, Utah. It was mesmerizing looking at 300 million years of history in the layers and watching the San Juan River flow through the gooseneck on its way to Lake Powell. We highly recommend stopping here! It’s just as incredible as Horseshoe Bend with WAY fewer people. You can read more about Horseshoe Bend, HERE.

    We didn’t stop due to time restrictions but traveling this way, you will pass the Four Corners Monument. Stop in and stand in four states at once…Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Plus you can learn more about the Native Americans way of life at the Visitor Center.

    Monument Valley Southwest Utah
    Monument Valley Southwest Utah
    Goosenecks State Park Southwest Utah
    Goosenecks State Park

    Don’t Miss Mexican Hat, Utah

    Mexican Hat, Utah is a very small village named after this 60 ft rock that resembles an overturned sombrero. This area is remote so make sure you’re prepared before traveling with water, food, gas, etc.

    Mexican Hat, Utah

    Explore Southwest Utah and Monument Valley Backcountry

    Side note: If you want to hike and explore some of the scenic backcountry without having to get a permit, check out Valley of the Gods in Bluff, Utah right by Mexican Hat before arriving in Monument Valley. This area is on BLM land and the entrance is free. It might not be quite as grand as Monument Valley but it’s still gorgeous and wild. There is a 17-mile unpaved loop that you can drive to enjoy the scenery.

    Monument Valley Southwest Utah
    Monument Valley Southwest Utah

    Forrest Gump Point at Monument Valley

    As you near Monument Valley, you will pass Forrest Gump Point. (Remember when Forrest stopped running in the movie) Tons of people stop here to take the same photo from the movie. You’ll know when you arrive by all the cars that are pulled over.

    Forrest Gump Point Monument Valley

    The monuments stand 400-1000 feet. Mother Nature’s art.

    Monument Valley Southwest Utah
    Monument Valley Southwest Utah
    Monument Valley Southwest Utah

    See rates and hours for Monument Valley here: Navajo Nations Parks & Recreation.

    We also found a great beach at Lake Powell while we explored Southwest Utah.

    Enjoy the road!

    A reminder, some of this information may have changed due to COVID. Make sure you know before you go.

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

error: Content is protected !!