MONUMENT VALLEY Navajo Tribal Park | Amazing BUTTES & DRIVE-THRU Experience | Utah/Arizona

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  • čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
  • Few locations in the world are as synonymous with the American Southwest as Monument Valley. Located on the Utah-Arizona border, red sandstone buttes captivate and inspire visitors as they drive 17 miles through the valley.
    Monument Valley is a fantastic drive-thru experience on the Utah-Arizona border. Location in Navajo Nation, visitors are encouraged to drive thru or take a guided tour to view red sandstone buttes and famous formations like the Mittens, Merrick Butte, or the Three Sisters.
    Visitors are requested to stop only at designated areas, not hike beyond boundaries, and not fly drones.
    VIDEO FILMED: 04/09/2023
    ▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
    ⚪ ROADTRIP VIDEO #1 - • UTAH & COLORADO Road T...
    ⚪ CORAL PINK SAND DUNES - • Sunset at Coral Pink S...
    ▬▬ L O C A T I O N I N F O ▬▬
    ⚪ MONUMENT VALLEY - navajonationparks.org/tribal-...
    ⚪ Directions to MONUMENT VALLEY - goo.gl/maps/9djQwmxfdqrLVmPQ7
    ▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ▬▬
    00:00 Intro
    02:33 Visitor Center Overlook
    05:30 The Mittens / Merrick Butte
    10:49 Three Sisters / Horse Rides
    19:31 The Hub / Sand Dunes / Dog Friends!
    27:29 Totem Poles / Mesas / Giant Freakin' Boulders
    36:44 Navajo Code Talker Point / North Window
    ▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
    ⚪ Gear we use - www.amazon.com/shop/thecactus...
    ⚪ See where we've been - www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mi...
    ⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
    (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
    _____________________________________________________________
    ✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
    ✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
    Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
    Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!

Komentáře • 112

  • @mccallfineart7589
    @mccallfineart7589 Před 2 měsíci +1

    fabulous photos. Very well done in all respects. Thank You.

  • @guswatts
    @guswatts Před rokem +4

    The boulder looked like the one the coyote pushed off the cliff to smash the roadrunner! “Beep, Beep” 😉

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      🤣 Those two characters are definitely out there somewhere eyeballing the boulders. I guess we know now how the others fell. 😂

  • @massimilianotessitore9451
    @massimilianotessitore9451 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Wonderful. Congratulations.

  • @pattiporco8598
    @pattiporco8598 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Moving to AZ soon and just found your channel so I've been binge watching for a few weeks now. Ironically, it's Easter Sunday 2024 when I'm watching this one. Just beautiful!!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Awesome! So glad you found us! Best of luck with your move, and enjoy exploring! 🙂

  • @shirleyrichards2514
    @shirleyrichards2514 Před 4 měsíci +1

    IThis is a must to add to my bucket list. Thanks for the video. You do a wonderful job . Thanks 😊

  • @awangbuaya9698
    @awangbuaya9698 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thats one of the most beautiful place on earth, hope to go there soon. Nice video and informative.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 4 měsíci

      It really is! A bucket list stop for sure. Thanks! 😊

  • @tomesplin4130
    @tomesplin4130 Před 7 měsíci +3

    We stayed at the View Motel for the spectacular sunrise. Simply magic watching the moon, Venus, and then the sun rising over the buttes. When driving around the 17 mile loop, we too imagined John Wayne and a bunch of cowboys on horses tearing around. Iconic landscape indeed!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 7 měsíci

      Sounds like an amazing trip! 😄

  • @northerncat974
    @northerncat974 Před rokem +1

    many thanks for the tour

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Thank you too! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

  • @steves3422
    @steves3422 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Very Well Done! Great Editing. Enjoyed the narration -- just right in explaining it all. Excellent camera views. Will be there in 2 weeks....

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 3 měsíci

      Much appreciated! Hope you have a fantastic visit! 😄

  • @MORES1971
    @MORES1971 Před 4 měsíci +2

    😍a beautiful place for the first time in 1998, I was there and then 10 more times at different times of the year and in different times of the day and weather, sunny and rainy and cloudy, and every time it is different and you feel like there is some power there, some spirit that relaxes you it calms you down, it's amazing that you want to come back there🥰👍

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 4 měsíci

      So cool! What did you find were your favorite conditions when visiting?

  • @SomeplaceOrAnother
    @SomeplaceOrAnother Před rokem +3

    Wow 🤩 it’s like your in a movie with those views 😎

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Amazing, isn't it? It's no wonder why there's so very many films that have used that location. 👍

  • @mitzioden4926
    @mitzioden4926 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful videos! I've subscribed after finding your channel,

  • @jyrkiaaltonen9298
    @jyrkiaaltonen9298 Před 24 dny

    Unique, intriguing structures. Great video. Thx for sharing your experience👍👏

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 24 dny

      Glad you enjoyed it It's our pleasure. 😄

  • @carolguezen5829
    @carolguezen5829 Před rokem +3

    Brings back amazing memories. We drove the loop, took a private jeep tour into the back country and horse back riding as well. This was a big bucket list item for my traveling buddy and I quickly added it to mine

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      The horseback riding must have been truly amazing back in there. Something I know Glenn would love to do one day. He keeps talking about horseback riding in places but in Monument Valley would be bucket list item for sure. 👍

  • @aidenfoisy2101
    @aidenfoisy2101 Před rokem +2

    Went in 2019 - at that time the hogans by The Hub were an Airbnb. We stayed in the large one for one night. A truly wonderful and unique experience!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      STOP. Seriously? An Airbnb??? That must have been an experience of a lifetime and I have to say I am insanely jealous. How awesome that they did that!

    • @aidenfoisy2101
      @aidenfoisy2101 Před rokem +1

      @@CactusAtlas It is still on the website, but doesn't look like she's listed it for a year or so. "Rose Hogan" Really beautiful.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Thanks for the info! We'll have to keep an eye out just in case. 👍

  • @sueanna_banana
    @sueanna_banana Před rokem +2

    Thanks for taking us along for the ride Glenn. We did the same drive in April 2019, and that road has gotten way worse...Maybe from the resent storms ?...I think the tour vans would be very bumpy and you eat others dust big time. We got those Indian tacos in the Cafe adjacent to the Visitor Center.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Worse? How curious. Compared to some roads we've been on it wasn't bad but I'm sure storms have impacted roads around there this last year. And yeah, anything open air through there would definitely be coming back coated in dirt. 😅

  • @guipe43
    @guipe43 Před rokem +3

    Thank you for sharing! Breathtaking scenery of timeless beauty!
    Greetings from faraway Sweden, where we are still waiting for the
    spring, for the lovely spring to come.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Thank you! 😊👍 Here in Phoenix, Arizona it's just starting to be the beginnings of brutal summer! 😅 Hope you get some of those lovely spring days soon!

    • @craiggossmer6525
      @craiggossmer6525 Před rokem

      Greetings from Handen.

  • @magaisacult2023
    @magaisacult2023 Před 10 měsíci +2

    I paid $100 to take a small group tour in a 4x4 truck to the Monument Valley back country. Best $100 I spent on my entire western US trip!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Oh, I can imagine! It's truly breathtaking out there!

  • @SidetrackAdventures
    @SidetrackAdventures Před rokem +2

    Monument Valley is amazing but I never knew there was a pack of friendly dogs there. Makes it even better. I wouldn't be surprised if that small one goes home with someone one day. That view at 38:37 looks like something straight out of a western.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Friendly dogs make everything better. I think that little one was trying to go home with everyone. 😂

  • @karenlouie9240
    @karenlouie9240 Před rokem +2

    Great video and sceneries! Really helpful information showing the drive and time of day where the backlit areas of the buttes are so we can plan our visit.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Thank you! Glad the video was helpful. Since the drive is a bit of a loop and out and back you get to see the buttes in different lighting conditions but yeah, there will be times they are a bit more backlit.

  • @ILGlocker
    @ILGlocker Před 5 měsíci +1

    WOW. Planning on heading out to Sedona and the Grand Canyon this fall with my 90 y/o dad. He is a western movie fan so I know he has seen these sites a bunch. I was debating on taking the time to see this because of the distance but I think it is to iconic to pass up. Would make the small hike to Forest Gump point as well.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 5 měsíci

      Monument Valley has been featured in so many movies it isn't even funny. I imagine your dad will love seeing it in person. 😊

  • @williamgalliher1987
    @williamgalliher1987 Před 3 měsíci

    One Way, Out and Back, OK!

  • @cowgirl9014
    @cowgirl9014 Před 5 měsíci +2

    We took the 2 hour horseback ride this weekend after doing the drive and I highly recommend. Horses were calm and suitable for beginners and they are native to the Valley. It is currently $120 per person plus a tip for the guides. Take one of the tours and talk to the guides you will learn from them. This was the highlight of our trip to the southwest! We didn’t see a taco stand however. We wound up spending the whole day there. They took our pictures on the horses but they didn’t charge us, maybe because it was part of the ride?

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 5 měsíci

      That honestly sounds like a GREAT experience and time. We'd LOVE to do that someday! 😄

    • @cowgirl9014
      @cowgirl9014 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@CactusAtlas do it during the off season, the guide said people have passed out from the heat and not drinking enough water, also they have a lot of people riding during the summer so the riding group will be much larger then. He said the rides during the winter helps keep the horses in shape. Also forgot to mention some Burger Kings (i think in kayenta?) have little museum displays that are worth seeing

  • @joesmith1922
    @joesmith1922 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Nice ride! Thanks for taking us along!

  • @carolguezen5829
    @carolguezen5829 Před rokem +1

    Thanks Glen. This was amazing!

  • @graciel3725
    @graciel3725 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!

  • @AlenaSGray
    @AlenaSGray Před 8 měsíci +1

    Merrick Butte is a butte, neighbors West and East Mitten Buttes just to the north. It was named after silver miner Jack Merrick, killed by Indians in 1880

  • @graciel3725
    @graciel3725 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Thank you so much!!! Another place I intend to visit!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 6 měsíci +1

      Oh, you must! It's a bucket list item for so many reasons. 😄

  • @evelynwinchester4726
    @evelynwinchester4726 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Great video, thank you. I went to Monument Valley in 1987, couldn't afford the loop trip, but we camped next to it. We felt the SPIRITS!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 11 měsíci

      Very cool! I imagine waking up to seeing those views nearby was amazing! 😊

  • @joywyse6996
    @joywyse6996 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Thanks Glenn. This is so beautiful. I did a jigsaw puzzle with a picture of Monument Valley out of a train window. There is no train ride through Monument Valley but it is a very interesting picture and I can't wait to frame it and hang it.. There is only one mitten in it and is obscured by the large butt. There is a ledge with a horse standing on it typical of some pictures of that area. There is a name for the ledge and I will try to find it. I think maybe John Wayne was on a horse there once and maybe a Navajo. That was a great tour through the park. Thanks again. My favorite are the Mittens. I want to watch this video again. Found he name of hte ledge where the horse is standing, John Ford's Point. I think I heard Glenn mention that name too.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 8 měsíci

      The Mittens are just iconic. The tiny little thumb spires... just amazing. 🤩

  • @shirleebusch1459
    @shirleebusch1459 Před rokem +1

    I drove past it once but didn't drive down into it. Thank you for the tour. It makes up for what I missed.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Happy to bring the experience to you! Thank you for watching! 😊

  • @tominvermont9157
    @tominvermont9157 Před rokem +1

    Wow! This was a good one. You do a great job.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Thank you so much! Happy that you enjoyed our video! 😊

  • @SwiftyTravels
    @SwiftyTravels Před rokem +1

    Monument Valley is so iconic! Just beautiful- I’ve never visited bit it’s definitely on my list! Thanks for the tour!!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      Oh! You absolutely have to go! I think you would love it!! 😄

  • @lzwnn
    @lzwnn Před rokem +1

    What a majestic landscape! This was truly beautiful. Thanks for another great trip!

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      One of the most iconic landscapes one could imagine I think. Glad we could bring it to you this week. 😊

  • @debramaertens893
    @debramaertens893 Před rokem +1

    Great tour! I was really looking forward to that Navajo taco, though.😋😁

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      😂 One of these days we're going to have to get one when we have the time. 👍

  • @LazyBushcrafters
    @LazyBushcrafters Před rokem +1

    an amazing drive. I can't wait to go one day hopefully.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      It's truly an amazing experience with beautiful scenery. I hope you get your chance to experience it some day soon! 😊

    • @LazyBushcrafters
      @LazyBushcrafters Před rokem +1

      @@CactusAtlas hopefully! keep up the amazing work. Loving your videos!

  • @jeffreyfarrington4299
    @jeffreyfarrington4299 Před rokem +1

    The “open” time in Natl’ Parks is often when Rangers are at the entrances &/of visitor centers. though Law Enforcement Rangers may be roaming- Thanks for This upload

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      Excellent advice! 😊 We have found this to be the case for many National Parks, however, Monument Valley is run by the Navajo Nation and operates a bit differently. For instance, they were closed for more than a year in 2020-2021 which was a bit of a bummer but totally understandable.

  • @timk1480
    @timk1480 Před rokem +3

    This is a bucket list item for me. When we moved to Phoenix we were supposed to come through Utah and stop at monument valley, valley of the gods, arches, and Mexican hat. A wildfire derailed us through New Mexico. Because of that I love this trip you’re doing. Very jealous.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      Ooooh! Well, if you're still in the Phoenix area, it's not TERRIBLY far away. A bit too long for a weekend trip but certainly a long one. Hopefully you'll get the opportunity to see them as they're absolutely must visit locations. 😄

    • @tbx59
      @tbx59 Před rokem +1

      Add Hovenweep and Mesa Verde.

  • @user-vk7sn1ge5r
    @user-vk7sn1ge5r Před 4 měsíci +1

    E mostrarem ao mundo essa beeleza natural kkk

  • @kinart2543
    @kinart2543 Před rokem +1

    The movie Once Upon a Time in the West is iconic

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      Sooo many iconic movies and scenes were filmed in that area it is hard to count them all! 😄👍

  • @tonibrky
    @tonibrky Před rokem +1

    Greetings from Croatia (Europe) Fantastic landscape, and top quality footage! If everything goes according to plan, I will visit that place soon.. My father lived with the Indians in northern Oregon for more than 20 years.. Even though he was white, they accepted him very well, as a member of the tribe, they even gave him a piece of land on which he could build a house . He was a gold digger after World War 2. Later he moved to Napa Valley, where he had a winery.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      Hello! 😄👍 Monument Valley is one of those places one has to visit and see to believe. We hope you get that opportunity soon! And thanks for sharing your story! Your father sounds like he certainly had some adventures to talk about!

  • @deanschlichting1623
    @deanschlichting1623 Před rokem +2

    Hi very little sage brush in the park, the green stuff is ephedra, there is also broom snake weed and several types of rabbitbrush among other things

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Awesome! Thank you so much for the information. We're still learning when it comes to the plants in different areas. 😄👍

  • @tpseeker3367
    @tpseeker3367 Před rokem +1

    Just just WOW. So much to say yet didn't wanna say anything cause I'd something else.
    Oh PLEASE Glenn tell us or show us that you were able to get some stargazing shots or even a timelapse. Hopefully you were there when the Aurora Borealis was happening there.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      UGH. Sadly not. I've seen some photos in parks when the Northern Lights were appearing and they are stunning but unfortunately Glenn's trip kinda went a smidge off the rails here and there and no timelapse happened. STILL something super high on the list that will happen in the future though.

  • @craiggossmer6525
    @craiggossmer6525 Před rokem +1

    😎 I am putting this episode in top 10. It has so much going on, Location , eye candy of Slim , puppies, and so many great angles that Glenn is known for. I am betting that there is a new camera being sported! 👋

  • @pfcjev
    @pfcjev Před rokem +1

    The view from the John Ford point is one of the iconic ones.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Always a reason to go back. 😅 We were pressed for time trying to film another video and make plans for the evening that day unfortunately.

    • @pfcjev
      @pfcjev Před rokem +1

      @@CactusAtlas there are videos of it on youtube. We'll be going there in a couple of weeks and I definitely want my picture taken on a horse at John Ford point. Tips be damned. Lol. Thanks for the video. I can't wait.

  • @jonh4301
    @jonh4301 Před rokem +1

    No Wile E Coyote? When we were there several years ago it was real windy and the people in the open tour trucks were eating dust! I'm glad we drove ourselves. I was very impressed - a classic landscape. We toured about 3PM with the sun behind us that made the view from the visitor center outstanding.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      I can imagine the afternoon would be amazing with the sun hitting the buttes just right. Taking your own vehicle really seems like the way to go. Sure you might miss out on some cool info and that's a bummer but not having to bring a change of clothes and going at your own pace might make up for it. 😅

  • @tbx59
    @tbx59 Před rokem +1

    One of the greatest trips of my life was in this region and specifically Monument Valley. This place will punch you in the gut.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Punch you in the gut, take your breath away, and leave you a better person for having seen it. 100% agree. Glad you were able to experience it! 😊

  • @cmc5394oparva
    @cmc5394oparva Před rokem +2

    I'm taking my oldest daughter here later this summer as part of a short daddy-daughter camping trip. The main destination is Natural Bridges, but I've been wanting to come through here for over 20 years and I can't pass it up.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      Ooh! That's going to be an amazing trip. So many awesome places in that area. I know Glenn loved Natural Bridges when he went a couple years back and Monument Valley is a must do and fairly easy to fit in. Hope your trip is awesome! 😊

  • @booster330
    @booster330 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great vid.. Is is forbidden from walking off tail and hows the temp at night during summer?

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 5 měsíci +1

      I know there's one self-guided trail that's fairly popular. I would assume going off trail is frowned upon but not sure. I imagine the tribal nation would have better answers.

  • @pfcjev
    @pfcjev Před rokem +1

    The tip is for getting on the horse and having your photo taken. Not just for taking picture of them in the pen.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem

      Yes, they ask for tips for pictures on a horse, but they were also asking people who were taking photos of the horses to tip as well.

  • @gstiles7
    @gstiles7 Před rokem +1

    Wow, definitely some beautiful landscape no matter where you look. Talking with some Navajo natives I believe you have to have some family records with the tribe to be able to make any claims to specific land. Not sure if it's specific to AZ or not, but it sure would be nice to squat there.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před rokem +1

      It would be amazing just to spend the night there and watch a sunrise. Thanks for the info about the land claims! We were wondering. 😄👍

  • @AlenaSGray
    @AlenaSGray Před 8 měsíci

    Totem Pole, Sands Spring, and Yei Bi' Cheii". Better to have a tour guide and see the back country.

  • @frasiec
    @frasiec Před 2 měsíci

    Drone draws like a hunting draw

  • @AlenaSGray
    @AlenaSGray Před 8 měsíci

    $5 is really inexpensive comparing to people pay on the Las Vegas Strip to get pictures with the show girls, etc. Cost of hay is expensive and people there have to haul their water from Goulding or Kayenta every day.

  • @AlenaSGray
    @AlenaSGray Před 8 měsíci

    Fyi: you are in Arizona

  • @cindireed1905
    @cindireed1905 Před 3 měsíci

    Seriously the dogs ribs were showing, don’t feed the animals is for the wildlife. The animals were most likely abandoned, it’s not like they are in a residential area. Next time please be more humane and get involved making sure the animals have owners, especially because you stated the dogs were pretty far out…the farthest stop was just after the dogs. Lost a subscriber.

    • @CactusAtlas
      @CactusAtlas  Před 3 měsíci

      There are people who live there. I guarantee those dogs are not abandoned.