Monument Valley
#1
Posted 26 January 2008 - 07:14 PM
Over the long Labor Day weekend, I hooked up with a good friend from Arizona and we did some exploring in southern Utah. The goal was to visit Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods and Natural Bridges National Monument. These 3 areas are all in close proximity in southeast Utah and made for a great adventure.
We set up camp in the desolate Goosenecks State Park overlooking the San Juan River. With incredible scenic vistas and nary a tree in sight, Goosenecks SP is a great place to homebase while in the area. The weather in late August - early September, is excellent. Shorts during the days, long sleeves in the evenings. You have to bring in your own firewood and ice cream as we couldn't find either nearby during our time there.
First a proper introduction to my travelling companions. Mark D. Stephens is an extremely talented writer, photographer and beer drinker. He is also one of the funniest people I've ever met. The perfect trail comrade. He brought his wife Brooke and their highly modified 2005 Nissan Frontier. Mark has equipped his truck with an Ezi-Awn roof top tent, hot shower system, trail armor, Engel fridge, 2M radio and whole bunch of other goodies. His journeys primarily take him into Mexico and the Sonoran Desert but Utah hooked him and I'm sure he'll be back soon.
We declined the $200 guide fee in Monument Valley and did the tour ourselves. MV is easy to get around and the scenery is unreal. Several views are familiar to those who have watched old Hollywood westerns. Late in the day we were assaulted by high winds that whipped up a ferocious sandstorm. Monument Valley was worth the long drive to the middle of nowhere.
The general area -
The vehicles -
Getting there -
We're there -
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#2
Posted 26 January 2008 - 07:22 PM
The Totem Poles -
Finding our way - *photo by Mark D. Stephens
Backcountry trail in MV - *photo by Mark D. Stephens
The Mittens -
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#3
Posted 26 January 2008 - 07:30 PM
Wind & Sand storm -
Wind & Sand storm - *photo by Mark D. Stephens
Stunning contrasts -
Sunset in Monument Valley -
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#4
Posted 26 January 2008 - 07:48 PM
Sunrise at Goosenecks SP -
Scenic overlook of the San Juan River -
Camping on the edge -
A great morning at Goosenecks SP -
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#5
Posted 26 January 2008 - 08:19 PM
From Goosenecks SP, we first had to ascend the Mokee Dugway. The road climbs (or descends) over 1,000 feet in 2 miles with a 10% grade. Tight switchbacks and gravel make for a challenging but fun drive. Certainly nothing I would want to do in a large RV.
The beloved Mokee Dugway sign at the top of the road -
Under the Kachina Bridge -
At the base of Kachina Bridge -
Kachina Bridge -
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#6
Posted 26 January 2008 - 08:24 PM
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#7
Posted 26 January 2008 - 08:27 PM
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#8
Posted 26 January 2008 - 08:38 PM
Following Mark in -
The Pinnacles -
The Heart of southeastern Utah -
Can you spot the Four Wheel Camper? -
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#9
Posted 26 January 2008 - 08:52 PM
Marcello the Bull Skull -
Last look, Monument Valley -
Mark's impressive Nissan Frontier -
The adventurers - *photo by Mark D. Stephens
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#10
Posted 26 January 2008 - 10:51 PM
This report gives me more reasons to get out and about in our great country! Baja is officially on the back burner (for now)..
Then,1995 Toyota T-100 4by with 1984 fwc Fleet
Then,1993 Toyota T-100 longbed 4by with 2002 fwc Ranger
Then, 2002 Toyota Tundra AC 4by with 2002 fwc Ranger
NOW, 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB 4x4 WITH 2001 FWC HAWK EXT
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