The Oljato-Monument Valley region of the Colorado Plateau is distinguished by a cluster of massive sandstone buttes, the biggest of which rises 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the valley floor. It’s near the Four Corners location on the Arizona-Utah state line. The valley is located within the Navajo Nation Reservation and is accessible through US Highway 163.
Monument Valley’s sandstone formations are the consequence of millions of years of erosion. When the region was a flat plain some 50 million years ago, the process began. Wind and water deposited layers of sandstone over time. Due to tectonic pressures, the area began to rise around 25 million years ago. The Colorado Plateau that resulted raised the flat layers of sandstone, which then began to disintegrate due to wind and rain.
The softer layers of rock were eroded selectively, leaving the harder layers standing as isolated buttes, mesas, and spires. This process is still happening, therefore Monument Valley’s terrain is continuously evolving today.
Monument Valley is best visited in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). These seasons have the mildest temperatures and the least amount of rainfall, which can render the area’s dirt roads unusable. Summer is also a fantastic season to visit, but be prepared for scorching weather, particularly in July and August. Winters can be cold with snowfall, but the snow-capped buttes provide for a beautiful landscape.
Here are the five interesting facts about Oljato Monument Valley:
1. Navajo Tribal Park: Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation tribal park system, hence it is not a United States National Park. Many areas of the park require a Navajo guide or a permit to enter.
2. Film History: The unique landscape of Monument Valley has made it a popular filming location. Over 50 Hollywood films have used the park, including “The Searchers,” “Stagecoach,” and “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”
3. Wildlife: The park is home to a wide range of species, including coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and other birds. Desert vegetation such as yucca, juniper trees, and desert marigolds dominate the valley’s flora.
4. The Mittens and Merrick Butte: These are some of the park’s most well-known and photographed attractions. The East and West Mittens are called after two enormous mittens with their thumbs facing inwards. Merrick Butte is another notable feature in the park.
5. Navajo Culture: The valley is culturally and historically significant to the Navajo people. Traditional hogan dwellings may still be observed in the park, and local Navajo guides can provide a wealth of knowledge about Navajo history, culture, and folklore.