Monument Valley is no less attractive place in the United States than the well-known Grand Canyon. It is located about 300 kilometers from it, so you should not neglect the natural attraction while driving through Arizona. Rock formations are located in the northeast of the state, on the border with Utah. Officially, this territory belongs to the Navajo Indian tribe, but it is undoubtedly the property of the country, and is also one of the hundred amazing natural beauties.
How Monument Valley was formed
The natural attraction is a desert plain, on which mountain formations of a remarkable shape rise. They often have steep slopes, almost perpendicular to the ground, which makes the figures seem to be created by a human hand. But this is not at all the case, it is enough just to find out how the famous valley was formed.
Previously, this territory was located the sea, at the bottom of which there was sandstone. Due to the change in the geological features of the planet, millions of years ago, the water left here, and the porous rock began to be compressed into shale. Under the influence of the sun, precipitation, winds, most of the territory turned into a desert plain, and only small growths are still preserved and took on an unusual shape.
At the moment, natural factors still affect the porous ridges, but it will take thousands of years for a natural landmark to become level with the ground. Most of the mountains are so unusual in shape that they have been given interesting names. The most popular are Mittens, Three Sisters, Abbess, Hen, Elephant, Big Indian.
A journey to a natural heritage
In America, many strive to see with their own eyes the beauty that stretches for tens of kilometers. They look picturesque in the photo, but nothing beats a trip to the Monument Valley. It is recommended that you take care of a guide in advance, who will tell many amazing legends about rock formations. Otherwise, the trip around the area will end rather quickly, because walking is not allowed here.
A route has been laid along the plain, which is overcome by car. Several stops are allowed in strictly limited places. In addition, there are a number of prohibitions on the territory of the Indian reservation, namely, you cannot:
- climbing rocks;
- leave the route;
- enter houses;
- shoot Indians;
- bring alcoholic beverages.
On average, a tour of the local spaces lasts about an hour, but it will be remembered for a long time, since such a picturesque place is nowhere to be found anywhere else.
Interest for popular culture
The natural beauty of this place is appreciated by filmmakers, as most Westerns do not do without filming on a desert plain with rock formations. The territory is imbued with the spirit of cowboys, so you can very often see the Valley of Monuments in movies, clips, in pictures of fashion magazines.
We advise you to read about the Giant's Causeway.
In many ways, such popularity among representatives of show business also adds to the popularity of the shale plain. Tourists from different countries strive to visit the natural heritage and plunge into the atmosphere of a western. The effect is further enhanced by the fact that among the local residents there are mainly Indians who still maintain their culture.
Nature is capable of creating unique beauties, and the desert valley with intricate rocks is one of the extraordinary places. Of course, the slate mountains will not change their appearance soon, but until this happens, it is worth visiting this place and touching the miracle that has been created for millennia.
