Monument Valley

Monument Valley is known for its classic Western scenery: sandstone pillars and buttes growing out of coral-colored sand dunes. When you drive through the area you expect to see a horseman come riding around the corner.

Not as many people know the area is sprinkled with ancient ruins and rock art figures dating back to the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture. There is a fascinating cliff dwelling in a small alcove in a butte just to the southeast of Gouldings Trading Post.

Called the Key Hole Ruin, the structure is almost completely intact, well preserved, because of its sheltered location. To reach it you follow a narrow trail along the edge of the butte under the ruin and then get down on your stomach and wiggle through two natural “key hole” openings in the cliff.

We have a video clip showing the hike: medium quality (1,813 KB), higher quality (3,214 KB).

Why did the ancient native people choose to build and live on the edge of sheer cliffs in this harsh environment? The Key Hole Ruin’s location suggests it was chosen because it could be easily defended – it would be all but impossible for an enemy to penetrate the structure.

Monument Valley is located in the Four Corners area, where you’ll find several famous Anasazi centers including Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and Grand Gulch Primitive Area. These sites are all fun to explore, as are the many lesser-known ruins scattered throughout the area. Inquire at Gouldings to find a guide to lead you to the Key Hole and other ruins.

Monument Valley is a Navajo Nation Trial Park. Navajo families live in this area and visitors here have an excellent opportunity to learn about the Navajo way of life. Navajo guides are available to take people on jeep and horseback excursions through Monument Valley itself and to other nearby attractions. Navajo craftsmen sell jewelry and other products in shops in nearby communities and from makeshift boutiques at crossroads and area attractions.

This is a wonderful time of year to visit the Four Corners area. The weather is usually sunny and dry, with mild daytime temperatures perfect for hiking, riding horses and jeeping through the rugged landscape.

This is also a great time to hike and bike and explore our other national parks and scenic areas. Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef national parks are particularly attractive in the fall because the weather is usually mild and dry. Autumn leaves are still colorful at lower elevations in Zion National Park and along Hwy 12 through Grand Staircase National Monument, making these areas beautiful destinations.

Mesa Verde and Bryce Canyon are in mountain areas where storms are more common. Both will get occasional rain and possibly some snow during the next few weeks, but many days will be sunny and pleasant.

Visitor services at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are now closed for the season. Access roads are still open to primitive areas along the North Rim. Toroweap and other remote viewpoints are accessible and make excellent fall destinations. The South Rim is open year-round.

Vehicle entrance fees will go up on Jan. 1 at Glen Canyon/Lake Powell. Weekly fees will increase from $10 to $15/vehicle. The annual Glen Canyon NRA vehicle pass will increase from $20 to $30/vehicle. Revenue will be used for facility improvements, including upgrading the picnic area at Wahweap, extending the Antelope Point public boat ramp and other projects that will directly benefit visitors.

Glen Canyon annual passes are good for 12 months from the date of purchase. Interested people can purchase a pass before the fee increase through the mail at Glen Canyon NRA, P. O. Box 1507, Page, Arizona 86040, or by stopping in person at Park Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Drive, Page.

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