Amazing Travels - October 30, 2025 - Monument Valley Tribal Park

October 30, 2025 - We woke early to be on the road shortly after 7:00 AM and head toward Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park which is located on the largest Indian Reservation in the United States. We went to the Monument Valley Navajo Welcome Center to meet with our Tour Guide from Navajo Spirit Tours. Sean was our guide, and he did an amazing job explaining so much about the Navajo culture and traditions to us throughout the tour. The first stop on our tour was at John Ford's Point, where some of John Wayne's western movies were filmed. Our second stop was at the Big Hogan. We got out and walked into the huge alcove amphitheater. Our guide, Sean, showed us the Eagle Eye in the top of the formation then he had us sit in the alcove while he played his flute, the sound it made echoing through the amphitheater was amazing. Next stop was Moccasin Arch; a large pothole natural arch eroded into the sandstone. It's huge and is named for its resemblance to a moccasin. It took me awhile to actually see a moccasin but I think the shoe part is on the bottom at ground level. It had rained quite a bit the week before we came to Utah and there were areas of the desert that had large pools of water. We had our guide stop so we could take photos of the reflections of the rock formations in the pools of water. The reflection of the buttes around the water holes were stunning. Our next stop was at a large petroglyph panel. There are several of these panels in the park, but they're primarily viewed only through guided Navajo tours. Sean explained the meanings and stories behind the petroglyphs, and it was a very informative experience. Ear Of The Wind was our next stop. It's considered to be a sacred site in Navajo tradition where visitors can hear the sounds of the desert and experience unique views. At the end of our tour, we stopped by to see an actual Hogan. There is good in the harmony of the Navajo with the universe and all living creatures on earth. When he lives in accordance with the universe, he can expect the wealth of a clean soul that protects the whole being from the evil that preys upon his sacred dwellings. The Hogan is built in the manner of this harmony. The roof is in the likeness of the sky. The walls are in the likeness of the Navajo's surroundings: the upward position of the mountains, hills, and trees. And the floor is ever in touch with the "earth mother" the sun in the center as the fire. After our tour we jumped in the Jeep and did the 17 mile scenic drive through the park again. We stopped at all the viewing areas and thoroughly enjoyed taking our time and feeling the Native Spirit in this amazing place. We made a special stop to see the Mittens. In Navajo tradition, the Left Mitten Butte represents the male spiritual being, while the Right Mitten Butte represents the female spiritual being, and they look towards each other. They appear as two giant mittens with their thumbs facing inward. They are considered male and female spiritual beings that stand as "door posts" or guardians watching over the valley. When we left the park we went to Goulding's Lodge for some Navajo tacos. Later in the day we came back by Monument Valley to get some stunning photos at sunset. Music: Ancient Way by David and Steve Gordon; Album: Drum Medicine Mother Sky by David Arkenstone; Album: Native Dreams