Greetings on a beautiful spring day in Monument Valley.
Last week I stated that I would post a few more images from the Monument Valley road trip with my friend David. I hope I don’t overdo it!
We went there for the “shadow event” as it is called. In last week’s photo, I told you that it had fizzled out at the prime moment, even so, the light on the landscape was magnificent. In the first two images below you can see that we were not disappointed with the second evening’s opportunity.
Dedicating a longer length of time to one place, allowed us to explore the area more extensively. Keeping an eye on the weather (one can see the changes coming far off) we were able to make a judgment call and go to where we thought the results would pay off for a photograph.
This lineman in the next photo has the best view of any job I know of. If I were him, I wouldn’t get any work done. I’d be constantly looking around at the view, and possibly electricute myself in the process. That is why I do what I do and he does what he does.
The lineman’s view, notwithstanding, check out his (were he to glance over) and our view in the other direction, over my shoulder. The vista point was a short walk from a turnout on Highway 163. We passed through a stretch gate, up and over a slight rise for a view of one of my most favorite places on the planet. Over the years, I’ve made many camping trips to Valley of the Gods. My preferred campsite is way in the back of this image, where the rain is falling. There are canyons to hike that seem to go on for almost an eternity. It’s a very special place. Can you imagine the night sky from in there with no light polution?
From Valley of the Gods, we drove up the Moki Dugway. If you have a phobia of heights and sheer drops better give it a miss. From the top, we went west on a well-traveled dirt road to the edge of those mesas on the left in the photograph below. The view from the edge was quite amazing. In the second photo, I’m looking down to the San Juan River as it meanders through the goosenecks of the canyon and beyond to Navajo Mountain.
Back to Monument Valley, the point of the whole trip.
Just because it was there, I had fun lining up this shot of the Mittens with a random chair…
…and this one!
One last look at the Monument Valley scenic drive from the iconic pair of rocks at the valley vista.
Then it was on to Shiprock, known to the Navajo as Tsé Bitʼaʼí – Rock with Wings, and the road home.
Incidentally, this is how our trip began in the early hours of Tuesday Morning on Highway 64 west of Taos, New Mexico.
I hope you enjoyed the tour. If you get a chance to head out there, I highly recommend it. If you need a tour guide let me know. Prints are available of all these images. Send me and email if you are interested.
As always, thank you for looking. G
37 thoughts on “Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, March 30, 2022”
Wow. Right place, right time.
Some amazing images here.
I hope I get to see a sky like this up in there someday.
Cheers – Gary
I wish that for you. I find it’s hard to take a bad photo in this place no matter the weather. Have you been up that way? Thank you so much, Gary. G
Back in the ‘80s, I ran the San Juan a couple of times, and a couple floats down the San Juan. Always said that I’d head to Goulding’s and rent a room when a storm was clearing. You nailed this, and the shadow on the mittens was amazing.
I really appreciate you sharing your adventure and compliments. I have fallen in love with the place again like the first time I saw it. Thank you, Gary. G
Geraint…..Listen (not that I am important to listen to), this is one of your most incredible posts of great photos of many of the great photos you’ve posted. Absolutely neat to see your ‘starting out’ photo and of course the great shadow shot. And I presume you are implying that the ‘Lineman shot’ wasn’t of a Wichita Lineman………Jay Schlegel. Wichita, Kansas
Thank you so much, Jay. I was inspired by the Witchita lineman song. I was singing it to myself when I took the photo, not out loud you understand! G
I agree with Jay. Wow wow.
Wow! Thank you so much Larry. G
I am so grateful to be able to see the world through your lens!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that, Patricia. I enjoy your post I see on Facebook. You have a unique eye. I remember that from your trip here with me. G
I agree with Larry’s two WOWs and add one of my own WOW!
Thank you so much, Michael. I hope you are well. Let me know when you’re here next. G
Just WOW!!! I can’t write “wow” large enough to cover these incredible images. Each one a masterpiece.
That’s a big wow. Thank you so much, Mark. I appreciate you looking in all these years. Cheers. G
Great shots man! You haven’t lost it and your work just gets better….Cheers! Stephen
Thank you so much, Stephen. I appreciate that. I hope you are well. G
Really beautiful work! It makes me itch to get back out to that country.
Hi Michelle. Thank you so much. I appreciate your compliments. I hope you get back there. G
Each photo exceptional
Thank you so much, Mara. G
Oh my! What a tour! Stunning photography, as always. Thank you so much ~
Thank you, Elaine. I appreciate that ver much. G
wonderful.
Thank you Ron, and for the plug on FB. G
Hey Geraint….that is the most stunning series of photos I’ve ever seen in one group…OMG! Jo & I have traveled through that area but never spent time exploring – that will be rectified this year for sure. Thanks for the hard work & great eye….John
Oh my, I hope you get out there. I’m ready to go again and I just got back. Thank you so much, John. I really appreciate your kindness and compliments. I hope to see you soon. G
I loved this tour! Wow. Your work is amazing. I miss New Mexico so much it hurts and your photos help fill the void. Thanks Geriant!
Thank you so much, India. I hope you get back here soon. In the meantime, I’m glad my images help.G
Never too much!
Thank you, Bob. I appreciate that! G
Wow, Beautiful photos. Inspiring! I will have to make it a point to go there and explore. As always, thanks for sharing!
Susie
I highly recommend it. I hope you get there. There’s so much scenery. Thank you, Susie. G
I’m late to seeing this post but this is the best group of images of Monument Valley I’ve ever seen. Just terrific, Geraint!
Thank you so much, Paul. That is a great compliment. I’m glad you like them. I hope we can get together for a day in the SLV this year. Do you have plans to head down this way? G
I might in June. may even have Linda there! Still coordinating – I’ll definitely get back to you on it. Would love to shoot with you again.
Paul
These images are so rich and powerful. A fight to be able to see them.
Hi Jim. I really appreciate your compliments and comments here and on Facebook. Stay well. G