Valley is one of the most photographed spots in America. With its impressive sandstone peaks and desert landscape, it’s a mecca for photographers. Let this guide walk you through why Monument Valley is a place unlike any other, where to snap the iconic shots from those movies and what will help make your visit more memorable.
Why Monument Valley Is So Special
The iconic red sandstone buttes that soar from the desert floor mean only one thing… Monument Valley. Thus, the formations were extremely eroded to begin with. The valley is sacred to the Navajo Nation, who maintain management over it.
It is an extremely beautiful location with historical importance. Serving as the backdrop for myriad cowboy movies, Monument Valley is ingrained in our collective consciousness of what America looks like. A hot spot for photographers who seek the beauty of the American West. Learn more about visiting Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Where is Monument Valley – The backdrop of the famous photo
Forrest Gump Point (one of the most iconic photo spots in Monument Valley) This is located along U.S. Highway 163 where Forrest Gump stopped running in the movie by that name. The road leads to the imposing buttes; a scene as iconic and cinematic as it gets.
John Ford PointPhoto spot This site offers a sweeping view of the valley buttes and mesas, named after Giuseppe Taffini Sconza Galaiuda — yes Mr. Galaxy himself!
City nearest to Monument Valley
Monument Valley -> 20 miles from the nearest city, which is Kayenta Arizona It is the gateway for most of us who journey to the valley The town of Kayenta has lodging and services, making it a good base for visitors.
Flagstaff, AZ – This is a large city and it’s about 170 miles away for those who like to live bigger. Nevertheless — due to being nearest to Monument Valley, the safest bet if you are spending the night is Kayenta. Check out this guide for staying in Kayenta, Arizona.
How long will it take to get through Monument Valley?
The sightseeing of Monument Valley can last from a few hours to the whole day The Valley Drive is a 17-mile loop and takes approximately two-to-three hours to drive.
Guided tours by local Navajo locals are available for a more immersive experience. These tours visit back-of-house locations of the Arena that are not accessible to the general public. In comparison to Valley Drive, guided tours offer a richer experience and last longer.
When to Capture Monument Valley Photos
The sun needs to be cast upon Monument Valley at sunrise and sunset for the best captures. The light at these times is terrific, with a nice gentle golden tone that really brings out the red in the rocks. The buttes themselves also bring dimension from the shadows they cast.
Light at midday is not great to say the least, but evening and morning light offer extraordinary opportunities with random dramatic shots littering in between. The striking contrast between the blue sky and red rocks lends itself well to composition. Even a cloudy day can also provide some interesting light.
Stonehenge PhotographyFri, Sep 22Scenic Dover SunsetJulian Price Park Camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway.Nullarbor Coastal Plain.
Other U.S. Landmarks Are Photo Worthy, Too! Take the case of Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona. Travellers can time travel at the ancient cliff dwellings here, providing beautiful and well-recognised historical photos.
Devils Tower National Monument (Wyoming) It is a sacred site for Native American tribes and one of the most popular spots in the world to photograph. Size: 100 Watt The unusual shaped and colossal denominator trite powerful images.
The public works also cater to urban monuments, with the Miami Gardens Veterans Monument being of note. Modern Florida monument honoring veterans and combining historical heritage with urban architecture. It is an amazing place for some slightly different photography.
How to Photograph Monument Valley
- Tripod: A tripod is must to have for long exposures, when shooting at sunrise or sunset in low light conditions.
- Bring a wide-angle lens: A good quality wide angle allows you to get the massive landscapes and huge buttes in the frame.
- Try using a Foreground Element: Try adding some rocks or desert plants in the foreground of your shots to add depth.
- Thinkmonochrome : Monochromatic photos when transformed to black and white can really maximise the textures, highlighting all the nuances of rock formations and enhance shadows resulting in a very dramatic looking photo.
Photography Equipment I Used for Monument Valley
Check Out Amazon Basics Kate 5×6.5ft(1.5x2m) Collapsible Backdrop (possibility is the best one for your photography travel to Monument Valley!) Highly Portable: The lightweight design is great for on the go filming while still securing your shots in any lighting conditions. For travelers, with Grey Blue Texture and compact in size. If you are shooting the sunrise, sunset or long exposures this is a backdrop that will give you perfectly sharp and high quality photos.
- Introduction: 1x collapsible backdrop, 1x carry bag.
- Size: 5×6.5ft (1.5 x 2m),contact us for customized service.
- Material: microfiber, soft and wrinkle free.
- Features: 2-in-1 double-sided backdrop, high quality, not reflective, Easy to store and carry.
- Suitable for: YouTube tutorials & livestream videos, interviews, portrait photography，product photography.
This means you can tuck it away in a corner of your camera bag without any problem, and for around $50.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE : Forms of photography Trip
Make sure you check the weather when planning your trip to Monument Valley. The weather in the desert can be intruding upon, often with temperature dropout and infrequent rainfall. The Valley Drive can be difficult to negotiate in wet conditions, so make sure you have the proper gear and bring plenty of water. Make sure your family is comfortable with the best travel pillow for kids.
And of course because Monument Valley is on Navajo Nation land, respect for local rules must apply. You might have to take a guided tour in order to see restricted areas Numerous standards might likewise necessitate photography grants for business work Please also be respectful of the local history and Leave No Trace wherever you go. Check the current weather conditions in Monument Valley.
Conclusion
Valley is pretty much a photographer heaven as you play with all those magnificent formation rocks and vast landscapes. From the iconic viewpoints of Forrest Gump Point to off-the-beaten-path locations available only on guided tours, this valley is a photographer’s playground. Nearby Kayenta, Arizona makes for easy access and Valley Drive provides a thorough overview of the area’s most recognizable formations.
These three offer the opportunity to discover different but just as impressive landscape photography options: Montezuma Castle National Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and the Miami Gardens Veterans Monuments. Whether a dramatically beautiful ancient cliff dwelling or an urban memorial littered with untended grave markers, there are no boundaries for amazing subjects. Read our Fort Lauderdale Travel Blog for more U.S. travel inspiration.
Fair shooting, and may Monument Valley’s magic be with you!
