Monument Valley | Utah

Monument Valley an iconic landscape. It's been the back drop for a fair few western films and of course was featured in National Lampoons' Vacation. It sits within the Navajo Nation and a good part of the revenue and business done is made by and for the Navajo.

We stayed at a little camp and tipi village on the reservation and hired a Navajo guide to take us around the area. I spent a few weeks on Navajo reservation in Arizona when I was in high school and my experience with the people then and now was the same. They are some of the most generous, hospitable and warmhearted people I have met. Always with good stories to tell. I'm so happy to be able to give this experience to my kids.

Poverty and unemployment on the reservations have been a problem for as long as the reservation system has been in existence. If you get a chance go to Monument Valley and meet the people there, i would encourage you to use the smaller tour/guide companies to learn the native history and significance of the land from the source, stay with the people, and buy the local jewelry and art direct from the people. They need it and appreciate it more than any store or hotel will, and I know you will appreciate the stories and memories you can tell about your experience.

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