Monument Valley

We decided to take a short trip before heading to Kanab.  My husband searched around and decided on Monument Valley.  We headed out at 8 a.m. Sunday and by 3 p.m. we were at Goulding's Campground. 

Harry & Leone, aka Mike, came to Monument Valley in the early 1920's.  Harry & Leone were able to purchase a substantial plot of land when the Paiute Indian Reservation relocated.  In the beginning Harry & Leone lived in tents and traded crafted items in exchange for food and clothing.  Later Harry constructed a permanent building which houses the Goulding Trading Post Museum.  Harry and Leone went on to meet with John Ford who filmed many John Wayne movies such as "Stagecoach" and "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon".  They built a lodge and dining facility and continued to host photographers, artists and tourist. In 1981, the Lafont family bought the property and Harry passed away later that year.  Leone spent her final days in Monument Valley passing away in 1992.

If you ever have the chance, take a trip.  You'll be glad you did.

We stayed at Goulding's for 2 nights.  It's a great campground with views of Monument Valley and surrounding mountains.  They offer daily tours although a bit on the expensive side.  We decided to take the RV through the 17 mile scenic drive located in the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.  The drive takes you around the Butte Monuments.  When we arrived at the entrance we were told that there would be a $20 entrance fee and no RV's are allowed to drive the 17 mile roads but we could park at the visitors center and take a tour.  Since we felt that tours were a little pricey for this trip and we couldn't take our dogs on the tour buses we decided to drive around to the places we could take the RV and our dogs.  We drove to the Mexican Hat Rock located in the Valley of the Gods north of Monument Valley.  It was a nice drive out but since we weren't in a 4-wheel drive vehicle we could only look from the paved road. 

We turned around and decided to go to Goulding's Lodge where they have a restaurant, gift shop, Trading Post Museum and John Wayne's Cabin; aka ‘Captain Nathan Brittles’ Cabin’,  is located just behind the museum.  In actuality, it was Mike (Leone) Goulding’s potato cellar, where she stored her fruits, vegetables, and other perishables.  When ‘She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’ was filmed there in 1949 by director John Ford, the structure was used for exterior shots only as the personal quarters for the Cavalry Post’s commanding officer, played by John Wayne. 

The gift shop was very nice.  They had lots of handmade crafts from various Indian tribes, pictures of the Monument Buttes and the usual tourist trinkets.

When we got back to camp we decided to make dinner and I'm proud to say that this time dinner was great!  I can honestly say that my husband has mastered the new barbecue.

Goulding's Campground is very peaceful and serene.  The facility is clean and the employees are friendly.  We really enjoyed our visit and will definitely be returning. Tomorrow it's on to Apache-Sitgreaves National Forrest.

Until then . . .

"Adventure is out there"