The Amazing Monument Valley Tribal Park

Chasing Light and Sandstone

As landscape photographers, we quickly learn one fundamental truth: nature doesn’t work on our schedule. Light, clouds, and weather don’t conform to the golden hour ideal or align with a travel itinerary. Instead, we adapt. Flexibility becomes essential, not just in mindset, but in mobility—and that’s why we photograph from the road in an RV. Traveling this way gives us the freedom to linger in places where conditions are perfect, wait out the weather when needed, and explore unexpected scenes that catch our eye along the way.

On a recent trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, we set out to capture the iconic sandstone formations and desert light that make this region a mecca for photographers. But the adventure began, as it often does, by choosing the right base camp.

Goosenecks State Park: A Canyon on the Edge of Time

Located in southeastern Utah, Goosenecks State Park may be small in size, but it delivers a massive visual impact. The park sits perched on the rim of a dramatic canyon carved by the San Juan River. Over millennia, the river has etched a series of tight, winding bends into the earth—an exceptional example of what's known as an entrenched meander. From the park’s rim, you can look down and watch the river snake through over six miles of curves while advancing just a mile and a half westward on its slow march to Lake Powell.

Camping here means front-row seats to a geological masterpiece, with no trees or development to block the view. The silence is broken only by the occasional wind gusts and the distant call of a raven. It's the kind of place where sunset lingers on the cliffs, and stars arrive in full clarity once night falls.

Goosenecks proved to be the perfect overnight stop before heading into Navajo Nation territory, where the real heart of our photo journey would begin.

Forrest Gump Point: The Road to Monument Valley

Traveling southwest from Goosenecks on Highway 163, the unmistakable silhouettes of Monument Valley rise ahead like ancient sentinels. At mile marker 13, the road crests a small hill and reveals a sweeping view straight into the heart of this legendary landscape.

For years, this view was simply a photogenic stretch of highway—popular with photographers, but unnamed. That changed in 1994, when the scene appeared in Forrest Gump. It was here, with Monument Valley in the background, that Forrest famously decided to end his cross-country run. Since then, the site has become known as Forrest Gump Point, and it remains one of the most photographed roadside locations in the American Southwest.

Despite the crowds that sometimes gather here, it's still a thrilling moment when the road opens up and the buttes appear in the distance, glowing red under the desert sun. A handheld shot here is practically a rite of passage.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Spirit of the Southwest

Entering Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park feels like stepping into a painting. This land, managed by the Navajo Nation, holds a spiritual and visual power that is difficult to describe but immediately felt. Towering sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires rise from the desert floor, forming an ever-changing canvas for light, shadow, and color.

While exploring the park, Teresa spotted a Yucca plant in bloom and quickly moved in for a close-up.

Her macro photography skills brought out the subtle textures and soft tones of the flower, highlighting a quieter side of desert life that often goes unnoticed. Moments like this remind us that there’s just as much beauty at our feet as on the horizon.

West Mitten and Sand: A New Perspective

One of the most iconic compositions in Monument Valley features the East and West Mittens, two massive formations that resemble gloved hands reaching toward the sky. Typically, they are photographed with Merrick Butte completing a triangle in the background—a classic view seen on postcards and posters for decades.

But we’re always looking for new angles.

As the day wound down and we were making our way back from the valley floor, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks. The setting sun was casting long shadows across a small dune, accentuating its rippled texture while simultaneously lighting up the face of the West Mitten. The juxtaposition of warm, golden light on the butte with the soft curves of sunlit sand made for a unique and intimate composition—one that felt fresh despite the iconic subject.

I framed the shot to emphasize the quiet drama in this moment: the powerful, immovable monument contrasted against the fleeting, wind-shaped patterns of the dune. It’s a reminder that even in a place photographed thousands of times, there’s always something new to see—if you’re willing to look closer, wait longer, and follow the light.

The Grand Panorama: East and West Mittens with Merrick Butte

Of course, no trip to Monument Valley would be complete without capturing the famous triangle: East Mitten, West Mitten, and Merrick Butte. We timed our panoramic shot for late afternoon, when the sandstone glows its richest tones under the setting sun. In the distance, storm clouds gathered, adding texture and depth to the sky without blocking the warm light on the formations.

This photograph—full of contrast, color, and iconic form—captures the essence of the American Southwest. It’s a timeless image that feels both ancient and alive, peaceful yet powerful. For us, it's more than a pretty picture. It's a visual memory of a day spent surrounded by natural wonder, cultural history, and photographic inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Traveling by RV allows us to follow light, chase weather, and explore the land with both intention and spontaneity. Monument Valley is more than a destination—it’s a living landscape, a canvas of geology, spirit, and story.

From the winding cliffs of Goosenecks State Park to the cinematic views of Forrest Gump Point, from blooming desert plants to the glowing sandstone giants, this journey reminded us why we do what we do. The road doesn’t just take us to new places—it gives us new ways to see.

Whether you’re a photographer, traveler, or simply someone who appreciates the power of nature, Monument Valley is a place that speaks in stillness and shows you something different each time you visit.