Monument-al

It has been an amazing stretch between rest days from Flagstaff Arizona to the southeastern corner of Utah. Not only has the scenery consistently defied belief, our riders have also been buffeted by wind, assaulted by dust, blazed by the sun, and dehydrated by the dry desert heat.  

But before the Rockies and the cooler mountain air beckon, today is a rest day at one of the Wild West’s classic images, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The setting for many movies, most notably John Ford’s “Stagecoach” (1938), this iconic landscape features majestic sandstone buttes and gravity defying pinnacles towering over drifting red sands and tumbleweeds.  

After unloading the vans, the staff and several of our clients enjoyed a rustic steak dinner and a bottle of Polygamy Porter beer (say what?!) at nearby Mexican Hat followed by a quick sunset drive through a hidden treasure – the Valley of the Gods.  

This morning, after sweeping the dust from a sandstorm out of their tents, the riders took off with Goulding’s guided tours to see the Monuments – Merrick Butte, the Mittens, Totem Pole and many others – while Paul and Jon scouted ahead, and Nick and Brian tended camp before going on their own unforgettable photo shoot. It will be an awestruck and revitalized group that continues our trans North American journey bright and early tomorrow.