Monument Valley

My Favorite Place...

By Xanthe Webb

(See our Monument Valley Photo Gallery)

The simplicity of life makes my beloved Monument Valley what it is. In Southern Utah, this small Navajo Reservation provides an equal balance of popular touring attractions while still maintaining a secluded and quiet get-a-way. It was this valley, at my uncle’s house, that my family and I spent many summers enjoying the exciting and un-agitated gift of a relaxing vacation. And I still today go back and revisit my old haven despite that its memory has washed away from others who were my companions. When I need a safe spot, when I need to relax, or when I think of a place that feels like home away from home, Monument Valley with its towering sandstone cliffs, rolling sand hills, Indian dwellings and hidden mountain coveys flash through my solid memory.

I can feel the excitement rush again when I think of trips to the reservation mall. That’s what I call it. A mall. But it’s nothing like the accumulation of big-name department stores like you and I think of. No, it’s much simpler than that. Many families have tables and booths set up, selling their handcrafted and ancient traditional jewelry, pottery and clothing. If one person doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you are personally encouraged to go over to a friend’s table because she might likely have it. Sometimes you don’t see anyone at their station at all. Then you look around and many people are surrounded around one booth, talking. I have realized that there are no stations. The station is wherever you might feel wanted or needed. There are no appointments, meetings, deadlines and times. There is a freedom about it, and a refreshing feeling of knowing they love to share their work - their culture. The capitalistic world of competition and obsessive professionalism doesn’t exist there. It is a land of friendship, freedom, beauty and experience.

Ancient Anasazi dwellings have been preserved in the cliffs, and I feel compelled to see them each time I visit the valley. There are many guide companies, such as Gouldings, which provide excellent tours to the Anasazi ruins and beautiful rock art. These sights are like old friends, who I like to catch up with and recall old memories and details. Throughout the entire landscape, each cliff, peak and lookout point gives you an awesome chance to overlook the entire valley.

The land in Monument Valley is like nowhere else. My desire for breathtaking beauty and originality is rarely fulfilled by any other location. It is magnificent! I can see and smell and hear the ancients in their everyday lives as I am there, imagining the past. There are also many other activities to experience while in the valley. There are numerous horseback-riding excursions that are offered. Another attractive possibility is inspired by the rolling hills along the perimeter of the valley; 4-wheeling is a popular activity. All of these incredible adventures allow me to have fun. It makes me think about history, current events, old memories, and it has shaped who I am as a person. This favorite place of mine has an element of simplicity but its memory evokes a rainbow of beauty, meaning and imagination.

Whether standing up for a view, pondering in an ancient ruin, valuing the handcrafter’s necklace, or writing a article on how much meaning it holds as your favorite place, Monument Valley gives you childlike fun, memories, and new views on the success of mankind. My valley is a getaway from the competition and stress you find in the world. And a rich feeling will embrace my heart when I think of this monumental sanctuary that waits for my next return.