An Accessible Afternoon Among the Icons of the American West

During our June 2007 Southwest adventure, one destination had been high on our wish list for years—Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Few places are as recognizable as this incredible landscape of towering sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor. By the time we reached the visitor center, the brilliant blue sky and deep red sandstone created one of the most unforgettable scenes we had ever witnessed.
From the moment we arrived, we found plenty to enjoy with Kellisa's manual travel wheelchair. The paved overlooks around the visitor center allowed us to experience many of Monument Valley's famous vistas without difficulty, making it easy to stop, take photographs, and simply admire one spectacular view after another.

The Famous 17-Mile Valley Drive

One of the highlights of our visit was driving the park's legendary 17-mile dirt scenic road. While many visitors remember the drive for its incredible scenery, Kellisa seemed to enjoy something entirely different—the ride itself.

Every dip, washboard section, twist, and bump brought another smile. The winding road became an adventure of its own as we slowly made our way among the towering rock formations. The dramatic scenery changed around every corner, revealing famous landmarks like the Mittens, Merrick Butte, Elephant Butte, and countless unnamed mesas and spires stretching toward the horizon.

Instead of rushing through, we took our time, stopping often to admire the views and soak in the quiet beauty of the Navajo Nation.

John Ford Point

One of the most memorable moments came at John Ford Point.

Chris pushed Kellisa in her lightweight manual travel wheelchair out toward the overlook, where the panoramic view opened across miles of sandstone monuments. Standing near the edge, it was easy to understand why this location became famous in countless western films directed by John Ford.
The overlook provided one of the most breathtaking views of the afternoon, and sharing that moment together as a family made the short push completely worthwhile.

Accessible Viewpoints

Throughout the afternoon we discovered that many of Monument Valley's overlooks were surprisingly accommodating for Kellisa's wheelchair. While the scenic drive itself is unpaved, several major viewpoints around the visitor center and lodge area were accessible enough for us to enjoy comfortably.

Every stop revealed another incredible perspective:

• Massive sandstone buttes glowing in the afternoon sun.

• Endless desert stretching toward the horizon.

• Classic western landscapes that seemed almost too perfect to be real.

• Countless family photo opportunities with Monument Valley's iconic formations as the backdrop.

The combination of dramatic scenery and relatively easy access allowed us to spend our time exploring instead of worrying about obstacles.

A Memorable Family Afternoon

Some destinations leave an impression because of the activities they offer. Monument Valley left its impression because of its sheer scale and beauty.
Whether bouncing along the famous dirt road, rolling to scenic overlooks, sharing laughs during family photos, or simply staring across miles of open desert, every moment reminded us why this landscape has inspired generations of travelers, photographers, and filmmakers.
As the afternoon sun illuminated the red sandstone formations one final time, we reluctantly headed toward the park exit, already knowing Monument Valley would remain one of the highlights of our 2007 Southwest journey.

The memories of Kellisa's laughter over the bumpy road, Chris pushing her to John Ford Point, and our family's shared amazement at one of America's most iconic landscapes made this far more than a sightseeing stop—it became another unforgettable chapter in our adventures together.

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