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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