Living in Santa Fe means a simple road trip takes you to places that are the best of what the American Southwest has to offer. Monument Valley is one such journey into the heart of the iconic location, where towering buttes and sandstone spires paint a landscape that has captivated artists, filmmakers, and travelers for generations.
The key to exploring with confidence is having a place to call home while on your trip. The Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch near Cortez, Colorado, is just that: luxurious lodgings within an authentic landscape that’s just a scenic drive from many notable sites.
In just hours, you could be standing among majestic formations, feeling the spirit of the Wild West and witnessing the grandeur that has defined countless films and photographs. Monument Valley is where the earth tells a story etched in stone over millions of years.
As part of the Colorado Plateau, Monument Valley was formed when sediment collected multiple layers of fine dirt when it was an ancient seabed. After the sea receded, water and wind eroded the weaker elements, leaving peaks within the plateau.
The final product of 300 million years of nature is the stunning landscape of towering buttes and sandstone formations that triumph over any art made by humankind. This land holds deep significance for the Navajo Nation.
The stunning landscape of Monument Valley attracted filmmakers such as John Ford, who filmed Stagecoach there in 1939, the first of Ford’s eight Monument Valley films.
A visit to John Ford’s Point is a popular stop. This is the ledge from which the famed director framed his movies. In the distance, the buttes stand in a dramatic tableau, a perfect setting waiting for its close-up for 300 million years.
Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch provides lodging that continues a visitor’s southwestern journey. Plan a corporate retreat, weekend getaway, or a romantic wedding for an event to remember.
Are you ready to experience the magic of Monument Valley? Read more about Monument Valley films and learn how to make the most of your visit.
This article was posted by Jess
