The diverse landscape in the United States never ceases to amaze me. One day I am surrounded by green, fragrant pine trees with rugged, majestic mountains and the next day there are no trees, no distinguishable scent. Yet the air is crisp and fresh. There’s rock, rock in all directions as far as the eye can see. Rocks in a multitude of hues. Rocks in awe-inspiring size and shape.
We spent the night in a gravely parking lot on a Mesa high above the San Juan River (Mesa is the Spanish word for Plateau. The English word Plateau is rarely used in this part of the country.) Gooseneck State Park was a great find, although I have a bit of a problem referring to a parking lot as a State Park. The 360 degree views, the faint sound of the rivers’ rapids echoing in the canyon, and the absence of a fee made up for any lack of amenities.
While Al and I are enjoying the sunset at a picnic table, a young couple drives up. They ask about the fee and if a tent is ok? We inform them they can tent here free, much to their surprise. Turns out this young couple are from the Czech Republic and traveling America’s west for the next month. They share their intended journey and we offer recommendations and advice, which they appreciate.
The next morning all campers (us and three cars) are up early and ready to embark on the day’s journey. For Al and me, we are excited and look forward to today’s drive through Monument Valley. It did not disappoint and was well worth traveling a bit out of our way to experience the scenery of Monument Valley. We would definitely return and plan at least a day or two stay so we could horseback ride or ATV the backcountry. We’re fascinated by the uniqueness of the area. If you must have trees….well then….this is not the place for you. It’s all about rock!
Today’s destination is Page, Arizona. We’ll stay in an RV Park for the night to regroup. The last time we were in Page, AZ was in the mid 90’s and we camped with the kids at the Wahweap Marina. That was a pretty exciting trip for me. Lake Powell was a place I had longed to visit. And once again, I’m excited and happy to be returning.
Live Laugh RV 
24 responses to “Monument Valley”
[…] As you enter Goosenecks State Park, there’s a paved parking lot. Since this park is located along the Trail of the Ancients, this parking lot usually has a steady stream of vehicles coming and going. Thus, it’s not a good place to camp. The parking lot does expand with gravel past the restroom and that’s where we stayed during our first visit here 2 years ago. […]
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[…] first discovered Goosenecks State Park in southern Utah two years ago and decided that would be the perfect place to unwind. We pulled into Goosenecks after a very long […]
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[…] the Road Runner, Huckleberry Hound, and of course Bugs Bunny. The background contained scenes of Red Rock, Cactus, and the ever abundant tumbleweed…..all foreign to a young gal growing up in Illinois […]
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How lovely. I am looking forward to the day when I am free to travel and enjoy the outdoors, in the meantime I am looking forward to a walk at the local forest preserve later this morning to get the blood flowing and the mind free…. take care and enjoy your travels.
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Hey, thanks for stopping by. For some reason your security settings aren’t allowing me to comment on your blog 😦 Enjoy the forest presserve. There are times I miss the lushness of IL but the warmth of the desert is winning right now 🙂
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Oh that’s one of our favorite places, we haven’t spent nearly as much time there as we would have liked. Thanks for sharing, and congrats on getting back on the road. Isn’t it great?!
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Sure is. We’re thinking TX in Feb. I’ll be reviewing your blog for ideas. Safe travels!
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You are seeing a beautiful little slice of America. I love Monument Valley and was fortunate to be able to see it when the hot air balloon festival was there many years ago. Lake Powell is always great to see. Safe travels. 🙂
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Oh how fabulous….balloons over Monument Valley. Where you able to go up? I do love this part of the country 🙂
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I was not able to go up but did when I went to the balloon festivals in Scottsdale. I had a blast. 🙂
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Definitely on my list of ‘must do’. Just completed a week at Lake Pleasant….lots of balloons early morn and dusk. Now at Cave Creek Reg Pk til Jan 3. Then ???
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Your photos are exciting me. Cant wait to be heading that way.
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So much to see….so little time LOL.
FYI…Cave Creek Regional Park or McDowell Regional Park are both great places to stay to visit Scottsdale. Nina did a write up on McDowell if you need more info.
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Oh, your photos are so wonderful, I miss the desert so much. Haven’t been out that way in ages. The colors, the quiet whisper of the wind.
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Quiet whisper of the wind??? I have a post coming up on those quiet 60 mph winds LOL. Just two months ago I was among the lushness of LA and now the rock of the southwest….what a contrast. Love American 🙂
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hee hee, OK you’re there on a windy day. It does whisper, I swear 🙂
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No matter how many times we drive through Monument Valley it always excites me and spurs my imagination. Safe travels. Maureen
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Totally share your sentiment…..simply amazing. Look forward to visiting again and again.
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Those vehicles right on the edge just scare me! lol
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When I tied Bear up outside, I checked and rechecked the rope…..it was a looong way down. Simply stunning!
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Your photos are beautiful. Jerry said, “Wow!” Several years ago we spent a week on Lake Powell on a gorgeous houseboat (we were invited by one of Jerry’s clients). We loved it!! Take care and travel safe.
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Lake Powell is amazing. We camped at Bullfrog and took our little ski boat exploring several years ago. Way fun!
Hope you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend.
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I’m so excited to follow you on this roadtrip.
I love the desert southwest and you’re showing us such wonderful photos along the way!
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Thank you and glad you’re along for the ride. Hope I make it entertaining. 🙂
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