High speed pass through Monument Valley

[BOHICA]

I made a detour this weekend on my way from Durango CO to Phoenix. I didn't have my camping gear with me but figured "moteling" it for a few days wouldn't ruin my reputation. The skies were nice and clear so I decided to head over to Monument Valley and see if I could get a room at the View Hotel, have a nice meal, sleep in a warm bed and take a few pictures from the balcony off my room.
All was good until about an hour after checking in...a zero visibility sand storm blew in followed by a snow storm. Fortunately the weathered cleared by morning and I was able to get a nice sunrise picture before making the Valley of the Gods loop (no good pictures) and then headed over to Lower Butler Wash and spent several hours in some nice ruins with a small Kiva. I intended to spend another night in Bluff but again the weather started changing for the worse and decided to head back to Phoenix.

Mittens at sunrise from View Hotel.

DSCF0326.jpg by kenbelt, on Flickr

Kiva & Ruins, Comb Ridge, Lower Butler Wash

DSCF0369.jpg by kenbelt, on Flickr

View towards Monument Valley from Kayenta, AZ. Snow clouds and dust storm.
DSCF0394.jpg by kenbelt, on Flickr

 

[Wallache]

View towards Monument Valley from Kayenta, AZ. Snow clouds and dust storm.
DSCF0394.jpg by kenbelt, on Flickr

Wow, great picture. The depth and clarity is amazing.

 

[roverrocks]

Wow, great picture. The depth and clarity is amazing.

I 100% agree. One amazing photo! Just put it up as my computer background. Amazing photo!

 

[mkitchen]

Very nice shots

It looks like you got a few good oportunities for pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Mikey

 

[achampagne]

Such an amazing area, I can't wait to get out there.

 

[doug720]

As already noted, great shot!

Winter is the best time to see Monument Valley, and with a good storm brewing...WOW!

Thanks for sharing.

Doug