Admission to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park ($20) is good for two days. So, we returned today to hike the Wildcat Trail. This is the only trail you can access in the park without a guide. The previous day all trails were closed from 11 am to 5 pm due to hot weather. So, we arrived by 9 am before the heat if the day. Leashed pets are permitted, so our sweet doggie, Sadie, accompanied us.
The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the Visitor Center parking lot. It is a 3.9-mile loop trail around West Mitten Butte (plan on about 2-3 hours). Bring plenty of water and a hat as there is very little shade. The trail descends to the canyon floor through loose sandy soil. Cottages (available for rent) have fantastic views here.
Sentinel Mesa is the prominent rock formation to the west of the trail. A local dog was quite curious about Sadie and followed us for a mile or so. Sadie would have loved to play, but we kept her leashed!
It was interesting to see these buttes up close. Organ rock acts as pedestals to the monuments and looks like loose pebbles. Below is West Mitten Butte. As we continued on the loop trail, you could see that the rock formation is much thinner than it initially appears.
Upon closer inspection, the ongoing erosion of the monuments can be seen. Also, shown is nearby East Mitten Butte.
As we reached the far side of West Mitten, there were stunning views of the valley to the north.
Sadie had a blast..keeping a sharp eye out for lizards (of which there were many). And she was very happy when she found some shade for a short break and some water.
Erosion caused by water at the base of West Mitten can be seen here. Even though it does not rain much here, when it does it continues eroding the rock pedestals. Wind and freeze/thaw cycles also continue the process of erosion.
I loved these delicate purple flowers that we saw against the red rocks and sand in this area. Even remnants of dead trees are picturesque here!
Most of the trail is easy but the last half mile is moderate due to the uphill sandy path. My walking stick really came in handy on this hike!
It is such a different perspective when you are able to walk among the monuments. We encountered only a few people briefly during our hike, so the solitude in this setting is pretty awesome, too. On the way to our car we stopped a moment to check out these traditional Navajo structures.
The round (female) Hogan is symbolic of the sun with the door always facing east (so the sunrise is the first thing to be seen in each morning). The primary use was ceremonial, but some used as lodging, too. The small structure on the right is a sweat lodge, also used for ceremonies and purification.
The male Hogan is shaped more like a teepee with a door/entrance extending outward.
And, here’s a peak at the interiors. It is so much cooler inside either one!
We have so much enjoyed the days we spent at the Navajo Tribal Park. But, before, we went home (to the RV), we drove north on Highway 163 to see Forrest Gump Hill. Do you remember that scene in the movie when Forrest stopped running (he had a beard and a group of followers behind him)? Well, here’s the spot!
The view is to the south toward Monument Valley. A classic.
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