This is a first for us in the 5.5 years we have been full-time RVers...a trail ride. We have entertained the notion many times, but Monument Valley is the perfect place to imagine it is 150 years ago. And, a trail ride company is located right next to the Monument Valley KOA where we were staying (so convenient).
We called and scheduled a 6:00 pm ride (when it had cooled off a bit). These folks are very friendly and flexible with scheduling trail rides. I informed them that we were novices, what we weighed, etc. No problem. We arrived about a half-hour early (since it was very close to our lot), while our guide, Billy Allen, and his helper saddled our horses.
Billy is Navajo ands has always lived in the valley (as have many generations of his family before him). He was fantastic and taught us about the monuments, flora, fauna, and Navajo life. Here he is leading the way; I was second; and, John third.
Stopping for a photo opportunity, Billy snapped a pic of us greenhorns on our steeds, Eva (my sweet horse) and Miles (John’s larger gelding). Miles kept wanting to eat, but Eva just followed our guide.
You can just see the tip of Eva’s ears as many monuments loom in the distance. Billy pointed out this coyote den (one of several in the area).
Here is a snap of the three amigos: Billy first, me, then John. As the sun was setting the shadows grew longer. The horse Billy rode (Spirit) was a 3-year-old wild mustang that had been captured in the valley. She is still in training. Billy learned to ride about the same time he learned to walk; and, still loves to ride bareback. He provided good tips for us novices during our ride!
Dusk is such a beautiful time in the valley. But I would say the same about sunrise. I love it all!
Can you see the moon over the mesa? So picturesque.
We highly recommend these folks for a trail ride. Our guide provided first-hand knowledge about Navajo culture, traditions, use of plants, and wildlife found in the area. Rides of 30 minutes, an hour, and 1.5 hours are offered. Our 90-minute ride (although it ended up closer to 2-hours) was $90/per plus tip. We are not usually so extravagant, but this was an experience we will both always remember. Awesome! For additional information, go to www.ddmtahorsetours.com.
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