Monument Valley, Wildcat Trail

Phoenix is more than 300 miles distant. Las Vegas more than 400 miles.

Yet Monument Valley is always packed with tourists, many of them European.

I found the Park badly managed. Perhaps they’ve no need to do better as it’s a must see attraction, as is.

No independent hiking is allowed save one track, Wildcat. The American Southwest had given it an underwhelming review, so my expectations were low.

Turned out I loved it, the only hiker on the trail.

As the sun dropped in the sky, shadows became interesting.

See all my photos from this day hike.

Don’t drive by without doing this hike. Only $5 entrance fee. There’s a rough $10 dry campground at the trailhead. I recall 2 Germans telling me, years ago, that waking up in the morning with Monument Valley outside the window was one of the real highlights of their visit to the Southwest.

Jamie Compos posted an excellent trip report with photos. They were followed on the walk by a “tourist dog”, looking for handouts.

And check Hank Leukart’s hilarious winter visit to Monument Valley – Without Baggage – A surreal, Native American dream.