Monument Valley
You will spend the entire day in Monument Valley, exploring one of the Southwest’s most magical and mysterious landscapes. You will stay at one of the original trading posts and immerse yourself in Navajo culture on your way to discovering the “Beauty Way”.
“Toward the end of the 13th Century, the Anasazi began abandoning their spectacular ruins. It was a regional exodus that remains a mystery.
The prevailing guess is that a combination of factors heralded in the Anasazi decline – arroyo cutting that made agriculture more difficult; sedimentation onto farmlands, which lowered the water table; depleted wood supplies; and warfare.
We do know that the Southwest experienced a great drought during that period.
But while the Anasazi abandoned places like Hovenweep, Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, and Kiet Siel in the late 1200s, they did not vanish.
If you take an Indian ruin tour these days, or read a book about the Anasazi, you will invariably run into the following line, “And by the 14th Century, the Anasazi had mysteriously vanished.”
WRONG!
Their children live on today at Zuni, Laguna, Acoma, and Hopi. The Pueblo Indians of the 21st Century are the descendants of the Anasazi who built the classical ruins of Kiet Siel.
The Hopi have found Fire Clan rock art at Betatakin and need no further proof.”
– The Canyon Chronicles
How to Get There
Drive 25 miles to the north on Highway 163 and then turn left at Goulding’s Trading Post
Best Lodging
Goulding ‘s Trading Post ($150)
Camping
Goulding’s Campground offers the following amenities:
- Full RV Hook-ups
- Tent Sites
- 50 Amp Service
- Cable TV
- Complimentary Wireless Internet (available in most areas)
- Hot Showers
- Indoor Pool (closed in the winter)
- Sun Deck
- Nightly Shuttle
- On-site Convenience Store
You can also sign up for a tour of Monument Valley at the Campground Office.
Best Places to Eat
Gouldings Trading Post
Best Things to Do
Navajo Spirit Tours – Navajo Spirit tours has been around since 2007 and is a Navajo family owned and operated business featuring family members as guides who have rich history in Monument Valley. They have been consistently voted the best Monument Valley tour in the business.
Monument Valley (2.5 hour tour)
Mystery Valley (3.0-4.0 hour tour)
Teardrop Arch (2.5 hour)
Hunts Mesa
Copper Canyon Spirit Tour
- Tours will run you about $75
Goulding’s Trading Post Museum
No visit to Goulding’s Lodge is complete until you have experienced Goulding’s Trading Post Museum. Opened in 1989, the museum is both a showcase of varied artifacts and a glimpse into a bygone era. Goulding’s Lodge is not just a famous locale for Old West movies, but is also steeped in a rich history of trading, tourism, and culture as well. The museum is open to all visitors, whether staying at Goulding’s or not. Admission is on a donation basis; donations provide for college scholarships for local high school graduates each spring.
Goulding’s Trading Post Museum is comprised of several different areas. The first is the ‘Trading Post Bull Pen’, which was the heart of the trading post back in its glory days. Basically a small ‘show room’, the locals would bring their goods in to ‘trade’ for items available such as kitchen wares, canned goods, material and threads, and even guns. Many items such as the old scales are original.
The next section of the museum is the ‘Ware Room’, which was just that during the trading post era. Surplus and supplies filled this room: bags of raw wool, crates of coffee, and saddles were stored here. Today the Ware Room is filled with photographs of the early days at Goulding’s, and also pictures of local Navajos from the 20th Century. Display cases offer guests the chance to see historical pottery and other crafts from a variety of Native American Tribes.
The ‘Josef Muench Room’ boasts a variety of artwork and photography, principally, that of famous photographer and close Goulding friend, Josef Muench. It was Muench’s photos that Harry Goulding caught director John Ford’s eye with. A sampling of the Goulding’s jewelry is displayed in this room, as well as some of their most personal items, such as their wedding certificate.
The ‘Movie Room’ was originally built as the mess hall for the crew of ‘The Harvey Girls’; today it is filled with movie stills, call sheets, posters and other items from the Golden Age of movies. Always playing in the Movie Room is a classic John Ford – John Wayne film. Also of interest in this room is a detailed topographical map of the Monument Valley area, where one can identify different movie locations.
The ‘Living Quarters’ is upstairs and has been restored as closely as possible to how the Goulding’s home appeared in the late 1940’s and early 50’s. After Mike Goulding’s passing in 1992, the Living Quarters was filled with many of the Goulding’s personal belongings. Though a simple layout, this living space was warm, comfortable, and inviting, a tribute to both Goulding’s and their commitment to personal hospitality.
‘Captain Nathan Brittles’ Cabin’, also called ‘John Wayne’s Cabin’, is located just behind the museum. In actuality, it was Mike Goulding’s potato cellar, where she stored her fruits, vegetables, and other perishables. When ‘She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’ was filmed here in 1949 by director John Ford, this structure was used for exterior shots only as the personal quarters for the Cavalry Post’s commanding officer, played by Wayne. All interior shots were filmed at Hollywood studios. A mock up of the Hollywood set is to be seen inside the cabin, as well as a vast array of still shots from ‘She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’.
Goulding’s Trading Post Museum’s mission is to enlighten and entertain each guest with insights into a way of life that is quickly passing into memory, and to also educate visitors to appreciate and respect the local Navajo and their way of life. Goulding’s commitment to generating college scholarships through donations is one way we carry on the Goulding’s love for Monument Valley, its people, and its many visitors.
– Goulding’s Trading Post Museum
Goulding’s Trading Post & Lodge
Goulding’s Trading Post Gift Shop
During your stay in Monument Valley, don’t forget to stop by Goulding’s Gift Shop. It is without a doubt one of the finest places to purchase authentic Southwestern items including: handmade jewelry, pottery, rugs, and other artwork. All artwork is made regionally and locally by Native Americans, and guaranteed authentic. Most local items come with a picture of the artist.
Their collection of handwoven Navajo rugs includes over 300 rugs. This means plenty of choice when it comes to style, size and price. Make sure to see a weaving demonstration at the Goulding’s hogan so that you can appreciate the skill involved in creating these unique rugs.
Insider Tips!
- Gouldings will ship your gifts back home so you do not need to schlep them with you and risk damaging them in transit.
You should only camp in designated campgrounds when on the Navajo Indian Reservation. The Navajos are really starting to get into the tourist business and there are numerous public campgrounds along the highway. This is a good way to help the local economy and meet some local Native Americans.
