There are about 14 stops at various formations, and at most of them there are Navajo vendors selling silver jewelry. The colors here looked nice, but in general they did not enhance the scene. In many of these shots, a little bit to the left or right is a crowd of venders, and behind is a steady line of SUVs and people. Monument Valley is in Navajo territory, and the signs and brochures frequently reminded you to be respectful of the sacred area. Supposedly because of this, you have to hire Navajo guides if you want to go off the trail (and because some people still actually live in the valley, apparently). But I have to be honest, I think the ubiquitous venders, the literally constant stream of SUVs, the tour Jeeps with the guides talking over loudspeakers in Japanese, and the indifferent, just-punching-the-clock attitude of the Navajo workers made me think that any sacredness had long ago evaporated. Monument Valley seemed like a spectacle and a land of commerce rather than sacred land or even celebration of nature. I have no problem with that, just don’t keep calling in sacred.

To be fair, though, I was only there to collect awesome pictures, not really to celebrate the beauty of the land, either. Also, most of the valley is closed to visitors unless they are with a Navajo; I expect that these parts are more peaceful. And, complaints aside, the Navajo Nation has actually done a nice good job with the park.