Exploring the Unique Geology of Monument Valley
Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Monument Valley stands as a testament to the raw, awe-inspiring beauty of nature. This unique landscape has captivated travelers, photographers, and filmmakers for decades. On a recent trip from Utah to Arizona, I found myself fascinated by the towering red sandstone buttes and remarkable rock formations that make Monument Valley so remarkable.
Geological Grandeur
Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau, a region known for its vivid red rock formations and dramatic landscapes. The valley itself lies within the Navajo Nation Reservation, and its distinctive features have been sculpted over millions of years.
The towering buttes and mesas are composed primarily of four layers of rock. The topmost layer is the Shinarump or Chinle Formation, a reddish-brown siltstone and sandstone that dates back to the Triassic period, around 240 million years ago. Beneath this lies the Moenkopi Formation, characterized by dark colored sandstone and siltstone. Next is the De Chelly Sandstone layer, known for its vibrant, multi-colored shales, clays, and mudstones. The deepest layer visible is the Organ Rock Shale, a hard, durable rock that forms the towering cliffs and spires characteristic of Monument Valley. The appearance of this layer is dark red, and uneven as it reaches the valley floor.
Grand Canyon Trust map of the Colorado Plateau with the plateau boundary and Monument Valley highlighted
Image of Merrick Butte illustrating the four geological formations making up this stunning landmark.
The incredible formations of Monument Valley were created through a combination of wind and water erosion. These natural forces have worn away the softer rock layers, leaving behind the more resistant sandstone formations. The result is a landscape dotted with isolated monoliths, spires, and mesas, each with its own unique shape and character.
Family Favorites
As movie fanatics and rock enthusiasts, my family’s passions found the perfect setting to collide in Monument Valley. This iconic landscape has served as the backdrop for numerous films since the late 1930s, beginning with “Stagecoach.” It has also been featured in “Forrest Gump,” “Back to the Future Part III,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Mission: Impossible II.”
One of my favorite locations in Monument Valley is Forrest Gump Point, formerly known as the Iconic Viewpoint, located in Mexican Hat, UT. The nostalgic charm of the movie scene, combined with the breathtaking panoramic views, created an unforgettable experience!
Every time we stopped to stretch or take pictures, our three children would eagerly scatter to explore the diverse rocks scattered throughout the area. They were so excited to crumble the sandstone between their fingers and search for any sparkle of quartz or calcite. Their excitement and curiosity added an extra layer of joy to our adventure, making our visit to Monument Valley truly memorable!
Many destinations around the world offer similar experiences, where a passion for geoscience can be combined with activities and attractions that create fun and lasting memories for the whole family. There are countless places where exploration meets family fun!
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References
(1) Permianland: The rocks of Monument Valley. D. L. Baars 1973, pp. 68-71. New Mexico Geological Survey. https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/downloads/24/24_p0068_p0071.pdf
(2)Map of the Colorado Plateau (2018 edition). April 5, 2018. Grand Canyon Trust. https://www.grandcanyontrust.org/map-colorado-plateau-2018-edition
About the Author
Jessica Johnson is a business development manager on Golden Software’s Sales and Marketing Team. She has a Masters in Business Administration as well as a BA in Educational Studies, both from Western Governors University. Jessica’s professional experience includes 12+ years in hospitality and business marketing. From that experience she has gained a passion for helping customers solve their problems.
Outside of work Jessica enjoys baking, reading, and staying active. She enjoys fitness classes, lifting, hiking, and tennis. You can also find her spending time with her husband and 3 kids.
