Monument Valley to Grand Canyon

Day 13, Monument Valley to Mather Campground Grand Canyon 189 miles

Before departing Monument Valley we had a drive around and took some photos - many Western movies were filmed in this area.

View of Monument Valley as we leave Gouldings Campground

The Navajo Nation Monument with Mitchell Butte in background

Early morning at Monument Valley

From Monument Valley we drove to Kayenta where we topped up with fuel (gas) then took Highway 160 to Tuba City.  From here we turned onto Highway 89 to Cameron were we had a look in Cameron Trading Post which provides an authentic, historical experience, with Native American art, lodging, dining and gifts. This place is absolutely massive!

View of Kayenta 

Continued to Grand Canyon, stopping at Scenic View and encountering lots of stallholders selling their wares (a lot of Native American items).

Scenic View overlooking Little Colorado River

Little Colorado River

Lots of Stall holders selling their wares at every roadside stop!

Scenic view - spectacular

Heading into Grand Canyon National Park (south rim)

Paid our fee at the Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park then drove in stopping at a few lookouts and were blown away with the view - and we were only seeing the south side!  Stopped at the Visitors centre and viewed a movie about the Grand Canyon (very interesting) then drove to our site in Mather Campground where we stayed for 2 nights.  Brian had the campfire going upon arrival so had a great Happy Hour around the fire - I felt the need to keep Brian company after tea for a wee Whiskey!

Our first view of the Grand Canyon at the Visitors Centre and this was only the South Rim!

View down the Canyon from the Watchtower - so many people visiting this spectacular area

Everywhere you turn were spectacular views

Mary Colter's Desert View Watchtower - each rock and painted wall was intended to convey meaning. Triangular and diamond patterned rocks. horizontal bands of different sizes, and actual petroglyphs with pecked design.

Our site in Mather Campground

Cannot beat a good campfire!