Gouldings is a favorite stop when passing through the area. This is our third visit. The Navajo Nation still had Monument Valley closed because of COVID.
Gouldings Trading Post
Gouldings was established in 1921 when Harry and Mike Goulding purchased 640 acres next to Monument Valley. They traded with the Navajo, and eventually convinced the movie director John Ford and actor John Wayne to film a western movie. Many movies followed and the Gouldings prospered, eventually building a hotel, museum, grocery store, gas station, air strip, restaurant and RV park.
It was Halloween during our stay, but no trick or treaters at the Gouldings RV Park.
Gouldings Monument Valley and RV Park
They had full service and good internet. Maybe the internet was so good because we were only one of four others staying here.
The motorhome faced some stunning rock formations, including an arch.
Jake enjoyed being off lease each day to explore the hiking trails amongst the rocks.
He likes to stop and look.
Jake relishing a nap after all the exercise.
The area is scenic and peaceful.
Monument Valley
The drive from Bluff, Utah offers distant views of Monument Valley. This spot was in the Forrest Gump movie.
A raven having lunch with a view.
Even though Monument Valley was closed, many of the rock formations could be seen from a distance.
Valley of the Gods, Utah
Valley of the Gods is just as scenic as Monument Valley, but hardly anyone is ever here. It’s on BLM land, so maybe because it’s not a National Park or Monument it gets overlooked. Great for us!
There were so many rock formations. Some look like a hand.
Others are spires.
Most were just stunning.
We stayed at Coral Sands RV Park in Bluff, Utah. They had full service and good internet. The owners were very nice. It wasn’t a far drive from Arches and Canyonlands.
