Murali Narayanan Photography

Monument Valley offers an iconic desert landscape with towering sandstone buttes, vast open plains, and ever-changing light that creates dramatic compositions. The interplay of shadow and golden-hour illumination enhances the textures and depth of the formations, making sunrise and sunset the best times for photography. Classic views like the Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte, and Totem Pole are must-captures, while a guided tours is a must to access amazing arches and petroglyph sites. Dusty scenic drive leads to breathtaking viewpoints, offering endless opportunities to frame the buttes against striking skies.

Mitten Buttes

The Mittens of Monument Valley—East Mitten and West Mitten—are two of the most iconic sandstone formations in the American Southwest, resembling giant hands rising from the desert floor. Best photographed at sunrise or sunset, their long shadows and warm red hues create striking compositions against the vast sky. Positioned near the visitor center, they serve as a perfect introduction to the valley’s breathtaking landscapes.

Totem Pole

The Totem Pole in Monument Valley is a striking, slender sandstone spire that rises dramatically from the desert floor. Best photographed at dawn or in the early morning, its towering form contrasts beautifully with the surrounding buttes and bushes.

Merrick & Mitchell Buttes

The buttes of Monument Valley are iconic sandstone formations that rise majestically from the desert floor, creating one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest. Constantly changing with the light, they offer endless photographic opportunities, from the warm glow of sunrise to the deep shadows of sunset. Their layered rock formations tell a story of millions of years of erosion, making them not only visually stunning but also geologically significant. There are numerous buttes in Monument Valley and Merrick Butte & Mitchell Butte are my favorites.

Arches

The arches of Monument Valley are impressive natural rock formations sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion. These delicate yet massive spans were created as softer rock layers eroded away, leaving behind intricate openings in the sandstone. Monument Valley is home to a number of arches. You will need a guide with a 4-wheel drive to visit and photograph them.

The petroglyphs of Monument Valley offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Indigenous peoples who once thrived in this region. Carved into the red sandstone cliffs by the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi), these ancient rock engravings depict scenes of daily life, animals, and spiritual symbols. Over centuries, wind and sand have weathered the carvings, yet many remain remarkably well-preserved, showcasing intricate patterns and figures that tell stories of a bygone era. Accessible only with a Navajo guide, these sacred sites offer a unique opportunity to document and appreciate the deep cultural heritage embedded in the desert landscape.