Vidhi Bubna
15-Sep-2026
Monument Valley in Utah is a perception shifter for all those who are seeking an America beyond what they know.
Beyond America’s skyscraper towns lies Utah, the state with the third largest number of national parks in the US. Beyond world national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches lies Monument Valley, a lesser known area which holds hidden cultural treasures and keys to America’s historic past. Most people view America as the land of everything modern - skyscrapers, technology, fashion and more. However, America is rarely viewed as a cultural epicenter holding keys to traditional secrets of the universe. Monument Valley in Utah is a perception shifter for all those who are seeking an America beyond what they know.
Housing stunning diversity of nature and natural formations - Utah is the key to unlock indigenous America since it is home to America’s indigenous navajos. The Navajos are the ancient indigenous Americans that lived in America before the Spanish and European settlers came in. They represent a small portion of America we don’t know and never read about in textbooks. Few know the Navajos are an independent dependent nation which have their own President, elected judiciary and constitution however they are still bound by the federal law of the United States.
Monument valley in Utah represents resilient and breathtaking structures made of sandstone which arose from the sand over 300 million years ago. Now, they stand as a testament of time showcasing the magnificence of nature. Tours in monument valley take travellers across the terrain and help them understand traditional ways of living in America. Little did I imagine indigenous communities in America collecting sheep wool to produce textiles or making jewellery using locally found seeds. The experience of being in Monument valley is contrary to the America we know about today. It is eye opening and exposes one to a side of America one never imagined.
Monument valley has some stunning structures which look like modern objects in the world today. Mitten buttes represent hands and look like three outstretched fingers, the totem pole is an elongated rock spire, camel butte looks like a camel hump and artists point showcases the entirety of the stunning views. Monument valley is the house of the navajos and it is the best place to understand indigenous American culture. Huts of traditional Navajo living are still intact in monument valley. Unique architectural structures built differently for the husband and wife in the family representing differing energies and powers showcase ancient living traditions in America over 250 years ago.
Monument valley is also the only place in America where you find frybreads - a traditional navajo dish. It is like a taco made of corn bread however soft shelled and chewy. Salad and cheese are filled in the vegetarian version of the dish. The non vegetarian version carries meats of your choice - be it fish or chicken. It was interesting to try frybread and experience the traditional version of taco which originated in America back in time, perhaps even before Mexico.
A tour through Monument valley takes you through the stunning views of sandstone structures. A local tour with a Navajo organisation takes you across cave-like structures in Monument Valley. If you are lucky, the Navajos sing for you, songs you have never heard before in a land which is less traversed through. The Navajo song is empathetic and touching to say the least. It reminds one of “Sirens” from The Odyssey, where you hear music of a time gone by which will perhaps never come back. There you lament the ancient simpler times when Navajos did not have to modernise and live differently from their culture. Now the community has adopted modern ways of living and is still working on connecting with technology.
After spending a few hours in Monument Valley, I felt deeply humbled and connected with myself. ‘Perhaps the fast paced life in the city is not what one should be chasing, peace lies in less explored places like this’ is the thought that struck my mind. I was fascinated to see how respect for family and traditions is still intact in Monument Valley in Utah. Beyond the America we know exist far beyond the imagination, places worth exploring to connect with deeper dimensions of yourself.
Image credits: Unsplash
