Monument Valley and the Movies

This was the amazing view from our house at Gouldings Lodge in Monument Valley, Utah.  Some of what we are looking at is in Arizona. The natural features are on both sides of the state line. 

The history of the Goulding Lodge is very tied in to the early Hollywood westerns.

The Museum is a fun spot for photographs with "The Duke".

‘Captain Nathan Brittles’ Cabin’, also called ‘John Wayne’s Cabin’, is located just behind the museum.  In actuality, it was Mike (Mrs.) Goulding’s potato cellar, where she stored her fruits, vegetables, and other perishables.   When ‘She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’ was filmed here in 1949 by director John Ford, this structure was used for exterior shots only as the personal quarters for the Cavalry Post’s commanding officer, played by Wayne.

We spent most of Sunday at the Navaho Tribal Park driving on the 17 Mile Trail within the park.

 We saw several stray dogs during our visit, and some had their pups tagging along.

We were stopped at a Navaho jewelry stand at this overview and the rider slowly walked his horse out to the point. It just was a perfect scene and this is an area where John Ford did a lot of his filming.  No wonder!

 

A family favorite is Forrest Gump and this sign marks the spot where he ended his run. Below is the scene from the road.

There are so many views in this area that you will see in current truck commercials and many, many movies. As beautiful as it is, it is a harsh landscape and it couldn't have been easy working here.

Its quite amazing to visit the area and learn about how the Gouldings brought Hollywood and the world to see it.  We were thrilled to be able to spend time in Monument Valley in such beautiful weather.