Owl Rock - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Agathla Peak, a 1,400 foot volvanic plug in the south of Monument Valley, Arizona. It consists of volcanic breccia cut by dikes of an unusual igneous rock called minette. It is one of many such volcanic diatremes that are found in Navajo country of northeast Arizona and northwest New Mexico. These rocks are part of the Navajo Volcanic Field, in the southern Colorado Plateau. Ages of these minettes and associated more unusual igneous rocks cluster near 25 million years.

It is a section of Monument Valley that is only accessible by visitors who have a Navajo guide. This is probably for the best because there are several sensitive archeological sites, several Navajo families whose homes are in the area and do not want to be disturbed, and perhaps most importantly, the roads are very poor with deep sand and no signage at all.

Ear of the Wind is a pothole natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. It is one of several nice arches which are included in the commercial Monument Valley tours that go to the area south of the self-guided loop drive. This arch is within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and a Navajo guide is required for any visitation.

Moccasin Arch is a large pothole natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. It is one of several nice arches which are included in the commercial Monument Valley tours that go to the area south of the self-guided loop drive. It is located within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

A hogan is the primary, traditional dwelling of the Navajo people. Other traditional structures include the summer shelter, the underground home, and the sweat house. A hogan can be round, cone-shaped, multi-sided, or square; with or without internal posts; timber or stone walls and packed with earth in varying amounts or a bark roof for a summer house, with the door facing east to welcome the rising sun for wealth and good fortune.