Monumental Courage: The Story Behind the View

Monumental Courage: The Story Behind the View

Monumental Courage: The Story Behind the View

Sometimes an adventure starts with a whisper from an unexpected place. For me, that place was a virtual reality workout in my Supernatural VR headset. I was exercising in a stunning digital re-creation of Monument Valley, a place I’d never been. I was hooked. The problem? We had been on the road for a while, and my husband Todd, having been there multiple times, wasn’t keen on going. It took some serious puppy dog eyes, but I finally convinced him, and I am so incredibly glad I did. This is the story of that visit, of an epic tale Todd shared, and of a video that became a collection of my favorite monuments from across the desert southwest.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: The wild horses. While driving the scenic loop in Monument Valley, keep an eye out for the herds of wild horses. Seeing them grazing at the base of the massive monuments is a truly magical and iconic shot that connects you to the spirit of the Old West.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE LAND OF MONUMENTS

Need some courage to stand strong? This VR Getaway is a tribute to the earth’s monuments that stand tall and alone after everything else has eroded away. This journey will take you not just to Monument Valley, but also to the Valley of the Gods, Canyon De Chelly, and Moab. Put on your headset and prepare for a positive boost from these incredible landscapes.

"...My favorite part was sitting looking over at the Mitten formations and having Todd share his story about being here during the Red Bull Air Races, and how the pilot barely managed to pull up after hitting a pylon... It was an epic story..."

Adventure at a Glance

• 🏞️ Locations: Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Canyon De Chelly, Moab
• 🚶‍♀️ Activity: Scenic Driving
• ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
• ☀️ Best For: Iconic American West scenery, photography, cultural history.
• ⏳ Recommended Time: One full day for Monument Valley & Valley of the Gods.
• 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The Mittens, John Ford's Point, the wild horses, Spider Rock in Canyon De Chelly.

My Monumental Story

I loved every moment of driving the dirt road that loops through Monument Valley. The scale is impossible to capture in photos. My favorite part of the day was sitting at an overlook, gazing at the iconic Mitten buttes. It was there that Todd shared an incredible, intense story. He had been in that exact spot years before during the Red Bull Air Races. He described watching a pilot come in too low, actually hitting a race pylon with his wing. In a heart-stopping moment, the pilot somehow managed to pull the plane up, narrowly avoiding a catastrophe that could have harmed hundreds of spectators. It was an epic story of skill and survival, and I was so lucky to capture him telling it on video, right there where it all happened. That moment, combined with seeing the beautiful wild horses grazing at the base of a monument, made the entire trip worthwhile.

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

• ♦️ Best Time to Go: Avoid the summer! The heat in this region is extreme. Spring and Fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring ____