I failed to make my point; you might not get exactly what you have in mind.
While the tour books tell you that you must have a "guide" to go off the beaten path in Navajo Country, they don't give you too much detail.
The first time I went to Monument Valley, I did a bit of research of using a guide with photography in mind. Answers came from all over the place; from getting a guide who was at your beck and call…to guides who only rode with you to validate the Navajo rule that non natives had to have a guide to go off the beaten path.
By the way, this not only holds true in Monument Valley, but everywhere in Navajo Country, I believe.
When I arrived (my very first trip), at the point where the guides queue), I asked for a guide who could take me to photo op spots. They hummed and hawed a bit, but pointed to one way back in the line and motioned him up. It turned out a success, and he knew exactly where to take us.
On my second trip there were, in fact, photo guides available (for an additional fee, of course), and they gave me another; no where near as knowledgeable as the first time, but I got additional shots of opportunity, because I knew where to direct him to go.
This last trip (about three years ago), they informed me that they didn't have that kind of guide available, but I was more than welcome to join a group (who weren't necessarily interested in photography). I decided to roll my own.
Now this isn't unique to Monument Valley; I've also used guide service at Canyon de Chelly, and Antelope Canyon which are also in Navajo Country.
The guide I contacted at Canyon de Chelly knew before hand what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. BUT, we wound up going exactly where HE wanted to go. We ran out of day, but he told us he was available for the next day for another $150.
The experience last year at Antelope Canyon was yet again, totally different. They advertised a photographic tour, and that's exactly what it was!
pbase.com
The moral of this story is, when in Navajo land, don't believe everything you've read or heard; be prepared for a few surprises! |
