OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

I thought I’d seen some wild landscapes, but Monument Valley absolutely blew my mind. Those red spires shoot up out of the earth like giant traffic cones, and the sunsets make you believe you’re on a different planet. Rented a jeep from a local Navajo guide and nearly rattled my teeth out on the backroads—worth every jolt. Pro tip: hit the 17-mile scenic drive right after sunrise for maximum drama and minimal crowds. Anyone else try the frybread at the visitor center? Still dreaming about it.

I camped out nearby last spring—woke up at 4am and watched the sun crawl across those rock towers. Totally worth the lack of sleep. And yes, the frybread is the real deal! If you like weird photos, there’s a spot called Forrest Gump Point on the highway—best “road to nowhere” selfie in the Southwest.

Monument Valley is jaw-dropping—went with my family as a kid and have been chasing those views ever since. Took the horseback tour and my horse was named Elvis. He was grumpy, but the guide’s stories about the movies filmed there were top-notch.

If you’re a stargazer, don’t miss the clear nights out here—zero light pollution! I made coffee on a camp stove and watched the Milky Way stretch from horizon to horizon. Just make sure your car can handle the dirt roads—mine almost didn’t.