The main road through Mexican Hat (US 163) eventually joins US 191 which goes north to Monticello and Moab, but before this it passes close to the Valley of the Gods. This is a smaller scale version of Monument Valley, with tall, red, isolated sandstone mesas and cliffs standing above the valley floor. The area may be toured via a 17 mile dirt road (FR 242) that winds around the formations. This is rather steep and bumpy in parts but should be passable by normal vehicles in good weather. If you are a camper, this is BLM land and you can camp in cleared areas. Here are a few photos from the area.

[Bob Harris]

Indeed reminds me of Capital Reef - love the red rock. Thanks for sharing.

Yes Dave, same basic process, amazing what erosion can do to sandstone. thanks Bob

[eddie1960]

lovely shots bob +1 on #3 being a favourite. i've been wotrking on my wife for a vacation visiting a few american nature site (yosemite/Grand canyon etc, not to much effect though as she knows it will turn into a photo safari. i'm currently working on San Fran and she can stay in town while i hit Yosemite for a couple of days

[Sailor]

Makes me think a cavalry troop will show up soon.

Jer

[Bob Harris]

lovely shots bob +1 on #3 being a favourite. i've been wotrking on my wife for a vacation visiting a few american nature site (yosemite/Grand canyon etc, not to much effect though as she knows it will turn into a photo safari. i'm currently working on San Fran and she can stay in town while i hit Yosemite for a couple of days

what if you purchased a camera just for her and then you could suggest different locations to break it in and give her free lessons.

[eddie1960]

what if you purchased a camera just for her and then you could suggest different locations to break it in and give her free lessons.

Ha, I've got 4 Digitals and 11 film cameras, one of the digitals was bought specifically for her. She rarely uses it except on vacation, and 15-20% of the shots end up being her version of ironic shots of me with a camera glued to my face lol
Long before I came along in 81 her Prior boyfriend was also a photographer
And she has a good eye for composition and knows how to use a camera, just not the desire

[lepiallou]

Amazing pictures... !

Thanks for sharing

[normhead]

And she has a good eye for composition and knows how to use a camera, just not the desire

Now that's just crazy talk.

Reminds me I met the opposite this summer. One of the people I guided into the park kept telling me what a great eye she had, but wouldn't learn the technical use of a camera. Her husband told her at least 5 times n the trip how much better she'd be if she took a few classes, and constantly changed camera setting for her to get the most out of a scene. Smart girl, great eye, but no desire to learn how to use a camera.

I guess it takes all types.

[eddie1960]

I think she just leaves it to me....like the driving lol