Our next destination was Monument Valley and a few other sightseeing spots, after we crossed into Arizona via back roads.
Since we didn’t prepare for anything, we had no idea vans were not allowed inside Monument Valley, or that it consisted of a dirt road. We were stopped at the entrance and asked if the van had a kitchen. Somehow KT convinced the guy to let us drive in anyway.
After the first steep downhill on gravel and seeing that it looked like it might rain, we only continued to the next overlook, got out, took pictures, then turned and went back the way we came in. Despite getting a running start to go back up that steep hill, we nearly didn’t get to the top. But we did it!
Next, we wanted to do an Antelope Canyon tour with Canyon X, but upon arrival, found they required reservations (did I mention we didn’t prepare?!) and were completely booked up. We found another tour a little further down the road that was not full and signed up for the next tour. We left Riley in the van with the shades closed to keep out the heat and the generator running to power the air conditioner.
The canyon was very pretty and using the suggested setting for our iPhones, photographed beautifully. We made it out just in time, because it began absolutely pouring as we pulled out of the parking lot back on the road.
The rain stopped by the time we got to Horseshoe bend. I was expecting something more like a park with trails, but it’s just a short crowded concrete path to an overlook. It’s really an amazing view. However, that visit was very short.
We made it to our destination at Lake Powell with plenty of time before sunset. So plenty, that we were very relieved to have power to run the AC as by that time, it was incredibly hot out. We walked down to the lake and I seriously considered jumping in. I settled for sticking my feet in.