John Ford's Point
Perched on the rim of Monument Valley, this overlook gives you one of the most iconic viewpoints in the American Southwest, framed by the towering sandstone buttes that defined the classic Western film aesthetic. The signature shot here places the lone butte known as the Merrick Butte in the background while a weathered wooden hitching post or a Navajo rider on horseback occupies the foreground, a scene offered by local guides for a small fee. Shoot in the early morning for warm golden light raking across the red rock formations, or stay for sunset when the buttes glow deep orange and cast long shadows across the valley floor. A wide to mid-range lens works well for capturing the full scale of the landscape. The point is accessible via the 17-mile Valley Drive, a unpaved loop that requires a fee to enter the tribal park. (Monument Valley, Utah, United States)
