Horseback riding in Monument Valley, Utah

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Names of some of the rock formations in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park portray certain meanings to the Navajo people. Other names are based on imagination or were created by early settlers of the area. The Mitten Buttes look like hands, but signify spiritual beings watching over the lands and people. Merrick's Butte and Mitchell Mesa were named after two prospectors who discovered silver inside the park. Bird Spring overlooks a vast sand dune and Totem Pole rock is a spire monument created by erosion, while a real totem pole is a historical or mythical marker created by certain Indian tribes.

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Size: 3500px × 5250px
Location: Monument Valley, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Utah
Photo credit: © James T Carnehan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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