Sunrise over the Monuments

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These are the formations most people think of when recalling Monument Valley. We were blessed with just enough of a hole through the clouds to get some great sunrise shots. When we left our hotel at 4:30 am it looked like the entire sky was clear. By the time the sun actually came up, there was just a narrow break to let in some light. It ended up looking like it would be cloudy most of the day.

Click on images below for enlarged view.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 55mm, ISO 100

Right and Left Mittens

Morning glow silhouettes the mittens. You can see a few puddles by the road in the foreground.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L @ 105mm, ISO 100

Left Mitten

As it got lighter, the colors increased for a while. If you wait too long, they start to fade again.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L @ 115mm, ISO 100

Moon and Butte

The full setting moon was visible just behind us as we watched the sunrise. The first rays are just lighting up this butte.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L @ 135mm, ISO 100

Right Mitten

In the enlarged view look at all the layers caused by the ground mist in the distance.