Goulding Utah & Monument Valley

When the world thinks of southwest America, one place comes to mind—the area surrounding Goulding's Trading Post. Though the name may not be familiar, some of the Hollywood's most memorable images were taken in and around Monument Valley, Utah. Located on the Arizona-Utah border, the Goulding's tourist compound is one of the most popular destinations in the region.

Built in 1923, the Goulding's Trading Post is an emblematic structure that represents the Southwestern identity. The store's visionary namesake, Harry Goulding, wanted to revitalize the community of Monument Valley. He journeyed to Hollywood to meet with legendary film director, John Ford, in order to convince him that Monument Valley was the perfect locale to shoot Ford's Westerns. The meeting was successful and Ford filmed movies such as Stagecoach and The Searchers in and around the area.

A re-creation of the original Trading Post is still selling wares, but also serves as a museum with film memorabilia, a John Wayne movie set, and Native American artifacts. On the compound, there is Goulding's Lodge, which offers comfortable accommodations with full-service amenities. The Stagecoach Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a regional treat—Navajo tacos. Earth Spirit Show showcases the sights and sounds of Monument Valley, while the Arts and Crafts market specializes in Navajo creations, like authentic jewelry, rugs, baskets, and other crafts. Goulding's Tours arranges guided treks into the valley. Tours range from three and a half hours to full day packages. Popular destinations include Anasazi ruins, petroglyphs, movie locations, geological areas of interest, and Navajo hogans.

For more info about Goulding's, visit their website at http://www.gouldings.com/english/index.htm or call (435) 727-3231.