Arizona and Utah share this valley of greatness and beauty, the Navajo Nation Reservation.

Here, massive red-rock mesas and buttes rise dramatically from the surrounding desert. Each formation has its own unique shape and name, and together they create the iconic landscape that you’ve likely seen on countless movie posters and in films.

But it’s not just the rocks that make this place so spectacular — the road weaving through the valley adds to the magic. Many people mistake it for Route 66, but it’s actually Route 163. Even if you haven’t been here, I’m sure you’ve seen it in at least one classic American movie, with the endless desert stretching out to meet the towering buttes in the distance.

here were plenty of people with tripods and massive cameras set up, all capturing the iconic view. Suddenly, someone from the back shouted, “Hey, look over there!” I turned to see a stunning red sky, clouds glowing on the right side, with two smaller buttes standing proudly in the distance.

In an instant, everyone picked up their tripods and cameras and moved to the other side of the parking area, eager to capture the new, breathtaking scene. The energy was contagious — a perfect moment of shared awe in the heart of this incredible landscape.

Every time I see these massive rock formations — naturally sculpted into shapes that seem almost man-made — I’m left completely speechless. I could stare at them endlessly, exploring every angle, every shadow and curve.

Along the route, I spotted many horses grazing peacefully. When I stopped to photograph them, they ignored me completely, focused on their grass. I had to make a few horse-like noises to catch their attention and get the perfect shot — and it worked! Watching them respond, so calm yet curious, felt like a rare, magical moment in the middle of the vast desert landscape.