Round the World Travel

We were heading to Page just as a base for Monument Valley, but two people recommended calling in at Sunset Crater National Park on the way. Boy, are we glad we did!

Astronauts have used this landscape to train for moon walking. It is a volcanic area, with lava flows all over. The lava in some areas is iron rich and is oxidized in areas making it look like it is rusting. Hence the Sunset description.

This is contrasted in other areas by black lava and it makes some areas look like it is in darkness or in shadow.

There is a road that loops around and takes you onto another National park, Wupatki. This is very different, full of ancient native Indian ruins from the 1100's. It is amazing how the communities lived in such barren, dry areas.
We were amazed after seeing these areas that Americans say they have no history and visit Europe to see old areas. They have just as old right on their doorstep!

We were so glad that we made this detour on the way. Without the recommendation we would have driven straight past.