Monument Valley

Logic Puzzle

Imagine you have two ropes and an endless supply of matches at your disposal. Each rope takes exactly 60 minutes to burn if ignited from one end, but they do not burn evenly. If you were to cut a rope in half, each segment would burn for a different duration. Your challenge is to accurately measure a time span of 15 minutes using just these two ropes and matches. You can start counting down the 15 minutes at any time. How do you accomplish this?

Monument Valley

Monument Valley has always intrigued me, even though I wasn't sure about the specific locations or highlights to visit. I hope this article serves as a guide for others who wish to explore this expansive region known for its stunning sandstone buttes, which are often featured in pictures and films.

Originally, I planned to stay overnight in Monument Valley to get a proper sense of the area and determine the best sights. However, since Monument Valley is part of the expansive Navajo Nation with limited lodging options, I had to adjust my plans. I've previously camped at Havasu in the Grand Canyon, which had its perks, but navigating the camping reservation process with the Havasupai tribe was bewildering and pricey. Ultimately, I decided to stay two nights outside the Navajo Nation—first in Farmington, New Mexico, and then in Blanding, Utah—reserving a full day in between to explore Monument Valley.

A friend based in Albuquerque strongly recommended that I visit the Shiprock monument, which should not be mistaken for the town of Shiprock. This incredible rock formation rises a striking 1,583 feet above the flat desert landscape in the northwestern part of New Mexico. It holds great spiritual significance for the Navajo tribes, and climbing it is prohibited. Although it doesn't appear to be easily accessible, it can be spotted from a distance when traveling westward from Shiprock along Highway 64.

The next notable site on my journey for that day was the Four Corner Memorial. As a geography enthusiast, visiting this landmark has been on my bucket list for nearly half a century. For those unfamiliar, the Four Corner Memorial is the only spot in the United States where four states intersect.

Located within the Navajo Nation, access to the Four Corner Memorial parking area costs $8 per individual, if I recall correctly. The memorial looks just as I imagined it based on various images and accounts I had seen. The visual experience speaks volumes. One of the vendors selling Native American jewelry and artwork near the memorial mentioned that I picked a great day to visit, with pleasant weather and minimal crowds. According to the signage, the wait for photos at the very spot where the four states touch can stretch quite a bit. Fortunately, during my visit, I encountered only a short line half the time, and at other times, I had the area all to myself. In addition to the numerous art vendors, there were also two trucks offering delicious Indian frybread and tacos, which I found irresistible.

Upon returning home and sharing my enthusiasm about the visit, a friend tried to diminish the experience by claiming that the monument was inaccurately positioned. While it’s true the original survey mislocated the marker, all four states and the US Congress officially recognize it as the correct border for those states. To put it simply, the state lines were adjusted to align with the monument's actual location.

With the Four Corner Memorial checked off my mental bucket list, I finally turned my attention to Monument Valley. Although there are numerous monuments scattered throughout the area, a significant cluster is found in what is known as the 'Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park', which is managed by the Navajo Nation’s Park & Recreation Department. To reach it, you’ll want to follow Monument Valley Road, which intersects with Highway 163 about a mile north of the Arizona/Utah border. Just look for the Navajo Welcome Center. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park After paying an entrance fee of $8 per person, the main highlight is a scenic loop road. Expect to spend roughly three hours enjoying the sights, complete with numerous stops for photographs. While it is a dirt road, most vehicles should navigate it without difficulty. Do keep in mind that hiking or climbing is against the rules, and I got a gentle reprimand for straying too far from a parking area for a picture. Additionally, there are extensive signs advising against scattering cremation ashes. It's definitely the kind of place where the visuals captivate far beyond what words can convey.¼As the day drew to a close, I made a stop at 'Forest Gump Point' while en route to Blanding, Utah. This is the iconic location where Forest Gump suddenly decided to stop running after crossing the country. I expected to be the only goofy tourist taking photos in the middle of the road, but I found many others doing the same. It’s positioned along Highway 163, about 8 miles west of Mexican Hat. If your GPS isn’t precise, just look for the intersection of Highway 163 and Landing Strip Road or follow the crowd of fellow tourists snapping pictures.

The weather during Forest's time there was far more pleasant.

Ignite one rope at both ends while lighting the other at just one end.

Logic Puzzle Solution

1. In another 15 minutes, the second rope will have burned completely. Stop your timer at that moment.
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