We ate lunch at Goulding's. It was uncrowded and we got a great view of the valley. Twenty minutes later a tour bus with 80 people arrived as we were leaving. Timing is everything!
Goulding's Lodge and Trading Post was established in 1924 in Monument Valley. There is a museum in the old lodge building to the left with info on the numerous westerns filmed in the area. There is also a modern restaurant, lodge and gift shop here.
Monument Valley is impressive but I did not realize how many people lived in the area. This is all part of the Navajo Reservation.