🇺🇸 Unlocking the Desert Giant｜Sunrise & Sunset at Shiprock

A must-visit spot for drone enthusiasts! 💯 From afar, it looks like a massive ship stranded in the desert, but it’s actually the solidified core of a volcanic eruption from 27 million years ago, sculpted by wind over time into its current majestic form ⛰️. This mountain is also sacred to the Navajo Nation and is not permitted to be climbed. 🧭 Location: Navigate to 36°38'22.9"N 108°49'32.8"W. Drive along the highway until you reach the spot marked in Figure 11, where a small road branches off—this leads to the shooting location shown in Figure 6. 🛣️ It’s recommended to drive all the way along the rightmost path. The further you go, the more layered and dramatic the scenery becomes, perfect for photography! 🚙 Driving to the foot of the mountain takes about 30 minutes. The last section of the road is rough—4WD vehicles are highly recommended. ⚠️ 🌄 Sunset: Arrive at least an hour early to allow time for flying your drone and scouting the perfect angle. 📸 Before the sun sets, light hits the left side of the mountain, while the right side remains strongly backlit. For better lighting, try moving slightly to the left of the mountain. 🌅 Sunrise: After the sun rises, the right side of the mountain is bathed in direct sunlight, making for stunning photos! ✨ You don’t need to drive too far in—great shots can be captured from positions near the front. #NewMexico #Shiprock #VolkswagenBeetle #HiddenGems #RetroVibes #CarCulture #HistoricTowns #NativeAmerican #Arkansas #TravelDiaries #NewMexicoTravel #ABQ