Totem Pole, Rock pinnacle in Monument Valley, Arizona
The Totem Pole is a narrow rock pinnacle in Monument Valley that rises steeply from the desert floor. The vertical sandstone walls form a distinctive structure that stands out from the surrounding landscape.
The first documented climb of the Totem Pole occurred in 1957 when four climbers successfully reached the top of the formation. This early ascent marked a turning point in the climbing history of the area.
The formation stands near the Yei Bi Chei spires, named by the Navajo people who consider this land within their ancestral territory.
You can see the Totem Pole from designated viewpoints along the Valley Drive in Monument Valley. The self-guided route offers several stops where you can view the formation from different angles.
The formation was featured in climbing scenes for the 1975 film The Eiger Sanction. After filming wrapped, the production crew removed all climbing equipment from the site.
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