This volcanic rock formation is located 15 miles outside of the town of Shiprock, New Mexico and is part of the Navajo Nation. This rock formation is sacred to the Navajos and is not open to hiking or climbing. The peak rises 7,178 feet above sea level and stands at the center of three volcanic pressure ridges that formed this geological wonder a millennia ago. Tony Hillerman's novels often speak of Shiprock so as a fan of Hillerman's novels, it was a must stop for me. It would have been nice to catch this sight early in the morning or late evening but we were there at mid- day but still well worth a slight detour to get there.