Flying a drone through Monument Valley feels like stepping into a cinematic world. With its iconic red rock formations and endless desert roads, Monument Valley offers a stunning backdrop for aerial footage. The DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro is the perfect drone to capture these views—compact, powerful, and equipped with some game-changing features, including the “Follow Me” mode. In this post, I’ll share my experience using the Mavic Mini 3 Pro to film an epic drive along Monument Valley and Forest Gump Point, with the drone tracking my Ford F150 pickup truck as I drove through the legendary landscape.
Why the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro is Ideal for Monument Valley
The DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro is a powerhouse of a drone in a tiny package. It’s perfect for travel enthusiasts like myself, particularly when visiting remote areas like Monument Valley. Here’s why the Mavic Mini 3 Pro stands out for this kind of adventure:
- Portability: Weighing just 249 grams, it’s compact enough to fit in your backpack but still packs plenty of power.
- Impressive Camera: The 4K camera and enhanced HDR allow for crisp, detailed footage—even in tricky lighting conditions like the high desert sun.
- Follow Me Feature: The parallel “Follow Me” mode is a game-changer for capturing movement, especially when driving.
- Flight Time: The drone boasts a flight time of around 34 minutes, giving you plenty of time to capture vast landscapes without frequent battery changes.
For anyone interested, I’ve included an Amazon affiliate link here to the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro and Fly More Pack for those who want to explore the skies of Monument Valley like I did.
Monument Valley: An Iconic Location for Drone Enthusiasts
Monument Valley is a must-visit for any traveler, located on the Arizona-Utah border. The towering sandstone buttes make it one of the most recognizable places in the American West. It’s featured in countless films, particularly Westerns, and is a dream location for aerial photography and videography.
The key to filming in Monument Valley is understanding the area’s vastness. You want a drone that can handle large spaces while still capturing detailed footage, which is why the Mavic Mini 3 Pro excels here. Its 4x digital zoom allows you to get close to the action without actually moving the drone, which is especially useful when you want to keep your distance from restricted or delicate areas.
Forest Gump Point: The Ultimate Road Shot
Just outside Monument Valley, on U.S. Highway 163, you’ll find Forest Gump Point. This spot gained its name from the famous scene in Forrest Gump where Tom Hanks’ character decides to stop his cross-country run. The straight stretch of highway leading toward the Valley is one of the most photographed spots in the area.
This is where I used the parallel “Follow Me” feature on the Mavic Mini 3 Pro. As I drove my Ford F150 down this iconic stretch of road, the drone stayed locked in parallel formation, creating some jaw-dropping footage of the endless desert road with Monument Valley’s buttes in the background.
Using the Parallel Follow Me Feature
The parallel “Follow Me” feature is perfect for capturing driving shots. Here’s how it works:
- Setup: After launching the drone, I selected the “Follow Me” mode from the menu and set it to fly in parallel to my truck.
- Altitude and Distance: I adjusted the altitude and distance from the vehicle to ensure the drone captured both the road and the stunning landscape behind me.
- Hands-Free Filming: Once everything was set up, I could focus on driving, knowing the drone would keep pace and maintain its position, creating fluid, cinematic shots without me needing to manually control the drone.
This feature allows for some spectacular footage, especially in open landscapes like Monument Valley, where there’s plenty of space to maneuver. I recommend keeping the drone at a moderate height so it captures both your vehicle and the surrounding scenery.
Tips for Flying in Monument Valley
While Monument Valley is a drone-friendly location, there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure you capture the best footage safely and responsibly:
- Check the Rules: Drone regulations in the U.S. vary by location, and while drones are generally permitted in Monument Valley, always double-check the local rules.
- Stay Above 50 Feet: To avoid disturbing wildlife and ensuring you don’t infringe on any no-fly zones, I recommend flying at least 50 feet above ground.
- Battery Management: Given the remote location, always carry extra batteries and ensure your drone is fully charged before heading out. The Mavic Mini 3 Pro’s Fly More Pack is a great investment for this—providing extra batteries and accessories for long shooting sessions.
Using the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro to film at Monument Valley and Forest Gump Point was an unforgettable experience. The drone’s portability, powerful camera, and features like the parallel “Follow Me” mode made it easy to capture stunning footage while driving through one of the most iconic landscapes in America. Whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or new to the hobby, the Mavic Mini 3 Pro is a fantastic choice for capturing your adventures on film.
If you’re ready to take your own drone shots at Monument Valley, I highly recommend checking out the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro and Fly More Pack.
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