Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
The Monument Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de SHAY)
is home to brilliant red canyons and ancient ruins set in the heart of the Navajo
Reservation in northeast Arizona.
Our Visit We visited Canyon de Chelly as part of our 8-Park Southwest tour
in March 2004. We actually spent the night at the Monument's nice, quaint
"Thunderbird Lodge" and spent the next morning touring the canyons.
Our Weather Very nice and unseasonably warm at 85 degrees
Breathtaking view of Canyon de Chelly (March)
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Overall Impression Canyon de Chelly is considered by many to be the heart of the
Navajo Nation. This phenomenal canyon and the ancient ruins in its shadows lie in stark
contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. The views from the canyon's rim rival those
in ANY National Park. There is one thing that immediately sets this area apart from most
National Parks and Monuments--the canyon is home to many Navajo families who still live
and farm on the canyon floor.
Visiting Plan on spending at least 1/2 a day in Canyon de Chelly. The Monument
is divided into two major areas for visitors, Canyon de Chelly to the south and Canyon del
Muerto to the north. Both canyons are spectacular, but if you only have time to see one,
Canyon de Chelly is your better bet. There are 7 overlooks along the southern road. Our
favorite, by far, was Spider Rock Overlook. This area is also home to many Navajo
artists who make their living selling artwork, jewelry and pottery at the Monument's
overlooks. Other favorites included White House Overlook and Sliding House
Overlook. Unlike other Indian ruins sites, you can't get close to many of the ruins.
The only trail in the Monument is the 2.5-mile trail down into the canyon and the White
House Ruins. The draw of Canyon de Chelly, however, is the canyon itself more than the
ruins. If you have more time, take the north road to view Canyon del Muerto where
you get slightly better vantage points of the ruins inside this canyon.
Nearby Towns Chinle (Arizona)
Other Nearby Attractions Four Corners, Petrified
Forest NP
Official NPS Website Canyon
de Chelly NM
Photos
Click on thumbnails to view larger image
Most of the ruins are far away on the canyon floor. This ruin, called "White
House" is the only one you can hike to (if you have the energy) (March)
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Spider Rock overlook, at the end of the southern road, was our favorite (March)
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Another view from Spider Rock overlook (March)
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Weather Forecast
