The Navajo tribal lands near Chinle town in Arizona hold one of the most impressive historical sites in the entire United States. Today, vibrant green and fertile Navajo fields in the valley of Canyon de Chelly strongly contrast the surrounding red and arid landscape. In the past, entire villages called the sides of the cliffs their home and their ruins can still be seen. The area around the canyon has been uninterruptedly inhabited for almost 5.000 years, which makes it one of the longest continuously inhabited regions in North America.
Often overshadowed by the world famous Grand Canyon and the photogenic landmarks of Page, Canyon de Chelly receives only a small fraction of their visitors. However, the town of Chinle is an ideal stop between these famous sites, Navajo National Monument which offers more of the impressive cliff dwellings, and Monument Valley with its Wild West landscape and iconic sandstone towers.
Tip: Don’t forget to taste some of the delicious traditional Navajo frybread with different toppings (sweet or savoury) in Chinle town before heading into the canyon.
North and South Rim
Canyon de Chelly National Monument can be explored by car, along the North and the South Rim of the canyon. Each rim provides different views over the canyon with many convenient stops along the way where Navajo sellers also display their souvenirs.
The North Rim is best in the morning, when offers picture-perfect softly-lit views over the canyon as well as over some impressive cliff dwellings. Visitors can stop at three lookouts. The final one, the Massacre Cave, has the darkest history – a small structure inside the edge of a cliff was the place where over 100 Navajo people were killed during a Spanish military expedition in 1805. The drive and a short walk to the lookouts will take around 1.5 hours.
The South Rim, on the other hand, is best seen in the mid-afternoon light. Its lookouts offer views over farmlands and geological formations and each deserves at least a short stop. However, the following three sights along the South Rim deserve a longer visit.
White House Trail
The White House Ruins, so called because of the white plaster used for the upper dwelling, are the highlight of any visit to the canyon. They are located at the base of a straight vertical bare cliff and can be accessed through the only trail that is open to visitors without a Navajo guide or a park ranger. The 4.5-kilometer hike is not too strenuous and can be done in 2 hours. While marveling at the White House, look out for the rock paintings located next to the dwellings and enjoy a totally different perspective from the bottom of the canyon. Do be warned that the ruins are fenced-off for conservation purposes and can be only observed from a distance of around 10 meters.
Spider Rock
It is worth driving all the way to the end of the South Rim to reach this sight. A short walk will take you to the lookout over an impressive 250-meter high rock pillar emerging from the bottom of the canyon at the junction of Monument Canyon and Canyon de Chelly.
Window Rock
Canyon de Chelly is not on the radar of many tourists, but for an even more off-the-beaten-path experience, organize a longer hike in the depths of the canyon to reach the Window Rock – an arch offering sweeping views of the canyon and its fields. Along the path, visitors will also observe some more rock paintings and additional cliff ruins. This portion of the canyon can be explored by foot, horseback and even jeep. Whatever transportation method you choose, a Navajo guide is required to explore this trail. Tour booking to the Window Rock should be done in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from late spring to early fall.
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