Canyon de Chelly
National Monument
is 3 miles east of Chile, Arizona in the Navajo Reservation. The
canyon
is 26
miles l ong and is joined by the 25 mile Canyon del Muerto. The red
sandstone walls of Canyon de Chelly rise to over 1000 feet in some places.
The canyon has been occupied since 2500 BC and is still occupied by the
Navajo people who arrived in the 17th century. It was previously
occupied by the Hopi, Pueblo, Basket makers and Archaic people. The Canyon has pictographs
and ruins from its inhabitants, particularly the White House and
Antelope House.
How to Get There
To
reach Canyon de Chelly National Monument
from Flagstaff, Arizona take I-40 east to chambers, then U.S. 191 north to
Ganada and continue on U.S. 191 for 35 miles to Chinle. If you are
coming from Page, Arizona take Route 98 southeast to Highway 160 and go
north to Highway 59 southeast to Many Farms, where you pick up U.S. 191
south to Chinle.
Airports:
Hiking
Trail
In an
effort to preserve the cliff dwellings in the canyon, hiking at Canyon de
Chelly is not permitted without a guide or a ranger. At the time we
were at the canyon, there was one exception. It is an
easy hike that begins at
the White House Ruins overlook and drops 500 feet to the canyon
floor. It is about 1.25 miles each way. The White House Ruins
are across the canyon but are surrounded by a fence and cannot be toured.
Bring water, none is available.
Scenic Drive
There
are scenic drives on both sides of the canyon that will provide views of
the ruins. However, the best views can be seen on tours with
Navajo guides through the floor of the canyon.
Guided
Trips
The Thunderbird Lodge offers daily tours into the
canyon. Full day and half-day tours are $64.50 and $39.50 per
person.
Canyon de Chelly Tours
- provides guided tours within Canyon de
Chelly ranging from 3 hours to overnight trips.
If you have your own SUV,
you can inquire about using it in the canyon for a fee, with a Navajo
guide.
Sierra Club Outings - Trails of Canyon de Chelly:
E-mail:
tjtwocats@mchsi.com
|
