Canyon de Chelly

This canyon system was shaped by the watershed emanating from the Chuska Mountains just to the east of the monument.

This site was the home of the ancient peublos peoples. The Anasazi first occupied this area followed by Zuni & Hopi. Today the canyon is occupied the Navajo.

Established in 1931 as a unit of the National Park Service, Canyon de Chelly has been providing an opportunity to glimpse a hint of history.

Canyon de shelly is truly unique as the National Monument lies entirely within Navajo Tribal Trust Lands & is occupied by a Navajo Community!

In 1970 the Canyon de Chelly was registered as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are travel restrictions within the canyon. An escort is needed by an official park ranger or by an authorized Navajo guide.

The only trail options afforded by the traveler would be the White House ruin trail. Other vantages may be explored by driving on the North or South Rim Drive. This trail however will lead you right towards the White House Ruin.

This area is also home of some of the finest preserved petrogylphs.

Without much hunting around you will notice a gigantic figure below the White House ruin.

Photo courtesy vandegraeff