Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona, U.S., on the Navajo Indian reservation immediately east of Chinle. The name is a Spanish corruption of tsegi, a Navajo word meaning “rock canyons.” The monument, which was established in 1931, occupies 131 square miles (339 square km) and includes several hundred pre-Columbian cliff dwellings, built at the base of red sandstone cliffs or in caves on the steep canyon walls.
White House
Other Photos of Houses Under the Rock
They cover a longer period than any other ruins
in the Southwest, many of them dating from the 11th century. Relics of the
Basket Maker culture have been found under those of the later Cliff Dweller and
Pueblo cultures. Modern Navajo Indian homes and farms occupy the canyon bottoms.
Thunderbird Ranch Campground is the monument headquarters.
canyon wall
Navajo farm on the Canyon floor
More Photos of Navajo Life in the Canyon
bird of prey over the canyon
stream on the canyon floor
driving into the canyon with a Navajo guide
Spider Rock
closer view of the pinnacle rock
Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center
The Park Service "Bus"
viewing the canyon
Spider Rock
