Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established in 1931. Embracing nearly 84,000 acres within the Navajo Reservation in north-eastern Arizona, these canyons on the Colorado Plateau have been inhabited for nearly 5000 years.
The Navajo entered the canyons about 400 years ago. They brought sheep and goats, planted corn and fruit trees, and lived mainly on the canyon floor. Some Navajo farmers continue that tradition today.
From the visitor center near Chinle, perimeter rim drives with many overlooks allow visitors to get a panoramic view of Canyon de Chelly. Each drive is about 35 miles round trip by car. Near the visitor center canyon walls are not so steep, and the canyon floor is open. This is where many of the farms are. At the end of South Rim stands Spider Rock, an 800 ft tall sandstone spire reaching up from the canyon floor (photo above).
Remains of cliff dwellings dot the canyon walls; dramatic rock formations jut out from every corner; cropland and grazing animals dot the canyon floor. Horseback and jeep tours of the canyon floor are available with local guides. Short hikes allow access to a couple of the larger cliff dwelling sites.
