Canyon de Chelly – South

(Chinle AZ/NN)
The South Rim drive, at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, takes you to several more overlooks stretching over 15 miles. The canyon walls start at about 30ft, and gradually increase to over 1,000ft deep. At the bottom are streams, trees, and small farms with livestock, gardens, orchards, out-buildings and summer homes.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument – South

A parking lot at each viewpoint, and a short trail took me to the canyon edge and a feature. Each stop had something different to offer. Often there were natives trying to sell their crafts.

Rocks near the Rim

Pillars in the canyon

Spider Rock
An 800ft tall rock formation, called Spider Rock, stands where Monument Canyon meets Canyon de Chelly. Navajo tradition says that Spider Woman, who lives atop the rock, taught them how to weave. To the left is Face Rock which tells Spider Woman the names of naughty children. She then carries them to the top of Spider Rock until they behave.

Spider Rock in the Canyon

Face Rock near to Spider Rock

Sliding House
The ruin was built on a sloping ledge, so the original builders constructed retaining walls to prevent the structure from sliding into the canyon; hence the name Sliding House.

Canyon next to Sliding House

Sliding House Pueblo Ruin

White House
The cliff dwelling and pueblo ruins on the canyon floor comprise White House. Some rooms still have white plaster walls remaining. At this overlook is the only trail into the canyon open to the public. It began raining just as I arrived, so I thought it unwise to scramble down the 600ft cliff on the clay surfaced trail.

Canyon near White House

White House Pueblo Ruin

Junction
This ruin is at the junction of Canyon de Chellly and Canyon del Muerto. Also there, was the first ruin discovered by archeologists.

View at Junction

Tsegi
At Tsegi, farms in the canyon are easily seen, along with the seasonal river.

Looking into Tsegi from Overlook

Tunnel
The canyon is about 275ft deep at Tunnel overlook. By turning around, the Chinle Valley can also be seen.

The Tunnel from Viewpoint

Beautiful scenes along the canyon rims surprised me as they suddenly come into view. As one observer remarked, “Canyon de Chelly is a hidden gem because it doesn’t exist, until it does.”

Camp: Canyon de Chelly NM-Cottonwood CG (NN)
Scene: Pueblo ruins, canyons, farms

Also see: Canyon de Chelly – North