The ruins date from about 1200 and are some of the oldest in the canyon. The history of human occupation of the canyon began about 2,000 years ago.
The Anasazi lived in the canyons for nearly a thousand years, but vanished from the region in the mid 1200s. The modern Navajo peoples migrated into the region after the Anasazi had vanished or migrated elsewhere.
Rangers lead the free half-day hikes in the lower canyon every day between the end of May to the end of September. Although the hiking is easy, wear comfortable shoes bring plenty of water, use insect repellant and wear a hat.
The trailhead is seven miles along the south rim drive; the one mile trail is rocky and steep in places but well-maintained and not too difficult - it takes between 25 and 50 minutes to get down, depending on your abilities.
Once at the ruins, rest rooms and Indian jewelry sellers detract from the experience a little but the delicate well-preserved buildings beneath the 500 foot sheer cliff are well worth the trip.
Despite the pleasures of walking, most visitors prefer to take the Navajo jeep tours, which visit various locations along the canyon and last for all or half of a day.
The Anasazi lived in the canyons for nearly a thousand years, but vanished from the region in the mid 1200s. The modern Navajo peoples migrated into the region after the Anasazi had vanished or migrated elsewhere.
Rangers lead the free half-day hikes in the lower canyon every day between the end of May to the end of September. Although the hiking is easy, wear comfortable shoes bring plenty of water, use insect repellant and wear a hat.
The trailhead is seven miles along the south rim drive; the one mile trail is rocky and steep in places but well-maintained and not too difficult - it takes between 25 and 50 minutes to get down, depending on your abilities.
Once at the ruins, rest rooms and Indian jewelry sellers detract from the experience a little but the delicate well-preserved buildings beneath the 500 foot sheer cliff are well worth the trip.
Despite the pleasures of walking, most visitors prefer to take the Navajo jeep tours, which visit various locations along the canyon and last for all or half of a day.
© 2006 by "DiscoveringArizona Inc." · All Rights Reserved · E-Mail: jayq@discoveringarizona.com
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is part of the National Park Service but because it is located on Navajo land, admission is free. However, you must have a Navajo guide as the rim overlooks a single trail into the canyon, leading to the White House Ruins as with all trips down or along the canyon.
Can't Find What You're Looking For?
Try Google Search!
Try Google Search!
