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Why is Canyon de Chelly important?
Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, it preserves ruins of the indigenous tribes that lived in the area, from the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) to the Navajo. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most visited national monuments in the United States.
What is Canyon de Chelly famous?
Canyon de Chelly is home to several periods of Indian culture dating from 350 A.D. to 1300 A.D., and the 26-mile canyon’s sheer cliffs range from 30 to more than 1,000 feet, providing a spectacular backdrop for hundreds of Anasazi ruins, as well as modern Navajo homes and farms.
How did the White House ruins in Canyon de Chelly get its name?
Its name denotes the distinctive white plaster, which decorates the ruin’s back wall in the upper part of the dwelling. White House Ruins is a cliff dwelling connected to a four-story block on the base of a 150 m (500 ft) cliff 3 km (2 miles) east of Canyon de Chelly’s dramatic junction with Canyon del Muerto.
Is Canyon de Chelly worth the trip?
Canyon de Chelly is one of my favourite places in the American Southwest, definitely worth taking a look at. But be aware the only way you can travel on the canyon floor is with a Navajo guide. Having said that the rim drives are very good and the overlooks impressive. Have a great trip.
Do people still live in Canyon de Chelly?
Today, Canyon de Chelly sustains a thriving community of Navajo people. A visit to the park provides great insight into the present-day life and rich history of the Navajo community. Visitors to Canyon de Chelly National Monument can observe 1,000 foot sheer sandstone walls and well-preserved Anasazi ruins.
How old are the ruins at Canyon de Chelly?
Canyon de Chelly National Monument (pronounced “canyon d’shay”), contains over 2500 archeological sites ranging from 1500 B.C. to 1350 A.D. and is considered one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in North America.
Is Monument Valley open yet?
After more than a year of being closed during the pandemic, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park has reopened. The park that straddles the Arizona/Utah state line opened in July after the Navajo Nation determined that the reservation has achieved the yellow status of its COVID-19 reopening plan.
Can you drive in Canyon de Chelly?
No, driving to the overlooks on the rim drives and hiking the White House Trail are self-guided activities that do not require a fee, guide or permit. Roads to the overlooks are paved. The drives and trail are open all year long.
How long does it take to see Canyon de Chelly?
Allow 2 hours to visit 3 overlooks on the North Rim Drive;best for morning photos. Allow 2 hours to visit 6 overlooks on the South Rim Drive;best for afternoon photos. Overlooks open year round.