Canyon de Chelly National Monument is in the “Four Corners” region of the U. S. near Chinle, AZ. It has been home to native Americans who have lived there uninterrupted for over 5,000 years. Today, about 40 Navajo families live there, tend livestock and farm a small portion of the almost 84,000 acres that comprise the monument. The history of the peoples who made the canyon their home can be seen in the ruins and petroglyphs found there.
We booked a full day with one of the Navajo guide companies and were treated to an exceptional tour. The canyon is both unforgivingly harsh and breathtakingly beautiful. The shadows cast by the rock formations when the sun is low create sharp lines on the rocks and canyon floors.
This image was created on our way out. You can get a feel for the immenseness of the place and the steep, and often sheer, walls on both sides.
