Down the Canyon

— Eight years ago we were visiting Canyon de Chelly National Monument for the second time. The first time all we did was the scenic drive. We were able to see Spider Rock and other features from above. The second time around, we booked a Jeep tour with the Navajo in order to explore the canyon from the bottom floor. Before reaching some of the monument’s famous sites, we had to drive through water for a while. It was not deep water, but it was still lots of fun. Did you know that Canyon de Chelly is completely owned by the Navajo Tribal Trust of the Navajo Nation? It is the only unit of the National Park Service that is administered that way. At the present time, there are still some 40 Navajo families living on the canyon floor, and that makes this visit even more special. We were able to pass by some homes and farms. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most visited national monuments in this country.