After my previous post, I wanted to do a follow-up about Spider Rock at Canyon de Chelley (pronounced d-SHAY) National Monument. We first visited that park in 2006, when we were returning from our Grand Canyon South Rim visit. We hadn’t planned on visiting Canyon de Chelly until someone mentioned it to us. This was a rapid visit and drive to the south rim of the canyon to see Spider Rock, the iconic sandstone spire rising 750 ft (229 m) from the canyon floor. We returned to the canyon in 2010 to spend more time there and actually tour the canyon floor. This famous rock structure was featured in the 1969 movie Makenna’s Gold as well as the 1963 Rawhide TV show episode “Incident at Spider Rock.”
The photo above was taken from the lookout point along the scenic road. To the left of the Spider Rock, you can see a small dirt road that was used by our tour guide to visit the canyon floor. Here’s a close-up view of the top of Spider Rock.
This area has been home to the Navajo people and became a national monument on April 1, 1931. The National Park Service only administers Canyon de Chelly. The Navajo Tribal Trust of the Navajo Nation owns the land. Down on the canyon floor, there are ruins from the Anasazi and Navajo peoples. Today, there are still Navajo families living in the canyon. They raise livestock and farm the land.
After about six hours touring the canyon floor, we reached our destination at the base of Spider Rock. Here it is, along with a close-up of its top section, as seen from the canyon floor.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Canyon de Chelly NM, Landscapes, National Monuments, and Spider Rock. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for Terri’s Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: Vibrant Yellow and Orange Hues.
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SoyBend
Great photos up close and farther away, Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much.
marina
What beautiful images! that rock is really amazing…
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Marina. Spider Rock is a magical place.
Steve Schwartzman
Spider Rock is quite a fabulous formation. You’re fortunate to have seen it in person.
Egidio Leitao
Steve, that is why we went back for a second visit. The first time was too rushed (one afternoon only).
Pamela Zmija ~ Artist & Intuitive
Beautiful images!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Pam.
solaner
A really gorgeous landscape 👍👍👍
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, André.
solaner
😊
Wandering Dawgs
Beautiful! I really like the Navajo story about the Spider Lady. I’m sorry that we missed seeing this on our western travels.
Egidio Leitao
Native American stories are so colorful and touching. I’m happy you liked the post.
Rebecca Cuningham
So beautiful, thanks for sharing these photos.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for commenting, Rebecca.
Toonsarah
It was great to see your image of Spider Rock below, as like you on your first visit we didn’t have time to tour the canyon floor, only to drive the rim.
Egidio Leitao
Canyon de Chelly is one of those hidden gems. I’m glad you liked the canyon floor images. Thanks.
Anita
An impressive place, and absolutely stunning photos, Egidio! Imagine how many places there are on Earth that you would love to visit. Here you’ve shown me another one that I will probably never get to. Thanks for sharing!
Egidio Leitao
Anita, thank you for the compliment. Your remark about all those places on Earth are perfect. So much to see and appreciate our there. i’m glad you enjoyed the post and photos.
margaret21
Such stunning formations.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret. They are very striking.
Rupali
Amazing place and your images, Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Rupali.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Davvero interessante. Grazie per la condivisione.
Egidio Leitao
Grazie.
Anne Sandler
What an interesting read and beautiful images Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne.
Writing to Freedom
It’s a beautiful and interesting place. I also had a quick visit but I’d like to visit again.
Egidio Leitao
I enjoyed it, too.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Oh, I love seeing your images of Cyn de Chelly, Egidio! Gorgeous photos and I love that Navajo story! We may head that direction next March to visit that area. I’ve wanted to visit there after reading the Hillermann books about the Navajo tribal police. So glad you shared for Sunday Stills!!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Terri. Your topic was perfect for that.