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Canyon De Chelly National Monument
In the Navajo Reservation 3 miles east of Chinle, Canyon de Chelly (d'-SHAY) National Monument is reached from Gallup or Shiprock, N.M., and Chambers, Holbrook, Winslow or Tuba City, Ariz. Five periods of Native American culture (Archaic, Basketmakers, early Pueblo, Hopi and Navajo), dating from 2500 B.C. to present, are represented within the 83,849-acre monument.
Archaic, Basketmakers and early Pueblo groups successively occupied the canyons until a reduction in population in A.D. 1350. During the 14th and 15th centuries the Hopis utilized the canyons. The Navajo arrived sometime in the 17th century and continue to live in the canyons, growing corn and peaches and herding livestock.
The 26-mile-long Canyon de Chelly is joined by the 25-mile-long Canyon del Muerto; red sandstone walls rise from 30 to 1,000 feet in a sheer, remarkably smooth ascent. Pictographs painted on the walls date from the earliest occupation to the Navajo era.
The principal area ruins are White House, Antelope House, Standing Cow and Mummy Cave. White House was first explored in 1848, and its architecture may indicate connections with Chaco Canyon. Antelope House is named for the large pictograph of running antelopes that appears there. Mummy Cave, in which some well-preserved human remains were discovered, has a three-story tower.
Authorized Navajo guides are available for canyon trips. The Thunderbird Lodge near the monument headquarters conducts trips into the canyon daily, depending on high water conditions, with six-wheel-drive vehicles. All-day tour (including lunch) $65.95. Half-day tour $40.45; under 12, $31; phone (928) 674-5841 or (800) 679-2473.
For individuals with their own four-wheel-drive vehicles, authorized guides are available at the visitor center for $15 per hour (3-hour minimum). Other regulations apply. Guided tours on horseback also are available.
Except for a self-guiding trail from White House Overlook to the White House Ruin, all visitors within the canyons must be accompanied by a park ranger or an authorized guide.
Scenic drives traverse both sides of the canyon, affording views of most major ruins from overlooks. Allow 2 hours for each drive if stopping at all of the overlooks. Food and gas are available. The visitor center is open daily 8-5; closed Dec. 25. The Navajo Reservation observes daylight-saving time, unlike the rest of the state; times listed reflect this when applicable. Monument admission free. For further information contact Canyon de Chelly National Monument, P.O. Box 588, Chinle, AZ 86503; phone (928) 674-5500 , ext. 222.
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