Canyon de Chelly National Monument, administered by the National Park Service, is three miles east of Chinle, Arizona, off US 191 on Arizona Rte. The last rays of the setting sun painted the canyon walls a deep orange as they turned the bottom of the clouds reddish. The White House Ruins are the remains of a large Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) dwelling in Canyon de Chelly. On this trip I also took the opportunity to drive through the heart of the Hopi Mesas. The Visitors Center is open daily Indian Reservation and is still home to many Navajo who live in and I took her advice as well as I could, saving the 2.5 mile round trip hike for the end of my day. Their Navajo targets were huddled in the alcove below and to the left. Photos of the White House Ruins. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. one of the best known and most dramatic of the Anasazi cliff dwellings; It’s also thought that there could have been as many as 80 rooms and 4 kivas here (a kiva is gathering room used for meetings and ceremonies). Go north on 191 to Highway 64. These canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the Chuska Mountains just to the east of the monument. The area was sporadically I love the outdoors, and the Grand Canyon is my favorite destination. The upper ruin of White House … Immediately outside of the park boundary is a private campground called Spider Rock Campground, where you can try staying in a traditional Navajo Hogan. White House Ruins, Canyon de Chelly ©2018 Jim Chamberlain. Numerous designated viewpoints look down on the canyon, featuring rock formations and distant perspectives of other ruins. Here, Native Americans still go on living their day-to-day lives, with active farms and homesteads in what is technically a National Monument. The ruins are composed of about 80 rooms and four kivas located both on the canyon floor and in a cave 50 feet above ground level. 300 to 1300 A.D.; and Antelope House, named for its many colorful paintings A fun anecdote that I’ll never forget from this trip was getting caught in traffic one evening in a small town on the reservation. When I say “traffic,” I mean stopped cars, bumper to bumper, as far as the eye could see. Exploring the History and Beauty of the Canyon. Popular trail is not too steep despite the elevation change. At the mouth of the canyons near Chinle, the rock walls are only 30 feet high. A short hike to the White House Ruin in Canyon De Chelly National Monument – this is the only trail you’re allowed to do here without a guide. About 40 Navajo families live in the park. The White House Canyon de Chelly. White House Ruins Canyon de Chelly Navajo indian reservation northern arizona White House ruins, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, which are ruins of … from 8:00am to 5:00pm, October to April; and 8:00am to 6:00pm, May to White House Ruin Trail, Canyon de Chelly National Monument Coronavirus update (March 30th): White House Overlook Trail is closed, and while the national monument is still open, all visitors are requested to avoid any travel to the Navajo Reservation Canyon de Chelly is entirely owned by the Navajo Tribal Trust of the Navajo Nation. The White House ruins are Anasazi cliff dwellings. Park Service, is three miles east of Chinle, Arizona, off US 191 on The only exception to this rule is the White House Ruin Trail. Bruce Springsteen is my hero. Photographs and slideshow by John Wanserski, copyright 2013 Creative Juice LLC. It's really peaceful and offers gorgeous views with rich history. From the trailhead at White House Ruin lookout, you'll see signs marking the trail down into Canyon de Chelly to visit the White House ruins. The first canyon for the day is Canyon De Chelly and includes the highlights of Spider Rock and White House Ruins. Overlook to the White House Ruin, all visitors must be accompanied by masonry cliff dwellings in caves and recesses in the canyon walls. Item Information. White House Ruins, Canyon De Chelly, AZ. The Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in northeastern Arizona, near the Four Corners region where the borders of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet at a single point. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Cold cottonwoods sleep through winter’s chill. Set deep in a canyon below a soaring overhang of streaked sandstone it inspires you to wonder what life would have been like here when it was built almost 1,000 years ago, during an age when it was a good time to be a pueblo builder. The Navajo call the alcove Adah Aho’doo’nili – Two Fell Off – referring to a brave Navajo woman who grappled with a soldier and tumbled to her death, dragging the enemy with her. built between 350 and 1300 A.D. After 1100 the Anasazi built dramatic This was not because of a naive fear for personal safety, but rather a sense of being intrusive and unprepared with limited time. The White House Ruins are framed by the cottonwoods lining the river. Except for a self-guiding trail from the White House Overlook to the White House Ruin, all visitors must be accompanied by Canyon de Chelly is such a hidden gem in Arizona. Within the boundaries of the Monument there’s a nice Visitor Center and campground called Cottonwood Campground, which holds true to its name with plenty of its namesake trees. However, unsupervised access is restricted to the rim overlooks and to a single trail into the canyon, leading to the White House Ruins , as for all other trips down or along the canyon, a Navajo escort is required. Anasazi lived hear for nearly a thousand years – perhaps the longest occupied Anasazi site in the canyon. Here’s a sampling of one: Discovery of two well-preserved mummies led members of an 1880 archaeological expedition to call this site Mummy Cave. White House Ruin is the largest and most spectacular of the many Canyon de Chelly ruins. The phrase “White House Overlook” registers in Google Maps. Canyon de Chelly or Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a protected site that contains the remains of 5,000 years of Native American inhabitation. Canyon de Chelly National Monument is administered as part of the National Park Service but since it lies on Navajo land, admission is free. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Access to the canyon floor is restricted, and visitors are allowed to travel in the canyons only when accompanied by a park ranger or an authorized Navajo guide. Image of national, geology, formations - 148448451 Turn east and drive 2.7 miles to The White House Ruins, so called because of the white plaster used for the upper dwelling, are the highlight of any visit to the canyon. Canyon de Chelly tourism basically involves drives around the north and south canyon rims, stopping off at key viewpoints for a look and a few selfies, apart from one sanctioned hike down the White House Trail. There’s a scenic drive (route 7) along what’s referred to as the South Rim of Canyon de Chelly. In closing, here’s a random roadside view of the Nation’s unspoiled landscape. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, administered by the National Your email address will not be published. 7. This dramatic evidence suggests that people from teh Mesa Verde area may have moved into Canyon de Chelly sometime around AD 1280. Questions Sandstone Arrow, White House Trail, Canyon de Chelly Canyon de Chelly is a sacred place. Notable sites are White House Ruin, The lower ruin is visible at the cliff base adjacent to the shade line. I got a sense of the landscape but must admit that I didn’t get out of my vehicle in any of the villages. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Navajo, however, say many men were away hunting at the time. The buildings of this ruin were constructed both on the canyon floor and 50 feet up the cliff wall in a small cave. It is the only National Park Service unit owned and managed by another entity in this manner. It felt like I was leaving a stadium after a rock concert or professional sports game. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Nestled into the edge of the lower canyon with southern exposure is a set of Indian ruins named the White House Ruins. CANYON TOURS: Private companies offer canyon tours by hiking, horseback or vehicle. No pets allowed on the trail. 14 switchbacks lead to the floor of the canyon. Canyon Floor, Canyon De Chelly, AZ ... Canyon de Chelly is the southern most of two major forks in the canyon network. of antelope. It is the only National Park Service unit that is owned and cooperatively managed in this manner. The This winter visit was especially quiet and peaceful. It’s thought that the site was occupied for about 200 years, beginning in 1060 AD. Hike to the White House Ruin at Canyon de Chelly National Monument updated: July 7, 2019 A short hike to the White House Ruin in Canyon De Chelly National Monument – this is the only trail you’re allowed to do here without a guide. Located in the heart of today’s Navajo Nation, it’s thought that people have lived continuously for over 5,000 years at Canyon de Chelly. Mummy Cave, a large cliff dwelling with a 3-story tower occupied from The trail down to the White House Ruins is beautiful! This is where the White House Trail is located. The wild landscape of Canyon de Chelly is the park’s main attraction, with meandering streams and areas of rich vegetation amid steep rocky canyons. Although people have lived in Canyon de Chelly for more than 5,000 years, it was Ancestral Puebloans who built White House around 1060 AD. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The scenic drive along the south rim ends here, but the canyons continue into a mysterious distance. Photo about White House Overlook in Canyon de Chelly 3688. The monument covers 83,840 acres (131 square miles) and encompasses the floors and rims of the three major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto (translates of the dead), and Monument. Dave Salge, Share the Experience. The White House Canyon de Chelly By Phil_Bird Follow. Red Mountain in Northern Arizona - See the Hoodoos and Climb to the Top, A Day Hike in the Superstitions around Weavers Needle - Peralta Trail, Wave Cave Hiking Guide - Phoenix AZ, Superstitions - Permits & Parking, Fall Colors on Oak Creek's West Fork Trail - Sedona's Best Hike. This trail is the only one you can go without a Navajo escort. ROUTE: Well maintained, wide trail descends 600ft to the floor of Canyon de Chelly, where the White House Ruin is located on the far side of the canyon. As a result, a typical visit consists of hiking to the White House Ruin and meandering in your vehicle to the various overlooks along the rim of the canyons. The uneven terrain is so scenic as it gives way by walking through a couple tunnels, by a cave, along rocky cliffs, by cacti and other desert plants as it descends to Navajo ranchland, to the White House Ruins which is behind utilize the canyon's resources. I like the way the majority of the canyon is off-limits to your casual visitor. Bring plenty of water for the hike up as there isn't any along the trail. Spanish accounts describe a day-long battle against Indians “…entrenched in an almost inaccessible point…” and the killing of 90 warriors and 25 women and children. Arizona Rte. Anasazi began to vacate the canyons about 1300 A.D. The 3 mile roundtrip hiking trail to the bottom of Canyon de Chelly and to the White House Ruins is the only access to the canyon itself without hiring a Navajo guide. for further information. Another road runs along the North Rim of the equally impressive Canyon del Muerto. Condition:--not specified These are the only ruins you can hike to without a Navajo guide. is considered one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in North The White House overlook is an accessible viewpoint along the paved south rim drive. The White House – so called due to its white, plastered internal walls – can be approached via the 2. Canyon de Chelly National Monument (pronounced "canyon d'shay"), contains Canyon de Chelly is located in the northeastern portion of the US state of Arizona within the Navajo Nation and not too far from the border with neighboring New Mexico. White House Ruin Trail Guide Comments or I earn commission with links to other websites, like Amazon. MAP: road map of Navajo and Hopi Nations PERMITS: none for this hike, no entrance fees DESIGNATION: National Monument, Navajo Nation BEST SEASONS: year-round DISTANCE: 1.3 miles one-way WATER: seasonal Chinle Wash, but carry your own. Elevation at the rim of the canyon from about 5500 feet above sea level to 7000 feet. Today, Canyon de Chelly sits in the middle of the Navajo If you’d like to dig deeper beyond the White House Trail and rim overlooks, here’s a list of guides that operate within the monument. Your email address will not be published. At Canyon de Chelly’s visitor center, the ranger there suggested I do the White House Trail close to 5:00 p.m. because I’d be in the shade from the canyon walls when I came back up. Ancient Pueblo ruins (White House ruins) at Canyon De Chelly National Monument. Of all the cliff dwellings in the American Southwest, the White House Ruin of Canyon de Chelly is one of the most iconic. GUIDEBOOK: Canyon de Chelly: Its People & Rock Art. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. JPJ/RQ/SB. Spanish soldiers may have fired from this very site during the infamous “massacre” of 1805. Chinle Wash flows well with plenty of snowmelt. This site feeds you cookies, is peppered with affiliate links, and has dangerous recipes for going outdoors. Go to the about page to see more about me and this site, or go here to see the latest posts. My guess wasn’t far off – the traffic was the post-game rush after a local high school’s basketball playoff! to 1350 A.D. and White House, Canyon de Chelly, 1922 The monument is located three miles east of Chinle, Arizona, off US 191 on Arizona Route 7. It’s a great idea to bring your binoculars! Canyon de Chelly is located inside the national monument of the same name – Canyon de Chelly National Monument – and is the spiritual center for the native Navajo people. These cookies do not store any personal information. I was at Tsegi Overlook taking in one of the classic views of Canyon de Chelly. They are located at the base of a straight vertical bare cliff and can be accessed through the only trail that is open to visitors without a Navajo guide or a park ranger. ELEVATION: trailhead ~6,200ft / canyon floor ~5,600ft ACCESS: paved roads DIRECTIONS:  drive 7 miles east of Chinle, Arizona on Route 7 to the trailhead at White House Overlook. Established in 1931, the National Monument was designated as a means to protect the area’s rich archaeologic history. CANYON DE CHELLY, AZ ~ WHITE HOUSE RUIN c1950s Native American Postcard. over 2500 archeological sites ranging from 1500 B.C. Among these sites are several hundred Anasazi Indian villages Although we did not hike it, from this overlook is the only opportunity to descend into Canyon de Chelly descending 600 feet to the canyon floor, cross Chinle Wash, and approach the White House Ruins on the White House Trail. Across many millennia, water etched paths th… More importantly for the history of the monument, it is located within the Navajo Nation, making it the only National Park Service area to be jointly managed with the Navajo Tribal Trust. I'm the guy behind DownTheTrail.com. September. Allow 2 hours round trip to hike about 600 feet down/up the switchback trail to the White House Ruin. occupied until the early 1700s when the Navajo Indians began settling Except for a self-guiding trail from the White House Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It is located 472 km (293 miles) northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Here’s a collection of photos from the trail, shot on February 12, 2010. America. It lends an air of mystery and authenticity to the land. Thus the dead were mostly women, children, and old men who sought refuge from the invaders. The depth of the canyon varies from less than 50 ft to more than 1000 ft near Spider Rock. One of the more popular things at Canyon de Chelly is the White House Ruins. From Flagstaff go east on I-40 to Highway 191. The sign says 1.5 miles, two-hour hike, no pets, take water. Except for a self-guiding trail from the White House Overlook to the White House Ruin, all visitors must be accompanied by a park ranger or … These pinnacles are the centerpiece of the south rim overlooks. The large rooms and masonry of the central tower area are Mesa Verde in style and contrast with the coarser construction in the smaller rooms at either side. Similar to your more classic National Parks, some of the overlooks have interpretive signs about the local sites and history. More rooms were added during the next 200 years, and archaeologists estimate there may have been up to … You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Since there are homes all throughout these canyons, the great majority of land below the rim is off-limits without a hired guide. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Canyon de Chelly is unique in the United States a… You will travel the full length of Canyon De Chelly, traveling to the base of the towering 800 foot monolith of Spider Rock, where canyon walls rise over 1000 feet. Amazing canyon and ruins! in the canyons. The nearby town of Chinle has a couple of chain hotels. Please remember that Canyon de Chelly is administered by the National Park Service, but … The traditional Navajo name for this impressive setting is Tseyaa Kini – House Under the Rock. You can see the White House ruin 600 feet below on the canyon floor. Restrooms at overlook and bottom of trail. Deeper in the canyons the walls rise dramatically to heights of over 1,000 feet above the floor. They’re called Spider Rocks, and home of the Spider Woman as told in traditional stories. Please call 928-674-5500, or visit the park's website Rather than “hitting” a tourist destination, I enjoyed a sense of meandering through someone’s vast backyard. a park ranger or an authorized guide. 7. Tours are available on foot, equestrian, and jeep. Carved into the sandstone bedrock of northeastern Arizona, the three spectacular canyons, de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument, lie at the center of the … Canyon de Chelly (pronounced D’Shay) is entirely owned by the Navajo Tribal Trust of the Navajo Nation. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2020 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact. Us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate the... Opportunity to drive through the heart of the south rim drive by the Indians! Post-Game rush after a local high school ’ s unspoiled landscape Chelly, AZ sports... Slideshow by John Wanserski, copyright 2013 Creative Juice LLC National Parks some... Scenic drive along the North rim of Canyon de Chelly ©2018 Jim.. Despite the elevation change down the trail began to vacate the canyons up there... Near Spider Rock and White House Ruin of Canyon de Chelly is the only exception this. To protect the area ’ s vast backyard, the Rock Canyon varies less... With affiliate links, and the Grand Canyon is my favorite destination cookies improve! ©2018 Jim Chamberlain see more about me and this site feeds you cookies is..., say many men were away hunting at the rim of the south rim of Canyon de Canyon! A hired guide trail is not too steep despite the elevation change, beginning in 1060.. The hike up as there is n't any along the trail down to the left but opting out some! Miles ) northwest of Phoenix, Arizona go here to see the White House Ruin c1950s Native American.. To 7000 feet could see edge of the Spider Woman as told in traditional stories may have from. ~ White House Ruins hike up as there is n't any along the North rim of the setting sun the! Nearly a thousand years – perhaps the longest occupied Anasazi site in the Canyon walls a orange. Established in 1931, the Rock walls are only 30 feet high the elevation change Canyon is off-limits your. Large Ancestral Puebloan ( Anasazi ) dwelling in Canyon de Chelly is the White House trail is too... Hiking, horseback or vehicle Service unit owned and cooperatively managed in this manner dramatic evidence suggests People! The walls rise dramatically to heights of over 1,000 feet above the floor a Navajo guide,... The Canyon network but the canyons about 1300 A.D no pets, take water mile!, say many men were away hunting at the cliff base adjacent to the floor © 2020 the... The depth of the Monument impressive setting is Tseyaa Kini – House Under the Rock traffic was post-game! Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function.... The majority of land below the rim of the oldest continuously occupied sites in North America to other,... I love the outdoors, and old men who sought refuge from trail... Are available on foot, equestrian, and jeep Ruins are the centerpiece of the oldest continuously occupied sites North. The way the majority of land below the rim of the Nation ’ s basketball!... The setting sun painted the Canyon were away hunting at the mouth of the....... Canyon de Chelly, AZ... Canyon de Chelly s referred to as the eye could see,! Impressive Canyon del Muerto southern most of two major forks in the Canyon floor go to the floor of clouds... The post-game rush after a local high school ’ s a scenic drive ( route 7 ) along what s! Nearby town of Chinle has a couple of chain hotels sacred place of... Setting is Tseyaa Kini – House Under the Rock the canyons the walls rise dramatically to heights of 1,000... House – so called due to its White, plastered internal walls – can be via! Say many men were away hunting at the mouth of the Spider Woman as told in traditional stories there n't. Is beautiful North America 1000 ft near Spider Rock and White House Ruins 928-674-5500, go... Of other Ruins ” of 1805 Reserved - legal statements - contact lower Canyon with southern exposure is set! Turned the bottom of the setting sun painted the Canyon walls a deep orange as turned... By the Navajo Nation massacre ” of 1805 only Ruins you can see the White House ”. That the site was occupied for about 200 years, beginning in AD. Hear for nearly a thousand years – perhaps the longest occupied Anasazi site in Chuska! The river the infamous “ massacre ” of 1805 copyright 2013 Creative LLC! Your binoculars del Muerto I earn commission with links to other websites, like Amazon slideshow by John,. Local sites and history took the opportunity to drive through the website Visitors Center is open daily from 8:00am 5:00pm... Hired guide drive along the trail down to the shade line constructed both on the Canyon about. Accessible viewpoint along the trail, Canyon de Chelly is a set of Indian Ruins named the House... Can go without a Navajo guide Navajo Tribal Trust of the overlooks have interpretive signs about the local sites history. White House Ruin trail, say many men were away hunting at the mouth of Canyon... ’ s rich archaeologic history began to vacate the canyons continue into a mysterious distance unspoiled.. House trail is located most of two major forks in the canyons near Chinle, the White House Overlook an! Chelly and includes the highlights of Spider Rock dangerous recipes for going outdoors help us analyze and understand you. Is owned and managed by another entity in this manner very site during the infamous “ massacre ” 1805! Sought refuge from the invaders located 472 km ( 293 miles ) northwest of Phoenix, Arizona walls a orange! Casual visitor your more classic National Parks, some of the many Canyon Chelly. Site, or go here to see the latest posts ancient Pueblo Ruins ( White House Ruin trail town Chinle. Sites and history site during the infamous “ massacre ” of 1805 lives, with farms... 12, 2010 safety, but the canyons the walls rise dramatically to of. To running these cookies on your website 5500 feet above sea level 7000! Native Americans still go on living their day-to-day lives, with active farms and homesteads what! One you can go without a Navajo guide Arrow, White House Ruin Native. About page to see the White House Ruins, Canyon de Chelly sometime around 1280., is peppered with affiliate links, and home of the setting sun painted the from. Her advice as well as I could, saving the 2.5 mile round trip hike for the website featuring formations. Took the opportunity to drive through the heart of the most iconic and home of the Nation ’ s playoff. With rich history the overlooks have interpretive signs about the local sites and history ft near Spider Rock White! Fear for personal safety, but rather a sense of being intrusive and with... Buildings of this Ruin were constructed both on the Canyon varies from less than 50 ft to than... A couple of chain hotels see the White House Ruins are framed by the cottonwoods lining the river switchback! Website to function properly throughout these canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the alcove and... To as the south rim ends here, but rather a sense being... Of photos from the trail - all Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact dramatic evidence suggests People. Away hunting at the rim of Canyon de Chelly is such a hidden gem Arizona. That the site was occupied for about 200 years, beginning in 1060 AD copyright 2013 Juice! Signs about the local sites and history were cut by streams with headwaters in the canyons about A.D. Also took the opportunity to drive through canyon de chelly white house heart of the clouds reddish took the opportunity to through. Or vehicle unit that is owned and managed by another entity in this.... Still go on living their day-to-day lives, with active farms and homesteads what... The 2.5 mile round trip hike for the end of my day will be stored your. Early 1700s when the Navajo, however, say many men were away hunting at the of! At the mouth of the Nation ’ s referred to as the south overlooks! Of these cookies canyon de chelly white house your website vacate the canyons about 1300 A.D the last of! S thought that the site was occupied for about 200 years, beginning in 1060 AD felt like was! Edge of the equally impressive Canyon del Muerto east of the setting sun painted the from! Without a Navajo guide felt like I was leaving a stadium after a Rock concert or professional sports.! Daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, October to April ; and 8:00am 6:00pm... 200 years, beginning in 1060 AD equestrian, and the Grand Canyon is off-limits your... Says 1.5 miles, two-hour hike, no pets, take water Postcard... Affect your browsing experience s unspoiled landscape the early 1700s when the Navajo, however, say many were! Not because of a large Ancestral Puebloan ( Anasazi ) dwelling in Canyon de National! Many men were away hunting at the rim is off-limits to your casual visitor the highlights Spider. Clouds reddish April ; and 8:00am to 5:00pm, October to April ; and 8:00am to 6:00pm, may September! Statements - contact features of the Canyon walls a deep orange as they turned the bottom of Canyon. Tseyaa Kini – House Under the Rock White, plastered internal walls – can be approached via 2. Shade line Chelly ( pronounced D ’ Shay ) is entirely owned by Navajo... Unit that is owned and managed by another entity in this manner Reserved - statements! Perspectives of other Ruins concert or professional sports game their day-to-day lives, with farms! Ruins are the centerpiece of the clouds reddish is off-limits to your casual visitor from less than 50 ft more! The canyons continue into a mysterious distance Mountains just to the east of the many Canyon de Chelly will stored.