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Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Overview
Canyon de Chelly National Monument ( də-SHAY) was established on April 1, 1931, as a unit of the National Park Service. Located in northeastern Arizona, it is within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and lies in the Four Corners region. Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, it preserves ruins of the indigenous tribes that lived in the area, from the Ancestral Puebloans to the Navajo who eliminated them. The monument covers 83,840 acres (131 mi2; 339 km2) and encompasses the floors and rims of the three major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument. These canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the Chuska Mountains just to the east of the monument. None of the land is federally owned. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most visited national monuments in the United States.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia1,077 words
WBP editorial3
Beyond the Viewpoints: Listening to the Canyon’s Echoes
The real narrative of this desert gorge is carried on the wind that sweeps through its high walls. Early morning light filters across the sandstone, revealing subtle colour shifts that photographers often miss in favour of the iconic rock formations. Take a quiet walk along the rim trail at dawn and pause on a jutting ledge; the echo of distant birdcalls—especially the plaintive howl of a red-tailed hawk—offers a sense of the canyon’s scale that brochures overlook. Even the rustle of piñon needles on the trail can hint at seasonal changes, signalling when the desert wildflowers are beginning to peek through the scrub. These sensory cues help frame the human stories embedded in the cliffs without needing a guidebook caption.
Travel Craft: Respectful Access on Navajo Land
Visiting the canyon involves more than a parking‑lot stop; the land is managed by the Navajo Nation, and their protocols shape the experience. Guided tours are run by local families who weave oral histories into the walk, but it’s also acceptable to explore the public rim on your own—provided you stay on marked paths and avoid photographing people without permission. Carry a modest water bottle and a refillable cup; the entrance kiosk supplies filtered water, a small but appreciated gesture to the host community. When departing, consider purchasing a handcrafted item from the nearby traders; this modest exchange supports the families who steward the landscape and keeps the tourism loop sustainable.