Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de Shay) : So different, a beautiful and peaceful place, shear rock walls
30ft high at the canyon entrance rising to some 1000ft, further on. De Chelly was featured in the western 'Mckennas Gold' the climax of the film being when the walls of the canyon collapse as the heroes hot foot it out of there!  Fear not. . . its still standing. The enclosed land and river area belongs to the Navaho who cultivate and farm it and have for many years. There is much historic interest surrounding Canyon de Chelly, it was the scene of battles and sieges that ended in tragedy back in the old west. The great thing about visiting this place is the rim perimeter road that allows you to drive to all the superb overlooks. Access to the canyon is by guided tour usualy aboard a four wheel drive vehicle operated by the Navaho. The only exception is a steep trail down to the 'White House' an ancient Indian ruin built at the very base of a sheer 700ft cliff. Its a great way to get down and experience the valley below. The other main feature is Spider Rock an enormous free standing rock pinnacle rising from the canyon floor. There are so many overlooks to enjoy, some truly wonderful panoramas. Its takes a bit of getting to, but well worth it.

Location: Northern Arizona near the New Mexico border.

Approach: From Flagstaff or Holbrook (I- 40) east to Chambers. North on (191) until Chilne is reached.

Parking: No problem, parking areas near all the overlooks or near the guided tour assembly points.

Lodging: Not a great deal to choose from in the area, what there is is expensive. A good way to visit Canyon de Chelly is to take a couple of nights in Holbrook (reasonable rates). This will give you a less distance to travel and give a full day to enjoy before returning to Holbrook in the evening. If you want to stay based in Flagstaff then it's a good three and a half hour drive to the canyon, return trip in darkness seems forever.