The EDGE
Day 3, Canyon de Chelly
Links:
Home Page
The EDGE Links
Day 3 took us to Canyon de Chelly. Canyon de Chelly is located in northeastern Arizona, on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Canyon de Chelly provided us with some of the most beautiful canyon views. Another treat of Canyon de Chelly was the hiking that it provided us, as you will see in the photos below. This is a view from Spider Rock Overlook. Spider Rock is just to the right of the center of the photo in plain view. It is the slender rock formation that juts skyward from the canyon floor.
Spider Rock Overlook provided us with an opportunity to get a great group photo. From left to right: Eric, Karen, Kevin, Heather, Justin (sitting), Jonathan, Lynn, and Amy.
After taking in the sites at Spider Rock Overlook, we traveled to the White House Overlook. From here we were able to hike to the White House ruins. In the photo below you can see the hiking trail we went on.
This photo was also taken from the White House Overlook, however it was taken of the view to the left of the one above. The arrow points out the White House ruins. That was our destination for this hike.
Grandpa was kind enough to point out that the trail was 2.5 miles round trip. Here we go!!
I trailed behind initially to get a couple of photos of the group. I would regret this decision later, as I had to quicken my pace to catch up. Fortunately the group took a break while I caught up, but when I finally was with them, off they went, so I didn't get the initial break when they did. OK, I'll quit my whining....
I was getting further behind!!
We arrived at our destination, the White House ruins. That wasn't so bad, but we still had the uphill hike all that way back.

Briefly the White House Pueblo was occupied from the year 1060 to the year 1275. This was prior to the Navajo settling in this area about 1700.
Once we arrived at the White House ruins, it was time for a bit of a rest, and some water.
Remember the photo taken from the White House overlook, well this is a photo looking back at the overlook. We had a couple of FRS radios with us, and we were able to communicate clearly with Grandpa and Jonathan who only went on a portion of the trail with us.
Once we had spent some time at the White House ruins, it was time to head it back. The hike back seemed harder somehow.
There were numerous stops on the way back up to catch our breath and rest our weary bones.
After the hike it was time once again to set up camp for the night. We stayed at the Canyon de Chelly campground right near the entrance to the park. This is the only night that there was no fee for camping!!