Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

 

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona [mbiru.com]

Canyon de Chelly National Monument lies within the Navajo Nation, some of whose people live and farm in the canyon. Hiking here, apart from one trail, has to be in the company of a professional Navajo guide. That's good, because local knowledge is necessary to navigate its hundred or so different trails, most of which are ancient, and many of which are extremely steep, "hand-and-toe" trails. Some are dangerous. Some require a notched log (ladder) to reach a goal. The guides know the safe routes, and, of course, know the cultural history of the canyon, which has been settled for more than 2,000 years. Hikes are always customized to suit the interest and fitness of the hikers. A typical hike would be along Bare Trail to Tunnel Trail, starting in Canyon del Muerto, ending in Canyon de Chelly, taking in at least a half dozen ancient Pueblo ruins and caves along the way. The one trail that can be hiked without a guide is White House Trail, a short hike to one of the monument's finest ruins. Any hike here is a walk through time. The park's website has a link to a list of certified local guides.