ARIZONA

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Scott Craven
The Republic | azcentral.com
Imagine living perched on the side of a cliff, as the Navajos did at Canyon de Chelly for thousands of years. A Navajo guide is required to visit all but the White House Ruins (pictured).

As feet sink into soft sand, eyes turn aloft to follow sharp-angled cliffs and narrow ledges carved by eons of wind and water. The bleating of sheep reminds you that people still live and work in this ancient place, where the heart of Navajo country beats strong.

Why go: Stunning scenery blends with Navajo culture. Drive along the rims of Canyon del Muerto and Canyon de Chelly and stop at overlooks that reveal the treasures within, from graceful stone towers to gravity-defying spires. Due to the remote location, some visitors may go the entire day without seeing anyone else.

Don’t miss: Take a Navajo-guided tour, the only way to see the canyon the way it was meant to be — from the bottom. Outfitters offer horseback, hiking and vehicle trips of varying lengths. You may see ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs or people who still farm and tend animals on the canyon floor.

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Insider tips: Lodging is available in the park, and nearby Chinle has several motels and restaurants. The Navajo Reservation observes Daylight Saving Time, meaning it’s an hour ahead of the rest of Arizona from March through November. And it's pronounced "canyon de shay."

Along the way: The Hopi mesas along State Route 264 between Tuba City and Chinle provide a peek at a centuries-old culture. In addition to history and scenery, they are wonderful places to buy paintings, kachinas and other works from local artists. Stay overnight at the Hopi Cultural Center on Second Mesa, www.hopiculturalcenter.com.

Getting there: Canyon de Chelly is 300 miles northeast of Phoenix.

Details:  www.nps.gov/cach; navajonationparks.org/htm/canyondechelly_tours.htm.