Here in Navaho Country

After driving across tribal lands in some awesome but also desolate territory, we arrived at Chinle, AZ and camped at the Cottonwood Campground at Canyon de Chelly.  We spent the next day exploring the canyon and the ancient buildings and culture.  Starting at the Visitor Center, we planned our travels to take both the north and south rim roads. 







At the many lookouts we walked out to the edge and peered down to the amazing cliff dwelling remains that all became abandoned by the 1350s.  Unlike other canyons, Canyon de Chelly has a flat open area suitable for farming at its base.  The perennial flow of the river made this a good place to raise crops, and still have the security of living up high in the canyon wall.

Today the Navaho's still farm in the canyon, growing corn, and grazing sheep and their horses.




At the White House cliff dwelling, we took the one accessible trail down 1.25 miles to the canyon floor and the ruins.  This was one of our favorite trails as it went through two short caves, along slick rock ledges, before crossing a bridge with the Navaho horses grazing nearby.

For the second day in Navaho country, we headed to Gallup, NM which is the Navaho Nation's center.  On the way we stopped at the Hubbel Trading Post.  Still in use today, this store was established in the 1880's trading food and dry goods to the Navaho for their agricultural products and crafts.  Absolutely beautiful Navaho rugs, baskets, pottery, and carvings are for sale; but now trading for dollars.