Canyon de Chelly
See my collaboration with photographer Leigh Spigelman, fellow Tucsonan, as we guest post at Travel Wonders. When anybody asked me for my favorite spot in Arizona, I do not hesitate–Canyon de Chelly ( pronounced de-shay) on the Navajo reservation in Northeastern Arizona fascinates me. I see new things each time I go, and as Leigh has done with his camera in the Travel Wonders site, I seek out new angles that reveal new beauty. The Navajos have a prayer that says “I walk in Beauty; Beauty surrounds me.” The peace of Canyon de Chelly fulfills the healing promise of that prayer. I thank Mark, owner of the Travel Wonders site for the opportunity.
Although the photos at Travel Wonders are by Leigh Spigelman, this one is mine–all rights reserved.
Have you traveled in northern Arizona and New Mexico on the Navajo reservation? Tell us about your favorite places and your impressions.
Tags: Arizona, BlogSherpa, Canyon de Chelly, Leigh Spigelman, Navajo, USA
Twitter: chezsven
says:
I actually have visited this canyon and agree with you on how extraordinarily beautiful it is. I remember the native Americans driving around in pick-up trucks, looking surly, and the turquoise vendors by the side of the road. Their attitude made me think about what it must have been like to have one’s land stolen and started me reading books like The Broken Cord by Michael Dorris.
Alexandra´s last blog ..Main Street, Wellfleet: A Whole Lot of Festivity Going On
Twitter: willmydoghateme.com
says:
I visited every nook and cranny of Arizona when I was researching my guidebook, Arizona for Dummies, and updating Lawrence Cheek’s Compass Guide to Arizona. I completely agree with your assessment of the Canyon de Chelly. I always recommend that people go there rather than the Grand Canyon if they don’t have time for both.
Edie Jarolim´s last blog ..Remembrance of Pets Past: Dia de los Muertos
Canyon de Chelly is a special experience. You can drive the rims and gaze out on the majesty of canyons, ruins, wildlife and culture or you can get rough-n-tough and head down into the Canyon with a guide. It has gorgeous nature and fascinating cultural history. The guides and Native Americans have amazing stories to tell. Absolutely, Canyon de Chelly is an Arizona treasure and we will return to this magnificent place.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
says:
Canyon de Chelly is one of my favorite Arizona destinations. Although the grandeur of the Grand Canyon is impressive, it’s hard to actually experience the canyon without hiking into it or floating through it on the Colorado River. On my June trip to Canyon de Chelly (http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2.....adventure/), the wash flowed with snow melt. A fragrant shrub (not sure which one) perfumed the air. I felt as if the canyon embraced me in an intimate exchange.
For two more canyon experiences, I recommend Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons on the Navajo lands near Page. You’ll be walking underneath the desert in a sandstone world with wonderful photographic opportunities. http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2.....t-canyons/
Donna Hull´s last blog ..My Top 3 Tucson Travel Secrets
See, readers–its not just me. Edie, Monica and Donna had the same feelings I did. So what are you waiting for? And since this post was on another blog–Travel Wonders, to be exact, I did not mention a book. But if you want to read about Navajoland, pick up The Fallen Man by Tony Hillerman, or if you can find a copy of May 1993 National Geographic Traveler, you can see an article by Hillerman about the Canyon.
let’s go back in’10.
Ken