20 Attractions to Explore Near Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and lies in the Four Corners region. Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, it preserves ruins of the indigenous tribes that lived in the area, from the Ancestral Puebloans to the Navajo. The monument covers 83,840 acres and encompasses the floors and rims of the three major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument.

The Antelope House Overlook is along the North Rim Drive in the Canyon de Chelly National Monument near Chinle, Arizona. Upon reaching the parking area, it is a bit of a walk across sandstone with some steps to reach the fenced overlook. The view from here is marvelous in every direction. The real fun of this spot, though, is the large, mostly flat sandstone cap of the canyon walls that invite exploration.

The Sliding House Overlook is located along the South Rim Drive in the Canyon de Chelly National Monument near Chinle, Arizona. The location is one of seven overlooks that are spread out along the south rim of the monument. This is one of the few sites where there weren't any Navajo vendors selling their crafts.

The Face Rock Overlook is located along the South Rim Drive in the Canyon de Chelly National Monument near Chinle, Arizona. The location is one of seven overlooks that are spread out along the south rim of the monument. There was only one lovely Navajo grandmother selling her wares at the trailhead.

Spider Rock is an American rock formation located in Apache County , Arizona . Culminating at 2,031 meters above sea level overlooking the Canyon de Chelly , it is protected within the Canyon de Chelly National Monument .

Mummy Cave is the name of the ruin visible from the overlook. With over 80 rooms and three kivas, this is one of the largest dwelling structures in the park. It was named for two mummies that were discovered here by an archaeological expedition in 1882. There are great views both up and down the canyon from this overlook.

Massacre Cave Overlook is located off of the North Rim Drive in the Canyon de Chelly (pronounced d'Shay) National Monument. The cave is the site of a rock shelter where in 1805 a group of Navajo had fortified themselves in a battle against a Spanish military expedition led by Lt. Antonio Narbona. With over 80 rooms and three kivas, this is one of the largest dwelling structures in the park. It was named for two mummies that were discovered here by an archaeological expedition in 1882.

Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.610m (8,562ft) above the sea level, located in the Navajo Nation of Apache County, in northeast Arizona, in USA. It’s called Indian Route 13. It’s a great little curvy road with twists and turns in a scenic panorama of sandstone cliffs and tall ponderosa pines.

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is a historic trading post on the outskirts of the town of Ganado , Arizona , United States . The station was founded in 1876 by John Lorenzo Hubbell and was one of the most important trade establishments with the region's Native Americans, primarily the Navajo people, but also the Hopi and Zuni people . It is still in operation today and serves as one of the most important trading posts for Navajo arts and crafts .

Roof Butte is a peak in the Chuska Mountains in Arizona, United States. Roof Butte is the highest peak of the Chuska Mountains which run in a north-northwest direction across the Arizona-New Mexico border. Roof Butte is a visible butte for miles around.

Navajo Nation Council Chamber is the center of government for the Navajo Nation. The landmark building, in Window Rock, Arizona, is significant for its association with the 1930s New Deal, and its change in Federal policy for relations with Native Americans, as established in the Indian Reorganization Act. With its red sandstone façade and overall rustic architectural style, the chamber was designed to harmonize with its spectacular natural surroundings.

Window Rock is a census-designated place that serves as the seat of government and capital of the Navajo Nation, the largest territory in North America of a sovereign Native American nation. The capital lies within the boundaries of the St. Michaels Chapter, adjacent to the Arizona and New Mexico state line. Window Rock is the site of the Navajo Nation governmental campus, which contains the Navajo Nation Council, Navajo Nation Supreme Court and so more.

The Navajo Nation Museum is a modern museum and library on Navajo ground in Window Rock, Arizona. Its collections, exhibits, and other activities focus on the cultural history of the Navajo people. Its activities include traditional museum exhibits, a research library, and programs that help to revive and preserve the Navajo language.

This is the only Native American owned-and-operated Zoo in the U.S., and is deemed “A Sanctuary for Nature and the Spirit."and is notable among zoological facilities in that it labels its exhibits in the Native American Indian language of Navajo. The zoo operates on an area spanning 14.7 acres and is located in the vicinity of the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock. It is home to about 100 animals, representing over 50 species and sees an estimated 45,000 visitors each year.

The Pastora Peak is a mountain peak located to the south of Teec Nos Pos in Apache County, Arizona. It is one of the iconic attraction in this area and also trekking is possible.

The Painted Desert is a United States desert of badlands in the Four Corners area, running from near the east end of Grand Canyon National Park and southeast into Petrified Forest National Park. It is most easily accessed from the north portion of Petrified Forest National Park. The Painted Desert is known for its brilliant and varied colors: these include the more common red rock, but also shades of lavender.

The Teec Nos Pos Trading Post is were the local Navajos shop for their daily needs and sell their unique artistic creations:rugs, silver and turquoise jewelry, kachinas, bead work, and a variety of other crafts. Buckskins and baskets, required for Navajo traditional ceremonies, are bought and sold at our trading post.

Ear of the Wind is a pothole natural arch eroded in DeChelly sandstone. It is one of several nice arches which are included in the commercial Monument Valley tours that go to the area south of the self-guided loop drive. This arch is within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and a Navajo guide is required for any visitation.