At the base of sheer red cliffs, and in canyon-wall caves, lie many large, dramatic ruins of Indian villages built between 350 and 1300 A.D. Canyon de Chelly National Monument offers visitors the chance to learn about Southwestern Indian history, from the earliest basketmakers to the Navajo Indians who continue to live and farm here.

The best views of the canyons and ruins are provided along the South Rim Drive, 36 miles with 8 overlooks, and the North Rim Drive, 34 miles with 4 overlooks. Highlights of these scenic tours include views of the First Ruin and Junction Ruin from Junction Overlook; White House Ruin, the best known Anasazi cliff dwelling in the canyon, which can be reached on foot on a 2 1/2-mile round-trip trail from White House Overlook, an 800-foot sandstone spire rising from the canyon floor; Antelope House, named for the colorful drawings of antelope by a Navajo artist 150 years ago; and Mummy Cave, one of the most spectacular dwellings in the park.

Quicksand, deep dry sand, and flash floods make the canyons hazardous. Travel in the canyons is only permitted when accompanied by a park ranger or an authorized guide; travel to and from White House Ruin on the hiking trail is the only exception to this rule.

• Canyon -
• North Rim -
• South Rim -

• Hike with a Navajo guide into the canyon and experience the awesome power of the red vertical walls rising steeply on either side.
• Tour the remains of Indian villages built between AD 350 and 1300 and learn about Southwestern Indian history from the earliest basketmakers to the Navajo Indians who live and farm here.
• Visit Mummy Cave, one of the most spectacular dwellings in the park.