Anazasi Ruins

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona was once the home of the ancient Anazasi.  Nestled on the canyon walls, these cliff dwellings provided shelter and protection from invaders.  No one knows when or why they left the area but thank goodness it's now a National Monument under the protection of both the Federal Government and the Navajo Nation.

"Anazasi Ruins"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

More of Slot Canyon

If you ever get to Page, Arizona, make a point to visit the Antelope Canyons just outside town.  They're on Navajo land and are some of the most spectacular weathered formations I've seen.  Yes, so is the Grand Canyon, but these hidden "slot canyons" are almost impossible to find if you didn't know where they are and one of those unique pieces of the landscape that'll blow your mind.  The narrow canyons, carved into the earth, are sometimes only as wide as a person and upwards of 100 feet high.  Take the photography tour if you want to get some great shots.

"More of Slot Canyon"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

The White House

It doesn't look white, but the upper cliff dwelling was covered in white at one time, hence the name.  This is just one of many cliff dwellings that dot Canyon de Chelly in north eastern Arizona.  Located on the Navajo Reservation, this is a unique National Park in that it is jointly managed by both entities. 

"The White House"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

White House Ruins - Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly, just outside Chinle, Arizona, is an awesome trip back in time.  Home to the Anazasi or "Ancient Ones", the canyon has numerous ruins that are 1,000 years old.  This one is called "White House" since one of the dwellings on the upper ledge was white.  Now home to the Navajo, the canyon provides fertile farm land for their crops and livestock.

"White House Ruins - Canyon de Chelly"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Sandstone Formations - Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is truly a wonder of nature.  Nestled in the northeast section of Arizona and part of the Navajo Reservation, this small but might canyon, carved by the elements, makes a dramatic statement.  The Navajos still farm the canyon floor and in an conjunction with the National Park Service, protect the ruins of the cliff dwellers who once lived there.  Definitely worth the side trip to get there.

"Sandstone Formations - Canyon de Chelly"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Late Afternoon Ride

Canyon de Chelly is a special place to spend time and enjoy it's beauty. A small and quiet canyon on Navajo land in northeastern Arizona, the abrupt vertical rise of the canyon walls appears even larger when compared to the horses and riders.

"Late Afternoon Ride" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Spider Rock

I spent today preparing for a lecture I'll be giving this Wednesday at the Palm Desert Library entitled "Canyon de Chelly Through the Eyes of an Artist". The canyon holds a mystique for me and each time I've been there I am overwhelmed by it's beauty. This is Spider Rock, located a long drive into far reaches of the canyon, it is a frequently painted and photographed subject. For those of you who have a free moment, the talk is at 2 p.m. and I'd love to have you join me.

"Spider Rock" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Early Condominiums

Canyon de Chelly is a favorite spot of mine and its unique history adds to the charm. This is Antelope House, so named after the nearby petroglyphs on the canyon walls depicting antelopes. This was home to the ancient Anazasi. No one knows exactly why or when they left but what remains offers us a small window into their lives. These ruins are a marvelous wonder of architecture considering what building materials were available at the time.

"Antelope House" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Horses in the Canyon

Canyon de Chelly is a favorite spot of mine. Home of the ancient Anasazi and Navajo, this spectacular location is an artist's delight. Everywhere you turn there's a painting. Now part of the National Park System, Canyon de Chelly is co-managed with the U.S. Park Service and the Navajo Nation. I've taken artists into the canyon for week long painting trips and each time I go I am awed by it's beauty. We pack in on horseback and on our ride out came upon this group of wild horses.

"Horses in the Canyon" © Kathy Dunham 2008