Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Located in the northeastern part of Arizona within the boundaries of Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly National Monument covers 131 square miles (339 km²). The monument embraces 3 major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument.

What makes Canyon de Chelly unique is that it consists entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land that remains home to the canyon community.

Chinle Wash

White House Ruin

In the park you can see ancient ruins and geologic structures. There is no fee to see the canyon. Tours of the canyon floor can be booked at the visitor center.

If you decide to visit the Canyon de Chelly, you should know that the access to it is restricted and you will only be allowed to travel if accompanied by park ranger or an authorized Navajo guide. The only exception from this rule is the White House Ruin Trail.

One of the attractions is the Spider rock. It is a sandstone spire which height is 800 feet (240 m). Numeral television commercials used it as a scene.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Casa Grande was declared a National Monument in 1918. It consists of the ruins of multiple Hohokam structures. It is Located in Coolidge, Arizona. In Spanish “Casa Grande” means “big house”. The monument is named after the largest structure on the site. It used to be a four story building and is supposed to have been abandoned in the mid 1400’s. The building is made out of caliche.

Casa Grande Ruins is a great place for teachers to take their kids. If you decide to do so make sure to plan the visit, make reservations, peruse on-site activities and request fee waivers.

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