A Journey Through Canyon de Chelly
There is a timeless Navajo prayer that begins, “In beauty, I walk.” On this serene morning in early September, I found myself immersed in this beauty as I explored the lush yet sandy floor of Canyon de Chelly. This remarkable landscape is a network of profound sandstone gorges, rich with trails, diverse wildlife, ancient ruins, captivating rock art, and stretches of sacred land nestled in the heart of the Navajo Nation.
Majestic red and brown cliffs, sculpted by millennia of harsh desert weather, loomed on either side of me. The crisp, dry air was infused with the earthy aroma of warming soil, a recently dried riverbed, and sun-kissed grass. Desert shrubs, towering cottonwood trees, and vibrant wildflowers in shades of yellow and purple sprinkled the rocky terrain, nourished by the waters that sustain life on the canyon floor.
We embarked on our adventure in an off-road vehicle, cruising along the canyon floor. The vehicle occasionally veered close to the towering sandstone cliffs, allowing us to feel the grandeur of the surroundings.
As we journeyed, we made a stop at a remarkable set of ancient petroglyphs etched into a red rock wall. Our guide, Harold Bia, illuminated the intricate imagery with a flashlight, revealing handprints, hunters on horseback, and the iconic Kokopelli, a flute-playing deity symbolizing fertility. In this shaded alcove, Mr. Bia shared the rich history of the people who have called this sacred place home for centuries—the Ancestral Puebloans, Hopi, and Navajo.
- Navajo Prayer: “In beauty, I walk.”
- Location: Canyon de Chelly, Navajo Nation.
- Features: Trails, wildlife, ancient ruins, rock art.
- Flora: Desert shrubs, cottonwood trees, wildflowers.
- Guide: Harold Bia.
- Historical Inhabitants: Ancestral Puebloans, Hopi, Navajo.
