Even though it was still relatively early, the canyon was starting to heat up for the hike back up. We passed several large groups of loud Europeans on their way down. I'm sure the vendors will be delighted.
I couldn't tell if these were real or not. Each print was about the size of my palm.
Light finally infiltrates the corners of the lower canyon.
The family of ravens still squwaked loudly about.
Mistletoe is the common name for several types of parasitic plant that derives some or all of its nutritional requirements from another living plant.
Ascending from the plateau
The trail
The final tunnel leading to the canyon rim
We met Rudolph and Tilly just as we arrived at the top of the canyon. We decided to visit a few of the nearby south rim overlooks together... starting with this one, the White House Ruins Overlook. We couldn't actually see the ruins from up here, but we did see a lot of crazy rock formations.
Another one of these bizarre prints, although this one is clearly 'made'.
Regan, Tilly and Rudolph heading toward the canyon rim
We drove to the Sliding House Ruins Overlook. The Navajo call this site Kináázhoozhí (or Sliding House). The dwellings were built on such a steep slope, that even the ingenious builders were unable to keep many of the walls from slipping (although there several potential rubble piles, we couldn't tell if any were actually the ruins). Despite the precarious footing, evidence suggests this was a large village from 30 to 50 rooms. Occupation probably began around the year 900 and continued for 300 years.
Rudolph and Tilly with their bikes
The Sliding House Ruins Overlook
Maybe where the ruins were??
Creative coloring
Horses graze on the valley floor, far far below.
More amazing rock formations
The Face Rock Overlook offered only was a magnificent view of Canyon de Chelly, but also had some nice cliff dwelling ruins.
This helped immensely!
Some of the dwellings were wedged in this crack.
The Spider Rock Overview was the last lookout point on the south side of the canyon. It had an elevation of 6,871 feet (2094 meters).
This was one of the few spots that wasn't packed with people selling their wares.
More cliff dwellings
Spider Rock is an 800-foot tall sandstone spire.
The sculpting force of water
These almost look man-made.
A vulture soars through the canyon.
Thick clouds began to roll in from all sides.
