Canyon De Chelly National Monument is rich in Native American history, featuring deep canyon gorges, vibrant colors, diverse textures, and ancient dwellings. We visited during the fall of 2024 and were thrilled with all the experiences of exploring one of our nation’s iconic sites for the first time.
One of the experiences I treasured the most was visiting Spider Rock, the pillar-shaped structure located near the center of the image. In Navajo lore, Spider Rock is believed to be the home of Spider Woman, a deity who helped shape the universe and imparted important knowledge to the Navajo people.
On that chilly morning, I left my wife tucked warmly in bed and drove to the trailhead early enough to watch the sunrise, specifically to see the tip of the Rock illuminated by the sun. I was the first and only visitor for 45 minutes. The vastness of the area and the serene solitude were incredible! There was hardly any wind, just a few clouds to catch the coming sunlight, a few ravens for company, and the anticipation of a stunning scene.
