White House Ruins in Canyon De Chelly

• When you are in the canyon's bottom, the image across the canyon is immense! )White House Ruins stands out as the sun reflects off the white plastered walls. This is the only place in Canyon DeChelly where non-Navajos may hike unescorted into the canyon. The Park Service has improved an old Anasazi trail from the Canyon's edge to its bottom. Originally, the entire ruin was available, but after tens of thousands of tourists who chose to take a souvineer, the ruin has been fenced off. Ground below the ruins that was once tiled with pot shards discarded by the uphill residents, is now bare dirt.

• The trip to the canyon's floor takes about twenty minutes from the trailhead at the observation point. It is a drop of about six-hundred feet. Restrooms are maintained at the bottom, but each person must take their own water. In the summer, it is best to hike here in early morning, or evening. At those times the canyon cools off and this reduces the possibility of heat prostration or dehydration.

• Individuals who do not want to hike the trail, or who cannot make the climb can ride the 10 Km from the Canyon's mouth to the ruins. Tours are available by truck or horseback from local concessioneers.

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Copyright © 1998 Calumet Consulting
Most recent revision April 24, 1998