Monumental
Spider Rock might be one of the most visually arresting landmarks in the entire National Park Service- a massive stone tower, shining in the sun and surrounded by the walls of an undulating and bending canyon. What a delight.
Much like Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly isn’t just part of the iconic landscape of the American Southwest, it is still a living and breathing and active community within the Navajo Nation- it is the only National Monument that is not on Federal Land, but instead, on Navajo Nation land. Spider Rock, a towering monolith of sandstone in the canyon is believed to be the home of Spider Grandmother, a spiritual figure who gives advice, medicinal cures, and help. Mindfulness of the privilege of being here is the way to go.
Across Utah and Arizona, you are in the Navajo Nation. In Navajo, sacred land is referred to as Diné Bikéyah. This land belongs to the people. Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) land is also found across these two states and at archeological sites. It is an honor to see them.
Monumental
Spider Rock might be one of the most visually arresting landmarks in the entire National Park Service- a massive stone tower, shining in the sun and surrounded by the walls of an undulating and bending canyon. What a delight.
Much like Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly isn’t just part of the iconic landscape of the American Southwest, it is still a living and breathing and active community within the Navajo Nation- it is the only National Monument that is not on Federal Land, but instead, on Navajo Nation land. Spider Rock, a towering monolith of sandstone in the canyon is believed to be the home of Spider Grandmother, a spiritual figure who gives advice, medicinal cures, and help. Mindfulness of the privilege of being here is the way to go.
Across Utah and Arizona, you are in the Navajo Nation. In Navajo, sacred land is referred to as Diné Bikéyah. This land belongs to the people. Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) land is also found across these two states and at archeological sites. It is an honor to see them.