| Canyon de Chelly, Arizona |
 Trail Name:White House Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Located within the Navajo Reservation, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced d’shay) National Monument encompasses three beautiful canyons – Canyon de Chelly, Canyon del Muerto and Monument Canyon – and the prehistoric ruins within them. It is prohibited to enter the canyons without an authorized guide – except on this trail to the White House Ruin.
From the South Rim, moderate switchbacks descend down walls of red de Chelly sandstone to the canyon floor. Slopes are dotted with cholla and prickly pear, cacti that is able to survive the low temperatures of winter. At the bottom, cross Chinle Wash – you may need to wade through shallow water but, when we hiked, there was a makeshift bridge of tree stumps. The trail makes its way along the canyon floor, through the cottonwood trees that line the river, to the fenced-off remains of an ancient village housing up to 60 people. The White House was constructed and inhabited by the Anasazi from the 11th to the 13th centuries. There were originally around 80 rooms in total, but erosion has left the well-preserved remains of only 60, plus 4 kivas (ceremonial chambers). White plaster on the upper section, built inside a cave near the base of the canyon’s sheer sandstone cliffs, gives the ruin its name. Below is a multistory pueblo, originally linked to the upper section by ladders. The Anasazi grew crops on the canyon floor, gathered fruit and nuts, and hunted deer and rabbit. The Navajo later settled the area after the Anasazi left in the 13th century and continue to farm the canyon to this day – indeed, near the trail end is a hogan, a traditional Navajo home and farm. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: South Rim of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, north-east Arizona.
Directions: Leave I-40 at Chambers (140 miles east of Flagstaff, 47 miles west of Gallup) and take US 191 north for 75 miles to Chinle. Turn right (east) onto Route 7 towards the National Monument and visitor center. Trailhead: From the visitor center, take the South Rim Drive for 5.7 miles, then turn left onto a 0.7 mile spur road to White House Overlook. The trailhead is to the right of the overlook as you face the canyon. Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: -550 ft / -168 m Duration: 1.5 hours Trail Condition: Well maintained. Be prepared to get your feet wet as you have to cross Chinle Wash. Features: Ancient cliff dwelling, sheer canyon walls. Climate: Best in spring and autumn. Summer brings high temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms. Cold in winter, with snow and high winds making road and trail conditions hazardous. Accommodation: Nearest lodging and campground are 0.5 mile from the visitor center. Trail Notes: Trail booklet available. For further exploration of the canyons, authorized guides can be hired at the visitor center. |
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