CHACO CANYON
In an absolutely barren landscape, Chaco canyon is a huge, hidden region surrounded by "badlands". In this stark environment, the "ancient ones"--Anasazi--developed and built the most culturally refined civilization in the United States. Prehistoric beginnings with simple pit-houses eventually became such grand edifices as Pueblo Bonito, a massive adobe and rock structure with 800+ rooms. Some rooms were for storage, others for living, and yet many for religious purposes (kivas).
Supreme commanders in this stark enviroment, the Anasazi paved absolutely straight roadways to their primary cultural center at Chaco Canyon. Despite numerous outliers, all roads and sentry posts point to Chaco Canyon. Although only 13 Great Houses have been excavated for public touring, there are literally thousands of other sites in the canyon which have never been thoroughly inspected.
Be prepared for rough dirt roads and no amenities. Information center provides educational materials, drinking fountains (from a well 1400ft. deep), toilets and picnic area. Overnight parking/camping is permitted, but you must provide you r own fuel, food and liquids. Terrain is totally exposed, and altitude is 6000ft+. Bring sunscreen, hat, long sleeves and pants (even in winter). You can sunburn very quickly and badly.
Located adjacent to Chaco Canyon, Bisti is overseen by the federal park service while De-Na Zin is overseen by the Navajo Nation. Neither is developed, and neither have any amenities available. You must take all supplies for your own use. Remote and undeveoped, the areas are stark, surreal landscapes. Numerous noted photographers visit the areas for black/white stills, especially during the full moon.
Home of the Eastern Navajo Nation, Crownpoint also hosts an internationally acclaimed rug auction. Held every third Friday of each month in the auditorium of the elementary school, literally hundreds of Navajo rugs are auctioned to the highest bidders.
Depending on size, quality and style, the rugs sell from $10.00 to several thousand dollars. For seriouscollectors/decorators, the rugs are always cheaper here than anywhere else. Quite easily, traders and other retailers triple or quadruple the cost of the rugs. Many of these retailers purchase their merchandise right here, usually in October, March and April.
Viewing begins at 4:00pm, Auction begins at 7:00pm and lasts until midnight--at least.
There are few amenities in Crownpoint. There is a deli in Basha's Grocery and one or two fast food locations. There is no lodging nor regular restaurant service available.
Located near Farmington, NM, in the extreme northwest section (Four Corners), they are small outlier communities similar in design and structure to Chaco Canyon. Full amenities available throughout area.
One of the newest additions to the National Park Service, it has few amenities and is located in a stark, exposed region. Created by recent volcanic activity (within the last one thousand years), much of the area remains very rugged, sharp and sterile. There are hiking areas established, but are moderately strenuous. Hiking trails should only be taken by those prepared with supplies (especially water), heavy-duty hiking boots (lava rock is very sharp and jagged), long pants/sleeves, hat, sunscreen and inform reliable persons where and when you plan to hike.
Just south of Grants on I-40 and west of El Malpais, the lava flows extend further westward and south toward El Morro.
The entire region is volcanic with numerous volcanic craters. Two of the more spectacular craters are Bandera and El Calderon. Both are considered perfect examples of "capulin"-perfectly rounded-craters. You will also note numerous "arches" throughout the region.
Remember, area is remote and has few amenities. Come prepared for rigorous activity. Prepare for the terrain.
In prehistoric times, El Morro was a natural way-station for travellers and traders from Acoma to Zuni Pueblo. When early spanish conquistadores and explorers entered the region, they also used the trail. As a way-station, "the bluff" was used for water, shelter and a message board -graffiti by travellers. When the Spaniards from the Rio Grande Valley sought a trail to the spanish missions in southern California, the Dominguex-Escalante Trail was christened. It led from the centra rio Grande Valley across the Zuni Mountains then on toward southern
California. In fact, this trail was the primary path used by the railroads constructed during the 1880's.
Not only a way-station and message board, El Morro had Anasazi ruins atop the bluff. Although the ruins are not excavated, a tour of the top of the bluff is an invigorating and beautify experience.
The steep path is asphalt, and not for the timid.
Earliest site of contact between Native Americans and Europeans in the United States, Zuni Pueblo is much decimated from its very earliest promise. Today, not much of the ancient pueblo remains. Virtually a modern town, there are few remnants. One of the most special is the Old Mission church. Fully restored from a total ruin less than a hundred years ago, a noted Zuni muralist and his family have done several decades of work re-creating the pantheon of Zuni kachina religion and symbols on the church walls. Huge murals and their minute details are explained, and a brief description of Zuni religion, is given by the muralists themselves.
Please be courteous and cautious while in Zuni, they try to maintain their ancient traditions, and frequently close the pueblo to outside influences, especially on special feast days.
Also located in Zuni are numerous trading posts. Whether window shopping or serious buyers, everyone in the world know that the Zuni are some of the finest artists and craftsmen in the world. Prices vary from very reasonable to "millionaire" quality.
Noted as the "Indian Capitol of the World", it is! Located on the edge of the Navajo Reservation, it is the shopping center for 250,000 Navajos. Just south are the Zuni, west Hopi and east the Acoma/Laguna. Originally a railroad town, it retains the small town enviroment familiar elsewhere in the United States. The difference is the multitude of trading posts and stores specializing in merchandise for the arts and crafts created by these Native Americans.
There are many architectureal remnants from the Depression, and fine examples of art from that era.
One of the more interesting and intriguing sites in Gallup is the historic El Rancho Hotel. A full service hotel for today's tastes, it was the location for movie stars and directors during Hollywood's heyday with cowboys and westerns. Many were filmed here in the area, and these legendsstayed at El Rancho. The central lobby has beautiful examples of the arts and crafts found here in the southwest. The upper loggia to the central lobby is covered with autographed photos of film legends. It's fine restaurant is also an attraction for today's "tastes".
Just 10 miles east of Gallup is Red Rocks State Park & Museum. Wind-swept, smooth terrain made from red sandstone gives the area its name, although the cliffs and red rocks sretch north and westward all the way to Window Rock--over 70m. Location for the annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial every August, it also hosts rodeos, fairs and competitions year-round. Each summer, Indian dances are performed for the public. The museum give finely detailed history of the area, and especially for Gallup.
The myriad of colored sands give the name to Painted Desert. Truly a desert, but also an artists palette of colors. Just of I-40, it is easily access--as is nearby Petrified Forest. Popularized in Hollywood legend, the area is littered with prehistoric palm tree stumps and fossils.
Deep depressions in Arizona are common: Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto. What is unique to Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto is the absolute beauty they instill! Originially home to Anasazi, it later was inhabited by Hopi. When Navajos were driven from the rio Grande Valley by early Spaniards, they sought refuge with the Hopi at Canyon de Chelly. The Hopi later abandoned the area to locate themselves on the mesas to the south. Navajos remained until forced onto reservations in southern New Mexico. They returned when they were released onto their Long Walk back home. The Navajo still inhabit and oversee the canyon.
Spectacular high alpine terrain with excellent roads and overlooks populate the mesa overlooking the actual canyon. At White House Ruins overlook, you can climb down the tunnel to the bottom of the canyon, and view the Anasazi ruins up close. Or you can enter the actual canyon with Navajo guides. "Shake-n-bake" trucks, horseback or 4-wheel drives (must bring your own) are offered for fees, and required Navajo guides. Tours are controlled by the Navajo Nation, and are for 1/2 or full-day tours.
As a horse-shoe continuation of Canyon de Chelly, Canyon del Muerto provides the same spectacular beauty, from above or within. Unfortunately, the canyon is known as "death" because of the many Navajos killed by soldiers in the 1860's.
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