Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Closed. MORE INFO >>> It is presently illigal to climb on the Navajo Indian Reservation. These climbs are listed here for historical purposes only. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment It is illegal at the present time to climb in Canyon de Chelly or elsewhere on the Navajo Indian Reservation

Spider Rock-Canyon De Chelly. Photo by Blitzo.

Description 

Canyon De Chelly in in the NE corner of Arizona on the Navajo Indian Reservation near the town of Chinle. There are over 100 Anasazi Indian Ruins in the Canyon. Some present day Navajo still farm, raise sheep and live in Canyon de Chelly. Travel in Canyon De Chelly is restricted, and one must be accompanied by a Park Ranger or Navajo Guide while in the Canyon. The exception to this is the trail to While House Ruins. In Canyon De Chelly , there are many aweome canyon walls, spires, and beautiful formations that are a rock climber's dream. Spyder Rock is one of North America's largest free standing pillars. Arachnid Mesa is one of Arizona's few Grade V climbs and is 10 pitches long. Arachnid Mesa has probably not seen a second ascent since it was first done in 1983. Spyder Rock (along with Shiprock) are both sacred rocks to the Navajo people. It is presently illegal to climb in Canyon de Chelly and elsewhere on the Navajo Reservation. Some consider Canyon De Chelly the most beautiful canyon in America. It is truly an amazing place of history, beauty, and mystery. There are 5 overlooks along the canyon rim to view the Canyon.

Getting There 

Canyon de Chelly is located in the NE Corner of Arizona, near the town of Chinle.

The Classics

Featured Route For Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Spider Rock 5.10d  AZ : Navajolands : Canyon De Chelly National M...

Eric's Desert Rock says that Spider Rock is 9 pitches , but it's been done in 6 pitches. Pitch 1; Thin groove (5.9) to a 5.8 squeeze leads to a traverse right (one bolt) and a 3 bolt anchor. Pitch 2; 5.10 hands and O W (on the right) lead to a 5.10 chimney and a squeeze. Pitch 3; a fixed pin and a fixed chock lead to another chimney (5.9) and the 3 bolts traversing left into a steep finger/hand section to a bel...[more]   Browse More Classics in AZ

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Cliff Dwellings-Canyon De Chelly. Photo by Blitzo.

Canyon De Chelley. Photo by Blitzo.