The Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de Shay) is a both a national park and Navajo tribal land. Because of this, it's the only national park I've been too that charges no entry or camping fees. To enter the canyon itself you need a Navajo guide and a 4 wheel drive or to join a tour (The proprietor of The Changing Woman Coffee Shop called the tours "shake and bakes"). The rest of us have to explore the canyon from the rim. This is a beautiful place with a long history. The "Ancient Ones" built cliff dwellings here. Navajo's were cornered here by Kit Carson in one of our nation's attempts to round up the Navajo's and move them to a different reservation. Current residents farm the valley floor and protect the ancient ruins.
