I was so excited to head to Canyon de Chelly National Monument because it was one of the places I learned so much about in Archaeology at The University of Oklahoma and I just had to see the ruins and the fabled Spider Rock for myself. I even camped AT Spider Rock Campground so that I could see the sunrise onto the spire. But my midnight travels via Indian Route 7 and 73 through the sandy and snowy Chuska Mountain foothills and subsequent before sunrise wake-up got me all turned around. I never did see Spider Rock on that trip to Canyon de Chelly but I will see it next time. What I DID see was the White House Ruins, which are now closed so at least there’s that.

Despite not seeing Spider Rock, the place was freakin’ amazing. Every overlook and viewpoint was magical and the sunrise threw light down the 700 foot sheer drops to the canyon floor, illuminating the gorgeous desert varnish walls. I loved creeping to the edge and peering over with that lovely flying feeling. There were seven overlooks on the South Rim Drive but now there’s only six since they’ve closed the White House Ruins for law enforcement reasons, whatever that means. And by the way, whoever ruined that for the rest of us can burn in hell.

But at least you can still see the White House Ruins as well as a few others from the lookouts so I implore you to stop at every single one of them! And soon I’ll also go to the North Rim Drive. So check back for Spider Rock and the North Rim.