This is a challenging hike so maybe not for everyone. We enjoyed the switchbacks and the views as you drop down into the canyon. White House ruins are nothing unusual so you really need to hire a guide to see the really great ones. I do however, think this was worth the time to hike this trail!
The Canyon de Chelly is a beautiful location that you must discover. Take one of the visit by Jeep and admire what nature did
This is the only hike in Canyon de Chelly that you can do without a Navajo guide. It's worth it. A nice hike down into the Canyon with the amazing White House Ruins at the end of the trail. These are pretty well-preserved Anasazi Ruins and make for great photos. The hike back up is a bit tougher, but still quite easy, with a rest-stop or two. Be sure to drive up to the Spider Rock overlook for the best overview into the Canyon.
it took a group of us to hike down to the ruin in 30 minutes it was very beautiful and a great little hike on the trail, it was very helpful they had little area to sit and rest for those who need it.
The walk down into the canyon looks daunting from the top, but it is not difficult at all, is really beautiful to do, and the ruins really worth visiting.
I covered the hike in 50 minutes (the sign say to appropriate 2 hours), and the ascent back to the rim was challenging due to its steepness and the canyon's high altitude. But the hike was nice, with phenomenal views, and provided an entirely different perspective of the White House ruins. Nothing beats standing in front of them and looking up the humongous ledge towering over it!
The White House ruins are location along the South Rim drive at Canyon de Chelly. It is the only ruins accessible to visitors without the requirement of a local Navajo guide. Visitors can walk out to the overlook and gaze down at the ruins from the top of the canyon. The more adventurous (and not terribly afraid of heights) folks can hike the 1.2 miles down the steep canyon walls into the valley and get pretty close to it. The ruins are fenced off but you can still get pretty good photo ops by stepping up on the tree stump or the other rocks previous visitors have laid out along the fence.Depending on the time of year, early morning or mid-late afternoon makes for better photos ops.There are public washrooms nearby and lots of local vendors are there selling cold drinks and native jewelry/art. There are no water refill stations.For those wishing to see the ruins but don't feel comfortable hiking down, you can book a jeep tour from the visitor's center and they will drive you down to several sites.It's definitely worth the hike. Set aside 2-2.5hrs for this attraction.
Spectacular views on the hike! Ruins sort of secondary to the hike itself. And there are bathrooms at the bottom!
This was a very beautiful trail to the ruins. I am so glad I did it! It was late afternoon so didn't stay long but I will never forget it. I envy the natives who hike the trail everyday, I sure would if I could!
As usual, great hike. If you like hiking, this is the spot. It was still cool so bundle up. Met many tourists along the way. If you want a Jeep Tour, there are several in the area to choose from.