Canyon De Chelly National Monument in Arizona

Canyon De Chelly National Monument sits beyond Arizona's Painted Desert, past the barrenness and less scenic areas of the state. It sits at the foot of the town of Chinle, a smaller canyon than most, but still the site of ancient archaeological ruins, deep gorges, steep ravines and a high plateau.

If hiking the backcountry is something you enjoy, then Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona has it all. Though it is smaller and less developed than most parks of its type, it has a host of activities and views to behold.

The canyon may not be as majestic as other ones, but its sheer thousand foot cliffs are astounding. Nearby, ancient Anasazi tribal ruins dot the valley's floor, giving an immediate sense of the lives of modern day Navajo tribes' people.

The best part of de Chelly is its four gorges, Monument Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Canyon del Muerto and Black Rock Canyon. Deep ravines are reachable via rough dirt tracks, as well as some paved roadways. Some traverse the area, looping round, others lead to viewing points such as the Spider Rocks, towering rocks that stand some eight hundred feet in height. In fact these rocks have fuelled many eerie legends amongst local tribes.

The White House Ruins are another spot that allow guests to look across the canyon, but a Navajo guide is mandatory as it sits on reservation land. In fact, it is a seven mile hike that is fairly easy to navigate, providing walks through rocky tunnels, passed towering cacti and through high gulleys.