Navajo Nation
These are photos of various places in the Navajo Nation—the Navajo Monument, Canyon de Chelly, and a few places on the road.
My Best Sunset, Ever
First up, while in the Navajo National Monument, I witnessed the most amazing sunset of my life. I did not grow up seeing a lot of sunsets because we were surrounded by trees. And, now, I live with a north-facing view. But, I have a deep appreciation for them and like to catch one when I can.
This park’s free campground is perched up on a hill, and while it doesn’t offer sweeping views, one has the sense of being up high. A thunderstorm had just passed over, and as the sun set, it caused the rain to glow orange, and rainbows formed opposite. It was absolutely stunning.
Sunset from the Navajo Monument, just after a thunderstorm.
Rain in the sky during the sunset in the Navajo Monument.
The rain that just passed over us is now glowing orange in the sunset.
Sunset after the rain in the Navajo Monument.
Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly is a series of winding canyons with many ancient cliff dwellings on its canyon walls. It’s a beautiful place, and not as crowded as other popular canyons in the area. But, it’s more of a cultural experience than a place one goes to experience nature.
I could not resist using the sepia tones for some of these. Sometimes we just need to prove to ourselves that we can do what those who made photography famous have done.
A cliff dwelling at Canyon de Chelly, in cliche sepia, but I had to do it.
A layered sandstone wall in Canyon de Chelly.
A rainstorm in the distance from the rim of Canyon de Chelly.
Rounded, layered sandstone on the rim of Canyon de Chelly.
From the Road
These three shots are from the road on the Navajo lands. There is no shortage of spectacular landscapes that seem so exotic to an Easterner like me.
The first photo is near the town of Rough Rocks off Indian Road 59, the next one is the Church Rock valley, and the final one is a distant thunderstorm.
The Church Rock Valley along the road in Arizona.
A thunderhead, with rain falling beneath in the middle of the Navajo Nation.
Indian Road 59, near Rough Rock in the Navajo Nation.