MONUMENT VALLEY, CANYON DE CHELLY, AND HOVENWEEP NATIONAL MONUMET

Within the Navajo Nation are found some of the most varied and mysterious landscapes in the southwest. Canyon de Chelly, whose name is derived from the Navajo word tesyi, which means "among the rocks", has long been both home and refuge to the Navajo people, as it was to the ancient Anasazi before them, and as it was to even earlier people, whose occupation of these canyons dates back over 5,000 years.

The sheer walls of Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto rise a thousand feet into the southwestern skies, while on the canyon floor, ancient cottonwoods frame a glistening stream. These canyons are especially magical in late fall when the golden cottonwoods contrast vividly with the buff-colored sandstone, and clouds cast constantly changing patterns over the landscape.

During our time here, we will photograph the canyons from vantage points along the north and south rim drives, and will spend a full day down in the canyons accompanied by a Navajo guide where we will photograph the incredible scenery and ancient Anasazi ruins such as Mummy House and White House from a different perspective.

Monument Valley offers very different photographic opportunities than Canyon de Chelly. Here, the towering buttes and spires scattered throughout the vastness of this huge valley catch the direct light of the rising and setting sun, causing them to glow with an indescribable richness of color. Here again, the play of light and shadow provide constantly changing patters and endless photographic opportunities. We will again spend time with a Navajo guide in areas off the beaten track such as Mystery Valley and the sand dunes are near the Totem Pole and Yei bi Chei Rocks.

On the last day of the tour, we will spend the afternoon among the haunting ruins of Hovenweep National Monument, which are some of the most fascinating ancient ruins on the Colorado Plateau. These massive ruins are located in a setting that catches the last rays of the setting sun, providing a dramatic climax to five days of unending photographic opportunities.

Dates: October 28-November 1

Cost: $1,100

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