Mummy Cave Overlook Canyon de Chelly Views

This compilation of photos features two views I captured from the overlook at Mummy Cave along the North Rim Drive in Canyon de Chelly National Monument near Chinle, Arizona, USA. The alcoves contains Anasazi cliff dwellings that shows evidence of having been occupied for nearly a thousand years. There is one distant photo, and a closer photo to show the ruins. With over 70 rooms it is the largest preserved Puebloan village that in the park. You can see them in the shaded area. I also have some closer zoomed in photos. It looks like a miniature city clinging to the cliffs, 300 feet above the valley floor. The cave was occupied until about 1300 when Puebloan life in Canyon de Chelly abruptly ended. A severe drought that began in the 1200's is thought to have led to the abandonment. The traditional Navajo name for the site is Tséyaa Kini which translates to 'House Under the Rock'. In 1880 archaeologists discovered two well-preserved mummies which led them to call the site 'Mummy Cave'.

This photo was taken by Jennifer White with Timeless Moments Photography. All images are copyrighted Timeless Moments Photography/Jennifer White. All rights reserved.