Sunday Sunlight

Sunset and Sunrise at Canyon De Chelly

The second day of our road trip to the San Juan River found us arriving at Canyon De Chelly National Monument in the late afternoon.  After checking in at the Sacred Canyon Lodge, we only had time for a quick drive along the South Rim Drive to the Spider Rock and Face Rock Overlooks.

The day was heading towards dusk when we made the short walk out to the overlook for Spider Rock.

As the sun began to set, it illuminated some distant showers both to the northeast (above) and the southwest (below) of the canyon.

We awoke early the next morning (Sept. 27) for a reason -- to watch the sun rise and light up the canyon walls.  We arrived at the Junction Overlook before seven o'clock.

Kathy looks expectantly to the east.

The sun begins to peak over the horizon.

The bright orb is momentarily trapped.

As the rock formations seem to catch fire around us, our view to the west includes the small town of Chinle and a high mesa in the distance.  What a great start to the day.

Reminder:  Click on any photo to enlarge.