Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

At the far end of the South Rim Road in Canyon de Chelly National Monument is one of the most spectacular views and a favorite with visitors--Spider Rock. There is a short walk (200 yards) to the main overlook, but there are a few closer views which are nearly as good. Part of the path is paved. Near the beginning of this path there are sighting tubes to help identify ruins on the far wall that are difficult to find.

Spider Rock is considered a sacred place and is named for Spider Woman, who is associated with creation stories of the Navajo. She is believed to have helped human beings when they first entered this world, including teaching them to weave. She is also used as a threat to children who are told that if they don't behave, Spider Woman will come down from her rock and take bad children away. 

It is possible to take a jeep tour with a Navajo guide all the way to Spider Rock, but this is typically a six-hour round trip, including stops at other notable sights.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Beautiful views.

Cons

Farthest overlook from the canyon entrance.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

ADA accessible
Geologically significant
Big vistas

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.