Round Trip Distance: 0.1-0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 6796 - 6812 feet
Cellphone: 0 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Face Rock Overlook
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic views, ruins
The Face Rock Overlook is located along the South Rim Drive in the Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Shay) National Monument near Chinle, Arizona. The location is one of seven overlooks that are spread out along the south rim of the monument. There was only one lovely Navajo grandmother selling her wares at the trailhead.
It is 15 miles to the Face Rock Overlook along the South Rim Drive, Indian Route 7, measuring from its intersection with the North Rim Drive. There is a left turn near the 11 mile point at the sign in this picture. From there it is another 4 miles on a paved road to the trailhead.
The trail leading to the Face Rock Overlook is a wheelchair accessible paved path.
The overlook itself is well guarded although with sheer dropoffs nearby it always seems good to keep children close.
Viewing tubes at the overlook make it easier to spot some of the canyons attractions. They are also handy for lining up shots with your camera.
Just as at the other overlooks a good pair of binoculars can be indispensable.
One has to wonder if they kept their children tethered to keep them from falling off the cliffs.
Not too many adults today would be able to climb up to these locations even with the aid of a rope. Imagine hoisting all the stones necessary for the construction.
