Spider Rock Overlook — Canyon de Chelly South Rim

Spider Rock is the defining image of Canyon de Chelly — an 800-foot twin-spire sandstone tower standing at the confluence of Canyon de Chelly and Monument Canyon. The overlook sits at the end of South Rim Drive, about 21 miles from the visitor center in Chinle. Navajo oral tradition holds this as the home of Spider Woman, who taught the Diné to weave. The drop from rim to canyon floor is staggering, and the late-afternoon light turns the spire copper-red. Short walk from the parking area to the overlook fence — worth every mile of the rim road.

South Rim Drive is paved its entire length. No permits are required for the overlook itself. Do not attempt to hike into the canyon without a Navajo-authorized guide — it’s both required by law and genuinely respected here. Cell service is essentially nonexistent along the rim.

800-foot spire, two canyons, no equal.