Before starting the days travel we drove along the rim road of the Canyon de Chelly, stopping at a number of the numerous overlooks. The Canyon de Chelly is only 500-600 feet deep, but spectacular, with many impressive sandstone structures. From some of the overlooks we had glimpses of Anastasi ruins built into the canyon wall. The floor of the canyon showed signs of recent agriculture, and habitation as well as a vehicle track that we understood is used for guided jeep tours.

Once underway we traveled west along 264 (a rather meandering route) through Navajo reservation territory and towns like Steamboat, Keams Canyon and Kykotsmovis before joining 64 into the Southern entrance of the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon was (to us) surprisingly busy with many tourists including a good contingent of Europeans and their rental RV's. I guess this is one place in the US where tourist season is already underway. It seems that no matter how often one sees the canyon, the adjective impressive is still appropriate.