PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE NAVAJO NATION
We hope you enjoy your visit to Canyon de Chelly National Monument! The park is located in
Chinle, Arizona
, and is entirely on Navajo tribal lands with families living in the canyon.
Can you drive through Canyon de Chelly?
No, driving to the overlooks on the rim drives and hiking the White House Trail are self-guided activities that do not require a fee, guide or permit
. Roads to the overlooks are paved. The drives and trail are open all year long.
Why is Canyon de Chelly closed?
Alert 1 , Severity ,closure ,,White House Overlook and Trail ClosedWhite House Overlook and Trail, one of seven overlooks and the only public trail on the South Rim Drive, remains closed because of
safety and law enforcement concerns
.
Where is White House Ruin?
The White House Ruin trail is located in
the Canyon de Chelly (sh-ay) National Monument near Chinle, Arizona
. The trail begins at the White House Overlook and descends into the canyon to a spot right below the White House Ruin.
Where should I stay when visiting Canyon de Chelly?
The historic
Thunderbird Lodge
is the only hotel in Canyon De Chelly. Navajo owned and operated, the charm and comfort of the lodge, and friendly Navajo staff, add to your visit to Navajoland. To enjoy the true canyon experience, you are invited to “stay in Canyon De Chelly.”
How long does it take to drive around Canyon de Chelly?
Discover this 15.5-mile point-to-point trail near Chinle, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of
7 h 18 min
to complete. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Is Canyon de Chelly open during Covid?
After more than a year of being closed during the pandemic,
Canyon de Chelly, Navajo National Monument, Hubbell Trading Post and Four Corners Monument have reopened to the public
. As part of the Navajo Nation's COVID-19 reopening plan, attractions and businesses on the reservation are now open at 50% capacity.
What animals live in Canyon de Chelly?
Contemporary animals of the canyon include
Coyote, Kit Fox, Mountain Lion, Black Bear, Bobcat, Raccoon, Badger, Jackrabbit and Cottontail, as well as squirrels chipmunks and gophers
. Evidence of most of these creatures is present in archeological sites dating to the beginning of the Christian era.
What river flows through Canyon de Chelly?
The tributaries of the
Chinle Creek
, which runs through Canyon de Chelly and originates in the Chuska Mountains, have carved the rock and landscape for thousands of years, creating red cliffs that rise up an additional 305 m (1000 ft).
How do you pronounce Canyon de Chelly?
Why is White House Overlook closed?
Alert 1 , Severity ,closure ,,White House Overlook and Trail ClosedWhite House Overlook and Trail, one of seven overlooks and the only public trail on the South Rim Drive, remains closed because of
safety and law enforcement concerns
.
All areas on the Navajo Nation are closed to non-Navajos unless you have a valid camping, hiking, or backcountry permit issued by Navajo Parks and Recreation Department or other duly delegated tribal authority. Failure to have a permit is considered Trespassing on a Federal Indian Land.
The Navajo Nation is reopening parks and businesses on a phased basis
, welcoming visitors back to the community's monuments, casinos, and unique attractions.
Are there bathrooms at Four Corners?
Just a heads up,
they ONLY restrooms are like port-a-potty's which have a pit dug for each
. Similar to what you might find at a remote park somewhere. Plus, like the parking, they are out in the dirt area, and if it is or has been raining (as with us) it will be muddy there as well.
How old are the ruins at Canyon de Chelly?
Canyon de Chelly National Monument (pronounced “canyon d'shay”), contains over 2500 archeological sites ranging from
1500 B.C. to 1350 A.D.
and is considered one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in North America.
Who originally lived in the White House Ruins?
Archaeologists believe the rooms on the canyon floor used to be high enough to provide access to the upper rooms in the alcove. Although people have lived in Canyon de Chelly for more than 5,000 years, it was
Ancestral Puebloans
who built White House around 1060 AD.
How long does it take to tour Canyon de Chelly?
Allow
2 hours to visit 3 overlooks on the North Rim Drive
;best for morning photos. Allow 2 hours to visit 6 overlooks on the South Rim Drive;best for afternoon photos. Overlooks open year round.
What state is Antelope Canyon in?
Antelope Canyon, located near Page,
Arizona
is home to one of nature's most wondrous creations – the slot canyon.
Do you need a guide for Canyon de Chelly?
Hiking Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly's hiking trails offer a lot to see and discover, but
you must have a Navajo guide with you on most hikes
. There are many options for Canyon de Chelly tours that will take you hiking below the rim, but most are only day hikes.
Is Canyon de Chelly open year round?
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is
open year-round
, but some of the inner canyons are impassable in winter and at certain other times of the year.
Can you hike in Canyon de Chelly?
Allow 2 hours round trip to hike about 600 feet down/up the switchback trail to the White House Ruin
. Restrooms at overlook and bottom of trail. No pets allowed on the trail. CANYON TOURS: Private companies offer canyon tours by hiking, horseback or vehicle.
Why is Grand Falls Arizona closed?
The falls have been closed for over a year
due to the pandemic
. The Navajo Nation has lifted the “shelter-in-place” order, but kept Navajo Tribal parks closed.
What is so special about Monument Valley?
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, known by the Navajo as Tse'Bii'Ndzisgaii, is said to be
one of the most photographed places on earth
. The valley is host to towering sandstone rock formations that have been sculpted over time and soar 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor.
