Canyon de Chelly National Monument is tucked away in a remote northeast corner of Arizona. This canyon is spectacular in its own right and sees only a small fraction of the tourists that flock to the more well-known landmarks.
If you’re looking to discover unrivaled beauty without the crowds, then you won’t be disappointed with Canyon de Chelly National Monument!
Tips For Exploring Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Table of Contents
- Where is Canyon de Chelly located?
- Canyon de Chelly Visitor information
- What is the history of Canyon de Chelly?
- What is there to do at Canyon de Chelly?
- Where to stay at Canyon de Chelly
Where is Canyon de Chelly located?
Canyon de Chelly is located in the northeast corner of Arizona. It is run by the National Parks Service but is owned by the Navajo Tribal Trust and is considered part of the Navajo Nation.
The canyon lies about 45 miles from the New Mexico border with Chinle being the nearest town.
It is located about 1 1/2 hours north of the Petrified Forest National Park and less than 3 hours northwest of Flagstaff.
Canyon de Chelly Visitor information
- Website: Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Admission: Free | Guided tours offered for a fee
- Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily | Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
What is the history of Canyon de Chelly?
The canyon itself is millions of years in the making. The fiery red cliffs were shaped by geological forces and the deep snaking ravines were cut by an ancient river.
The fertile soil on the floor of the canyon attracted early Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) and has sustained life for thousands of years.
Canyon de Chelly has been consistently inhabited for the past 5,000 years, which is longer than any other location in the Colorado Plateau.
The settlers first built pit houses then sought more protection by building homes in the natural alcoves of the cliff walls.
After the Puebloans migrated out of the valley, it was inhabited by the Hopi who blanketed the land with corn fields and peach orchards.
The Navajo were the last to inhabit the land and are still found living in the canyon and cultivating the land today. About 40 families live within the valley and park boundaries.
As you look down into the valley, you can see small homes and farmlands dotting the landscape.
What is there to do at Canyon de Chelly?
Stop at the Visitor Center
Visitors will want to start their day off at the visitor center. Here you can pick up a park map and view the daily activity schedule.
Free Ranger-led hikes and talks are held from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Take a minute to speak with the staff who are friendly and eager to answer any questions and pass on recommendations. Guests can also view a short orientation video and pick up a souvenir at the small store.
Take the North Rim Drive
There are two paved rim drives in the park, the North Rim Drive and the South Rim Drive.
The North Rim Drive leads to 3 overlooks: Antelope House Overlook, Mummy Cave Overlook, and the Massacre Cave Overlook.
The distance from the visitor center to the Massacre Cave Overlook is 13 miles, plan for a few hours to ensure enough time to stop at each overlook.
Take the South Rim Drive
The South Rim Drive is the more popular of both drives, if you are short on time I would recommend taking this drive. This is the only one we had time for but I’m dying to go back and do the North Rim Drive as well.
The South Rim Drive is also 13 miles each way, but is packed with 7 different overlooks. This is also where you’ll find the most sought after features, the White House Ruins and Spider Rock.
Other stops include Tunnel Overlook, Tsegi Overlook, Junction Overlook, Sliding House Overlook, and Face Rock Overlook.
View the White House Ruins
The White House Overlook is the fourth stop on the South Rim Drive and one of the biggest draws for visitors.
A short paved trail from the parking lot will lead to this expansive overlook. Restrooms can also be found at the parking lot.
We visited just as a storm was brewing and the slate gray sky in contrast with the desert sandstone was intoxicating.
It is here that guests can peer down into the valley and catch a glimpse of the striking White House Ruins.
These ancient Anasazi ruins are well preserved in an alcove on the face of a surreally steep canyon wall.
The ruins are thought to be originally constructed around 1070 and were home to at least 50 people.
They are similar to the Betatakin Cliff Dwellings found at Navajo National Monument. See our guide Arizona Road Trip: 8 Things to do from Flagstaff to Monument Valley for more information.
Hike to the White House Ruins
The White House Ruin Trail is the only authorized trail you can take without a Navajo guide. The trail is a 2.7-mile round trip with a fairly steep descent and multiple switchbacks.
Hiking up the switchbacks can prove to be quite challenging. Pack plenty of water, especially in the summer, and try to avoid hiking in the heat of the day.
Visitors are not allowed to explore inside the ruins but they can be viewed up close from behind a fence.
For more ruins that are worth a visit, check out our guide 5 of the Most Accessible Indian Ruins in Arizona!
Take in the grandeur of Spider Rock
Spider Rock is the last stop on the South Rim Drive and is arguably one of the most impressive stops.
The majestic red sandstone monolith towers about 800 feet above the canyon floor.
It was formed about 230 million years ago as windblown sand swirled and compressed with time.
The rock looks nothing like a spider but actually got its name from the Navajo legend of Spider Woman. Of course, my kids thought that was about the coolest thing ever!
*Related post: For more destinations off the beaten path see our guide, 4 Day Arizona Hidden Gems RV Road Trip.
Take a guided tour
Canyon de Chelly remains very remote even today. There is only one possible entry for vehicles. Anyone entering by vehicle must be accompanied by a Navajo guide. No private vehicles or ATVs are allowed.
A backcountry pass and guide are required for all hiking trails, except the White House Ruin Trail. There are a variety of private tour companies that are registered with the Navajo Parks and Recreation, here is a complete list.
Visitors can take an adventurous 4×4 tour along the sandy canyon floor with Canyon de Chelly Tours or Beauty Way Jeep Tours. Or consider taking a scenic horseback riding tour.
Each tour offers a great way to get up close and experience the beauty from down below.
If you enjoy exploring Indian ruins, I would highly recommend visiting Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. See our guide How to Spend One Day at Mesa Verde for our top recommendations.
Where to stay at Canyon de Chelly
If you want more than one day to explore the area, consider staying the night. The Cottonwood Campground is located near the visitor center. There are about 90 sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Each site features a picnic table and grill. There are three restrooms with flushable toilets, but no showers. Sites can only accommodate vehicles less than 40 feet and hookups are not available. Nightly rates are $14.
For a fun alternative to tent camping, spend the night in a traditional Navajo Hogan at the Spider Rock Campground. Call or email directly to inquire about current rates. Tent and RV sites are also available.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, the nearest hotels can be found in Chinle. Here you will find Best Western, Thunderbird Lodge, and Holiday Inn.
I hope you get a chance to explore Canyon de Chelly, one of Arizona’s hidden gems. And click the link to discover more Arizona hidden gems!
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[…] Canyon de Chelly is located about 1 1/2 hours north of the Petrified Forest National Park. It is definitely worth a visit while you’re in the area, be sure to check our guide for visiting Canyon de Chelly. […]