“longest inhabited landscape in U.S.”
Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, the cultural resources of Canyon de Chelly include distinctive architecture, artifacts, and rock imagery while exhibiting remarkable preservation integrity that provides outstanding opportunities for study and contemplation. Canyon de Chelly also sustains a living community of Navajo people, who are connected to a landscape of great historical and spiritual significance. Canyon de Chelly is unique among National Park service units, as it is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land that remains home to the canyon community. NPS works in partnership with the Navajo Nation to manage park resources and sustain the living Navajo community.
You can hike down in and see the White House ruins for free ( the only hike in you can do unguided). It's hot but well worth the hike. Beautiful scenery!
The area typically referred to as Canyon de Chelly is actually several canyons connected together. The three major ones include Canyon del Muerto, Monument Canyon, and, of course, Canyon de Chelly.
Amazing. The contrast of green against the red rocks is fabulous. I loved that people still live in the canyon floor. We did the south rim drive and were very impressed. Saw this before the Grand Canyon and set the bar rather high for history and beauty.
Meet 8AM at National Park Visitors center June 21st guide (Bryan) $30 for group each hour. Bring cash. (4-5 hrs total)
We visited in late December. The nice and snow made for an interesting entry with our Navajo guide and 4WD truck. But man, was it worth it! Our guide gave us history lessons as he suggested routes for us through the tricky terrain.
I believe you can also hike down to the ruins for free, and there are group tours you can take on large 6-wheeled behemoths. However, I wouldn't have traded my private tour experience for either.
I visited in late December, and it was great. The snow adds to the beauty of the canyon.
There is only one trail that is open to the public - White House ruins. It's a nice trail.
If you want to explore the canyon trails further, you have to hire an Indian guide. Back 2 years ago, it was $90 for 3 hours (which is the minimum). Make a reservation ahead of time.
This is the canyon with the most visible ruins; you can only hike to the White House without a guide. Incredible vistas! The most under-rated of all the canyons, but a must see.
The guided trip was great once inside the views are wonderful! The White House is so cool! It's heard to believe that they were built between the rocks! Some local people are their to sell their goods.
Cannot be beaten for the price - FREE - just go to the visitor centre and ask for the free map - they are not on display - I assume they are hoping you'll buy an overpriced book.
The viewpoints\overlooks are well signposted, just drive between them and take in the natural beauty of the valley below you.
Be the first to add a review to the Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Outdoor Seating
Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The top things to do on a Route 66 road trip
- 41 Places
- 38:08
- 2,284 mi
The top things to do on an I-10 road trip
- 55 Places
- 54:13
- 3,091 mi