Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
Q:Where is Canyon de Chelly National Monument located?
A:Canyon de Chelly a colorful canyon near the town of Chinle in Northeast Arizona.
Q:What is there to do at Canyon de Chelly?
A:Canyon de Chelly is a lovely and mysterious place. The most interesting thing to do there is tour the area. You can do this by taking a monument tour, auto tours, jeep tours, or equestrian tours. There are also a lot fascinating hiking trials to take you to the most interesting places found here.
Q:Is there lodging inside Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
A:Lodging within in Canyon de Chelly monument is available only at the historic Thunderbird Lodge. There are however a couple of lodging options close to the monument entrance.
Q:What are the temperatures at Canyon de Chelly?
A:Temperatures in the de Chelly canyons range from 104°F in the summer to -30°F in the winter. Despite these extremes, the alluvial benches and coves of the canyons provide ideal farming conditions during the growing season.
Q: Do I need a guide or backcountry permit for the North or South Rim Drives?
A:No, the North and South Rim Drives plus the White House Trail are self-guided activities you can do without a guide or backcountry permit. The rim drives and trail are open all year long.
Q:What history should I know before visiting Canyon de Chelly?
A:Canyon de Chelly visitors have their choice of many interesting tours to help you discover the history of this wonderful place. You’ll learn that in the canyons are sites of several hundred prehistoric Indian villages, most of them built between A.D. 350 and 1300. In later centuries, the Basketmakers adopted many new ideas which were introduced into this area, such as the making of pottery, the bow and arrow, and bean cultivation. Canyon de Chelly did not know outsiders until the early 19th Century when the Spanish found this area and a series of invasions began.
Q:What is the best way to experience Canyon de Chelly?
A:The best way to see the area is with a guided tour. There are several guided tours to choose from. You can do an auto tour, the popular Jeep Tours, Equestrian Tours or hiking tours. All tours are lead by Navajo guides who are well informed and able to answer all of your questions.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration at Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
A:Minimalist (2 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: ½ Day
Hiking/Exploring: ½ Day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 Day
Adventurist (3 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: ½ Day
Hiking/Exploring: ½ Day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 2 Days
Notes: Take a good half-day to visit each of the scenic overlooks on both the north and south rims. The White House ruin can be visited without a ranger guide, and will allow you to explore and enjoy the monument at your own pace so you should definitely etch out some time in your schedule for that. In most of the monument hiking is restricted without an accompanying guide, so to really explore and enjoy the full experience of the monument, you should schedule a full or half day guided tour down into the canyon. Canyon De Chelly also offers many interesting and educational interpretive programs and ranger talks.
Q:Is there an entrance fee for Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
A:
No, Canyon de Chelly National Monument does not have an entrance fee.
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service at Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
A:
Cellular or WiFi service is not available in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Do not rely on cell phones or GPS to travel through the Navajo Nation.
Q:Are pets allowed at Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
A:
Pets are allowed in campgrounds and at the overlooks. Pets are not allowed on the White House Trail, canyon tours, or in the Welcome Center. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
