ad
 
 

DesertUSA


Canyon de Chelly
National Monument

Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly National Monument offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Southwestern Indian history from the earliest Anaszai basketmakers to the Navajo Indians who live and farm here today. Watch the video to see points of interest. Its primary attractions are ruins of Indian villages built between 350 and 1300 AD at the base of sheer red cliffs and in canyon wall caves.

General Information

Seasons / Hours

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.

Rates & Fees

  • NONE

Visitor Center

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, October to April; 8 am to 6 pm, May to September.
Features: Museum

 Canyon de Chelly hogan

 Hogan at the Visitor Center

Facilities/Features

Stores/Museum
Visitor Center museum has regional books and cultural demonstrations, local artist exhibits and ranger-staffed information desk available.

Programs/Events
Ranger-conducted activities are generally available every day May through September. These activities include morning coffee at the Visitor Center Hogan for orientation, daily canyon hikes, natural history programs at Junction Overlook and campfire programs at the Campground Amphitheater.

This area remains the home of the Navajo people who celebrate Navajo Day every Saturday, May through September, with activities relating to Navajo history and culture.

Food/Supplies
Meals are served at Thunderbird Lodge in the Monument, but no food or supplies are available in the Monument. Food and supplies, motels, gasoline, and other services are available 3 miles west in Chinle, AZ.

Accessibility
The Visitor Center, parking area, rest rooms and some overlook areas are accessible.

Rules, Regulations, Precautions

  • Federal regulations prohibit entering the canyons without a park ranger or authorized guide with permit.
  • It is unlawful to enter any ruin of an archeological site, or to deface, disturb or destroy any natural feature or artrifact.
  • Alcohol consumption or possession is prohibited in the park and on the Navajo reservation.

Read a Survey of Archeological Investigations

Jay Sharp explores the canyon.
Canyon De Chelly A measure of Time

Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Box 588
Chinle, Arizona 86503
(928) 674-5500