"Sacred Navajo Area" Top 5 Page for this destination Canyon de Chelly National Monument by Basaic

Canyon de Chelly National Monument Travel Guide: 105 reviews and 342 photos

Whitehouse Ruins - Canyon de Chelly National Monument

History of Canyon De Chelly

Sometime around 350 AD the Pueblo or Anasazi People entered the area now known as Canyon De Chelly. The Anasazi lived at the base of these sheer cliffs and in dwellings built into the canyon walls until around 1300 AD. These canyons are now the home of members of the Navajo Nation, who are connected to this landscape of great historical and spiritual significance. This area is one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America.

Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Spider Rock

Today, the Canyon De Chelly houses distinctive architecture, artifacts, and rock imagery, and is unique because it is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land. The National Park Service in partnership with the Navajo Nation to manage park resources and sustain the living Navajo community. The National Monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970. The Visitor Center is open daily all year from 8 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas Day. The North and South Rim Drives and the White House Trail remain open all year, although accessibility is limited in the winter. Access to the north and south rim drives is free. You cannot drive into the canyon without a permit and a Navajo Guide. You also cannot hike into the canyon without a permit and a Navajo Guide except for the Whitehouse Ruins Trail.

NOTE: From March through November, the Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time. The rest of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time all year.

Nearby Attractions

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

The Ganado Mission and the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (see my Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site Page) are just south of the Camyon De Chelly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful Sacred Area
In a nutshell:Worth a Visit

Intro Updated Aug 2, 2007
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Reviews (16)

Bring Your Camera! - Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Bring All Your Camera Supplies What to Pack (1)

Check the weather before you visit. The weather can change quickly here so plan for any possibility. Make sure you... more travel advice

Best Western Chinle Room - Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Try the Best Western Chinle Hotels (1)

The first thing that struck me about the hotel was the staff. They were adequately friendly and efficient. The next... more travel advice

Observation Deck - Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Observation Decks Things to Do (12)

Several of the overlooks have well constructed observation platforms to give you a good view of the items of interest in... more travel advice

Sliding House Overlook - Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Sliding House Overlook Things to Do (12)

Sliding House Overlook is the 4th stop along the South Rim Drive. If you look closely you can see where Sliding House... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Great Food in Chinle

Shopping (1)
Native American Goods

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (7)

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TheWanderingCamel Mar 12, 2011 at 8:22 PM

Visiting Canyon de Chelly in winter meant we couldn't go right into the canyon but the combination of scenery and snow was spectacular. Nce memories from your page.
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BruceDunning Jun 30, 2009 at 3:15 PM

I am re-visiting the site for more detailed information. Thanks for the tour-hot out there Huh?
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Kuznetsov_Sergey May 26, 2009 at 12:17 PM

What a picturesque canyon and the Spider Rock! Neat rock formations remind me Turkish Cappadocia. Thanks Jim for the virtual tour!
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JLBG Nov 3, 2008 at 9:51 PM

Great photos that reminds me of my visit to this superb place (not yet built a page, I should!) Very detailed visit with a lot of information!
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goingsolo Oct 26, 2008 at 4:22 AM

Great overview! I'm hoping to visit in the spring. Thanks for visiting my Pipe Springs page. :)
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evaanna Mar 23, 2008 at 4:57 AM

What a fascinating site! I think we still do have some monsters so the Woman Spider could have a lot of work all over the world.
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Cristian_Uluru Jan 20, 2008 at 3:41 AM

Fantastic page!!! I hope to visit it one day!!!