Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

How to Visit Canyon De Chelly National Monument on the Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation is filled with outstanding pure sights, with the Canyon de Chelly providing a mixture of wealthy historical past and spectacular surroundings.

Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona


One of many nice nationwide monuments to discover within the Navajo Nation of northeastern Arizona is Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument (not one of the land is federally owned). It’s within the 4 Corners area and is among the most visited nationwide monuments in the US.


The Navajo Nation is the largest Indian reservation in the United States and residential to among the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes. Some Monument Valley is one of the main attractions of the Navajo Nation. and Antelope Canyon (which is only open to visitors with guided tours).


Canyon De Chelly Nationwide Monument – One of many longest constantly inhabited locations

Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument was established in 1931 and is among the longest inhabited landscapes in North America. The canyon continues to protect the ruins of historic native tribes that inhabited the realm way back (from the Ancestral Pueblo to the Navajo). Guests step again in time as they discover the canyon partitions which can be residence to a whole bunch of historic pueblo ruins.

  • Ruins: Between 350 and 1300 AD

Individuals can see pueblo ruins that had been constructed between 350 and 1300 AD (in addition to the up to date Navajo neighborhood that inhabits the canyon). The Navajo flock sheep there through the summer season months.

Among the finest locations in the US to see historic pueblo ruins is Cliff Palace of Mesa Verde – the largest cliff mansion in North America. There’s even a “lost city” of the Ancestral Pueblo now submerged under the waters of Lake Mead (however there’s a museum devoted to him).

Associated: 5 Reasons to Hike Upper Antelope Canyon (5 for the Bottom)

Canyon De Chelly – The Nice Nationwide Monument of the Navajo Nation

Though the park is owned by the Navajos, it’s managed in cooperation with the National Park Service. Whereas guests can discover the park on their very own, entry to the underside of the canyon is proscribed to the accompaniment of a certified Navajo ranger or information.

Guests are free to hike and discover the White Home Destroy Path on their very own with out a information.

Discover the canyons that individuals have inhabited for practically 5,000 years. In the present day, roughly 40 Navajo households proceed to dwell within the park.

One of many park’s most eye-catching geological options is Spider Rock. Spider Rock is a formidable sandstone spire rising about 750 toes or 229 meters from the underside of the canyon.

The 2 scenic routes are North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive.

  • Established: 1931
  • Lower: 83,840 acres (131 sq mi; 339 km2)

Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument includes three main canyons – de Chelly, del Muerto and Monument.

Take note of the time zone when arranging excursions; the Navajo Nation has its personal time zone outdoors of the remainder of the state of Arizona.

To get probably the most out of the nationwide monument, contemplate taking a guided jeep or horseback tour supplied by licensed Navajo guides. Confer with Navajo National Parks for an inventory of licensed tour operators in Canyon De Chelly Nationwide Monument.

Canyon De Chelly Nationwide Monument Jeep or SUV Tour

One of many favourite methods to discover Canyon De Chelly is on an off-road guided tour. Canyon de Chelly Tours provides a jeep tour of the underside of the canyon with a information. The tour consists of the ruins of Antelope Home in Canyon del Muerto and the ruins of the White Home in Canyon de Chelly, in addition to different historic Pueblo ruins.

  • Period: 3 hours
  • Price: $247.50 Non-public Jeep for as much as three folks

Guests can even discover Kokopelli Cave, Petroglyph Rock, First Destroy, Junction Destroy, Ceremonial Cave, and Ledge Destroy.

The skilled information opens up the canyons and brings their tales and legends to life. Individuals study all concerning the historical past, geology, tradition and archeology of the historic area.

Associated: Hear the stories of the last of the Navajo Codespeakers with this tour

Plan a go to to Canyon De Chelly Nationwide Monument

Guests can select to take a guided tour of the canyons or discover the open components on their very own. There are two self-guided routes from the customer middle that comply with the perimeters of the canyon. Individuals may even hike or bike the 130-mile loop highway across the canyon.

Spend the night time within the Nationwide Monument at Cottonwood Campground.

  • Opening hours: From dawn to sundown all 12 months spherical
  • Customer Heart: 8:00 a.m. to five:00 p.m. each day
  • Admission charges: Free

After an extended interval of closure or heavy restrictions through the pandemic, the Navajo Nation is as soon as once more 100% open to vacationers. Since August 2022, vacationers can once more take pleasure in night time excursions on the reserve.

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