Canyon de Chelly National Monument

PO Box 588
Chinle, AZ 86503
Phone: (928) 674-5500

Majestic canyons of Canyon de Chelly National Monument protected prehistoric Pueblo Indians for 1,000 years and served as an ancestral Navajo Indian stronghold. The ruins of these prehistoric Indian communities are nestled below towering cliffs or perched on high ledges.

Located in the center of the Navajo Reservation, Canyon de Chelly extends from the highlands of the Defiance Plateau and Chuska Mountains in the east to the arid expanse of the Chinle Valley in the west. Although established as a national monument in 1931, Canyon de Chelly continues to support a living community of Navajo families.

An excellent way to view Canyon de Chelly is to hike the moderate, 2.5-mile White House Ruins trail, which descends 600 feet to the canyon floor. To hike anywhere else in the canyons, visitors must be accompanied by a park ranger or authorized guide. The park offers guided tours on foot or horseback or by 4-wheel drive. Visitor's can view Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto by driving along the north and south rim drives.

The monument has a campground and lodge. Park rangers offer talks throughout the summer on geology, Navajo history, culture and other topics.