Visit Canyon de Chelly National Park, Arizona

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Canyon de Chelly is one of the most magical and beautiful places in the southwest, if not the entire world. One of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, the cultural and historical resources of Canyon de Chelly include distinctive architecture, artifacts, and rock art and a beautiful canyon. Canyon de Chelly also is home to the Navajo people, who are connected to the landscape of great historical and spiritual significance. Canyon de Chelly is the most unique of the National Park service units, as it is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land . The National Park Service works in partnership with the Navajo Nation to manage the park resources at the same time, sustaining the living Navajo community.

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Climate
The elevation at the park ranges from 5,500 at the visitor center to over 7,000 feet at the last overlook. Since the weather is unpredictable, monitor local weather forecasts and come prepared for sudden changes.

Generally, Spring is cool and windy with possibilities of dust storms. Highs range from 50 to 70 degrees with lows averaging 35 degrees. Summer is hot and dry with highs ranging from 85 to 100 degrees and lows averaging 50 degrees. Fall is warm and often wet, so expect thunderstorms. Highs range from 60 to 80 degrees with lows averaging 40 degrees. Winter is cold and breezy often bringing 1-4 inches of snow. High temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees with lows averaging 20 degrees.

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Contact Info; Canyon de Chelly PO Box 588 Chinle, AZ 86503 Phone Headquarters (928) 674-5500 Fax (928) 674-5507

Getting There Plane Airports within 3 hours drive-time: Flagstaff AZ, Farmington NM Car The Visitor Center is 3 miles (4.8 km) from Route 191 in Chinle, AZ. No public transportation is available.

Operating Hours & Seasons The Visitor Center is open daily all year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Christmas Day. The North and South Rim Drives and the White House Trail remain open all year. NOTE: From April through October, the Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time. The rest of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time all year.

ENTRANCE FEES Vehicle-Free Details To drive on the canyon bottom, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, a Park Service permit and an authorized Navajo guide are required. The fee is $15 an hour for 1 vehicle, $5 an hour for each additional vehicle with a 5-vehicle limit per guide. Canyon Hiking Fees $15/hour Details Hiking within the canyon requires a Park Service permit and an authorized Navajo guide, except along the 2.5-mile (4-km) White House Ruins Trail. One guide may take up to 15 people for $15 per hour.

ACTIVITIES

Auto tours, hiking, rock art viewing, interpretive exhibits and talks, horseback riding (by prior arrangement), picnicking and photography. Concession jeep tours are available from Thunderbird Lodge, PO Box 548, Chinle, AZ 86503, Phone 928-674-5841/5842. Facilities include hiking and auto trails, parking, restrooms, exhibits, concession canyon trips, and horse rentals.

The beautiful Chinlee Wash

White House Ruins

A Navajo Hogan in the canyon along the trail to White House Ruins

For more information on the Anasazi, visit Cliffdwelling.info