Canyon de Chelly National Monument
National Monument · Arizona
Ravis Henry
National Park Service unit in Arizona, US
Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established on April 1, 1931, as a unit of the National Park Service. Located in northeastern Arizona, it is within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and lies in the Four Corners region. Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, it preserves ruins of the indigenous tribes that lived in the area, from the Ancestral Puebloans to the Navajo who eliminated them. The monument covers 83,840 acres and encompasses the floors and rims of the three major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument. These canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the Chuska Mountains just to the east of the monument. None of the land is federally owned. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most visited national monuments in the United States.
About Canyon de Chelly National Monument
This canyon is home to Diné families who raise livestock, grow crops and live here. People have lived in these canyons for nearly 5,000 years, which is longer than anyone has lived continuously on the Colorado Plateau. In this place called Tsegi, their homes and images tell us their stories. Today, the park and Navajo Nation work together to manage the rich cultural and natural resources.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Rim Drives, North and South Rim Overlooks
North Rim Drive, South Rim Drive, 9 overlooks open daily all year round. The Welcome Center is open daily from 8AM to 5PM and closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Welcome Center gates open and close daily with regular business hours. No entrance fee for park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Popular activities at Canyon de Chelly National Monument include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Camping, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.
What is the weather like at Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Canyon de Chelly's elevation is about 5,500 feet. Spring is cool and windy; highs from 50 to 70; lows of 35 degrees. Expect dust storms and canyon flooding. Summer is hot and dry; highs from 85 to 100; lows of 51 degrees. Drink plenty of water outdoors. Fall is warm and often wet; highs from 60 to 80; lows of 40 degrees. Expect lightning, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Winter is cold and breezy; highs from 40 to 60; lows of 18 degrees. Expect 1-4 inches of snow and freezing nighttime temperatures.
How do I get to Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Visit the official NPS website for detailed directions to Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Canyon de Chelly's elevation is about 5,500 feet. Spring is cool and windy; highs from 50 to 70; lows of 35 degrees. Expect dust storms and canyon flooding. Summer is hot and dry; highs from 85 to 100; lows of 51 degrees. Drink plenty of water outdoors. Fall is warm and often wet; highs from 60 to 80; lows of 40 degrees. Expect lightning, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Winter is cold and breezy; highs from 40 to 60; lows of 18 degrees. Expect 1-4 inches of snow and freezing nighttime temperatures.
Location
Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Arizona
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