Canyon de Chelly National Monument
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In 1863, while the War Between the States raged in the East, legendary "Indian fighter" Kit Carson led a brutal campaign against the Navajo of the Southwest, whose raiding parties were seen as a threat to the United States government. One Navajo stronghold was Canyon de Chelly (pronounced "d'SHAY," from a Spanish mispronunciation of the Navajo name for the area, tsegi), a colorful canyon near present-day Chinle, Arizona. Beginning in 1864, Carson, with the eager assistance of the Navajo's traditional enemies, marched into the beautiful, steep-walled canyon to destroy cornfields, hogans (circular, domed structures made of mud and logs), and orchards. Without food or shelter, the Navajo surrendered. Thousands of them were forced to march 300 miles eastward across New Mexico to a parched reservation where they were held as prisoners of war. Read More »
Canyon de Chelly National Monument Highlights
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument is actually comprised of four main canyons: Canyon de Chelly, Canyon de Muerto, Monument Canyon and Black Rock Canyon. The 34-mile North Rim Drive and the 36–mile South Rim Drive are the two main scenic routes.
- On the North Rim Scenic Drive, start from the Visitor Center in Chinle and head north on AZ 64. The first stop you will come to is the Ledge Ruin overlook, followed shortly by the Antelope House overlook. Continue up the road to Mummy Cave and Massacre Cave Overlook.
- For the South Rim Scenic Drive, head out from the Chinle Visitor Center on BIA 7 and continue south and east. There are many overlooks on this drive. Tunnel overlook is the first, then continue on to the Tsegi, Junction, White House, Sliding House, Face Rock overlooks and finally end at Spider Rock overlook.
- At the end of the South Rim Drive you will get a great view of the 1,000-foot drop and the famous Spider Rock monolith. Here, according to the Navajo, Spider Woman lives teaching the art of weaving. The National Park Service works in conjunction with the Navajo Nation to manage the park resources and sustain the active Navajo community. Navajo-run tours and guides give you a more in-depth and cultural experience of the Monument area.
- I have made 4 trips to Canyon de Chelly. I fell in love with it on the first trip and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The Navajo do beautiful rock art and are very friendly.
- Be sure to walk the trail down the side of the canyon to get to the base of the cliff that contains the sheltered cliff dwellings. The scenery is awesome, the rock colors & forms are gorgeous, & the trail is not all that difficult. A true "undiscovered treasure".
- The national monument, which actually includes Canyon del Muerto, Monument Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly, has housed native peoples for more than 1,500 years.
- Canyons de Chelly and del Muerto offer magical hiking beneath towering cliffs, but you'll need a Navajo guide on all but White House Ruin Trail or ranger-led hikes. This arrangement protects the privacy of the people who live here.
- Both canyons have many route possibilities for day and multi-day hikes. You can hike in one canyon and out the other, for example. Check with the visitor center, or contact Totsonii Ranch for guides. Pack trips are also possible.
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Canyon de Chelly National Monument Travel Q&A
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What You Can Do in Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Photography
- Archaeology
- Camping
- Caving and Canyoneering
- Hiking and Backpacking
- Horseback Riding
- Nature
- Scenic Drives
Articles & Advice on Canyon de Chelly National Monument
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Parks Near Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Navajo National Monument,AZ (68 mi.)
- Petrified Forest National Park,AZ (82 mi.)
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park,NM (87 mi.)
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