Canyon de Chelly National Monument
This canyon is home to Diné families who raise livestock, grow crops and live here.
Photo: Ravis Henry / NPS
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.
Pair it with another park
AZdrive time
NMdrive time
COdrive time
AZdrive time
NMdrive time
COdrive time
Driving times from Canyon de Chelly National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Rim Drives, North and South Rim Overlooks
- Mon
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Tue
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Wed
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Thu
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Fri
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sat
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sun
- Sunrise to Sunset
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
- Popular activities include Auto and ATV, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (2 h 31 min), Aztec Ruins National Monument (3 h 15 min), Yucca House National Monument (3 h 21 min), Petrified Forest National Park (3 h 47 min), El Morro National Monument (3 h 50 min), Mesa Verde National Park (3 h 51 min).