Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Chinle, AZ
Red sandstone canyons with cliff dwellings and Navajo farms still worked today. Rim drives to Spider Rock and White House Overlook are free; entering the canyon floor needs an authorized Navajo guide, except on the White House Trail when it is open.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument lies near Chinle in northeastern Arizona on Navajo Nation land. The sandstone walls rise up to 1,000 feet (300 meters). According to The American Southwest, around 40 families have a permanent home on the canyon floor.
Two rim roads give access to the canyon: North Rim Drive links Chinle with the north-south route IR 12 and passes several overlooks, while South Rim Drive ends at Spider Rock Overlook. There stands the forked sandstone spire of Spider Rock, about 800 feet (244 meters) tall and sacred to the Navajo. Lonely Planet suggests allowing about two hours and starting early.
Practical details: admission is free because the monument is on Navajo land. You may enter the canyon floor only with a Navajo guide; unaccompanied access is limited to the rim overlooks and the White House Ruin Trail (1.2 miles, about 560 feet of elevation change). The American Southwest listed that trail as closed at last check, so ask the park in advance. Cottonwood Campground is near the visitor center and charges a fee.
- Nearest town
- Chinle, AZ
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.1531, -109.5390
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cottonwood CampgroundMotorhome stopover0 mi from Canyon de Chelly National MonumentMotorhomes
- Spider Rock CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Free Campground in Canyon de Chelly NMCampsite11 mi from Canyon de Chelly National MonumentToiletsFree
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is in Chinle, AZ, at GPS 36.1531, -109.5390. It is about 30 mi from Ganado.
Can you camp near Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cottonwood Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Navajo Nation: Window Rock, Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.
What is there to see near Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (30 mi), Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park (43 mi), Four Corners Monument (65 mi) and Monument Valley (66 mi).
When is the best time to visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)