Basic Information
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The recommended route to the park is from Highway 191 in Chinle then turning east on Route 7. The park entrance and Visitor Center is about 3 miles from Highway 191. An alternative is entering the park on the East side via Route 64. There are 3 overlooks to stop at along Route 64 before getting to the Visitor Center. Travel on Route 7 from the East is NOT RECOMMENDED since the road is unpaved and unmaintained between Sawmill and the Spider Rock turnoff. Canyon de Chelly is located at 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. Entrance Fees:No Entrance Fee - $0.00 There is no entrance fee for the park. THINGS TO DOVISITOR CENTER: Free. Pick up a park map at the Visitor Center which features a park store, orientation video and activity schedule. Visitor Center and parking lot gates open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. SCENIC DRIVES: Free. Drive the two paved rim drives to the overlooks which provide excellent views of the canyon below. Allow 2 hours to visit 3 overlooks on the North Rim Drive;best for morning photos. Allow 2 hours to visit 7 overlooks on the South Rim Drive;best for afternoon photos. Overlooks open year round. SELF GUIDED HIKE: Free. Hike the one public trail starting at the White House Overlook on the South Rim. Allow 2 hours to hike 600 feet down and back up the switchback trail to the White House Ruin. Restrooms at overlook and bottom of trail. No pets allowed on trail. RANGER LED PROGRAMS: Free. Enjoy a Ranger Program including hikes and talks from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check at the Visitor Center for current activity schedule. CANYON TOURS: Fees required. Contact a private company for a tour into the canyon by hiking, horseback or vehicle. Tours require a backcountry permit and hiring an authorized guide. No pets allowed on tours. CAMPING: Fee required. Camp at the Cottonwood Campground with sites available first-come, first-serve. No showers or hookups. Call Navajo Parks and Recreation Department at 928-674-2106 for details. SUGGESTIONS IF YOU HAVE2 Hours - Visit all 7 overlooks on South Rim Drive OR all 3 overlooks on North Rim Drive. 1/2 Day - Visit all 10 overlooks on South and North Rim Drive OR Visit the South Rim Drive and hike White House Trail OR take a half day canyon tour. 1 Day - Visit all 10 overlooks on South and North Rim Drives PLUS hike White House Trail OR visit all 10 overlooks PLUS take a half day canyon tour OR join an all-day canyon tour. 2 Days - Visit all 10 overlooks on South and North Rim Drives, hike White House Trail AND join an all-day guided tour. |
Last updated: May 9, 2017