THINGS TO DOWELCOME CENTER: Free. Pick up a park map at the Welcome Center which features a park store. Welcome Center and parking lot gates open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 which are best for morning photos. Allow 2 hours to visit 6 overlooks on the South Rim Drive which are best for afternoon photos. Overlooks open year round. SELF GUIDED HIKE: Fees may be required. The White House Overlook and Trail are closed until next season. The Navajo Nation will oversee this area seasonally with staff to answer questions. This area may require a fee in the future. RANGER LED PROGRAMS: Free. Enjoy a Ranger Program including hikes and talks from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Special programs will be offered throughout the year. Check at the Welcome 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 the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department at 928-674-2106 for details. SUGGESTIONS IF YOU HAVE2 Hours - Visit all 6 overlooks on South Rim Drive OR all 3 overlooks on North Rim Drive. If open, hike the White House Trail. 1/2 Day - Visit all 9 overlooks on South and North Rim Drive OR take a half day canyon tour. 1 Day - Visit all 9 overlooks on South and North Rim Drives PLUS take a half day canyon tour OR join an all-day canyon tour. If open, hike the White House Trail. 2 Days - Visit all 9 overlooks on South and North Rim Drives PLUS join an all-day guided tour and visit our sister parks nearby at Navajo National Monument or Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site. If open, hike the White House Trail.
The recommended route to Canyon de Chelly National Monument is driving to Chinle, AZ, via Highway 191 then turning east on Indian Route 7. The park entrance and Welcome Center is about 3 miles from the Junction of Highway 191 and Indian Route 7. An alternative route is entering the park from the East via Indian Route 64. There are 3 overlooks to stop at along Indian Route 64 before getting to the Welcome Center. Travel on Indian Route 7 from the East between Sawmill, AZ, and the Spider Rock turnoff is NOT RECOMMENDED since the road is unpaved and unmaintained.
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Last updated: April 29, 2025