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 7 overlooks on the South Rim Drive which are best for afternoon photos. Overlooks open year round. SELF GUIDED HIKE: Free. The White House Overlook and Trail are open. This 2.5 miles round trip hike descends 600 feet into the canyon to the White House site. Be prepared and know your physical limit. Take plenty of drinking water and wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Hiking is recommended in the early morning and late afternoon. Parking and hiking are at your own risk. In the future, the Navajo Nation may require a fee and oversee this area seasonally. 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 7 overlooks on South Rim Drive OR all 3 overlooks on North Rim Drive. Hike the White House Trail. 1/2 Day - Visit all 10 overlooks on South and North Rim Drive OR take a half day canyon tour OR visit the overlooks on one Rim Drive and hike the White House Trail. 1 Day - Visit all 10 overlooks on South and North Rim Drives PLUS take a half day canyon tour OR join an all-day canyon tour OR visit all 10 overlooks AND hike the White House Trail. 2 Days - Visit all 10 overlooks on South and North Rim Drives PLUS join an all-day guided tour and hike the White House Trail OR visit our sister parks nearby at Navajo National Monument or Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site.
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: June 11, 2025