The park may have delayed openings or closures in the event of severe weather. Travel may not be recommended during these times. Please check local weather forecasts. We appreciate your understanding.
+1 more active alerts
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Arizona
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.
About Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a national monument located in Arizona. 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.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Canyon de Chelly is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Canyon de Chelly National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Camping, Guided Tours, and 4 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Canyon de Chelly
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Canyon de Chelly
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Canyon de Chelly before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Canyon de Chelly. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Canyon de Chelly get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Altitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canyon de Chelly
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Butterfield Overland
In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the…
Casa Grande Ruins
An Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's farming community and "Great House" are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether a gathering place…
Chiricahua
Explore rhyolite pinnacles and balanced rocks on foot or by car. Relax at the campground under star-filled, dark skies. See…
Coronado
It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty. Inspired by tales of vast cities of…
Fort Bowie
For nearly 25 years, Fort Bowie stood at the crossroads of the Chiricahua Apache's fight to defend their ancestral homeland…
Glen Canyon
Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation…