Located 92 miles from Gallup, Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a stunning southwestern landscape. President Hoover designated Canyon de Chelly as a National Monument in 1931 to preserve the important archeological resources in the canyon. The monument encompasses approximately 84,000 acres of lands located entirely on the Navajo Nation, with roughly 40 families residing in the park. The National Park Service and the Navajo Nation work together to manage Canyon de Chelly's rich cultural and natural resources.

The Navajo call this place Tséyi', the place within the rocks. The sheer, red sandstone cliffs cradle Chinle Creek, a tributary within the San Juan River basin. The creek supports a swath of fertile farmland in the valley below. People have hunted and farmed in the canyon for nearly 5,000 years, which is the longest consistent human habitation on the Colorado Plateau.

Geology

Wind and water sculpted the colorful bluffs of Canyon de Chelly after millions of years of uplift during the formation of the Colorado Plateau. Streams carved the canyon. The rich sediment in the soil, and year around water, supported a rich, diverse ecosystem, attracting humans over 5000 years ago.

Human Habitation

The Ancient Puebloans had an affinity for the natural defense provided by canyons. Canyon de Chelly was an ideal place to plant crops and raise families. The first settlers built pit houses, replacing them with more sophisticated structure over time. As more people coalesced, homes were built in alcoves to take advantage of natural protection from the elements. People thrived in the canyon until the mid-1300’s.

The Hopi farmed the canyons after the Ancestral Puebloan communities dissolved. They planted corn fields and peach orchards. Although the Hopi eventually migrated to the mesa tops west of Canyon de Chelly, they continued many of their ancient traditions, which is evident in both their homes and kivas.

The Navajo, or Dine', are related to the Athabaskan people of Northern Canada and Alaska. They migrated into the Southwest between 1300-1500, settling between the four sacred mountains: Blanca Peak (Colorado), Mount Taylor (New Mexico), San Francisco Peak (Arizona), and Hesperus Peak(Colorado). The Dine’ quickly adopted agriculture and animal husbandry from their Puebloan neighbors. Farms, livestock, and hogans are visible from many of the overlooks.

Self-Guided Tour of the Overlooks

There are nine overlooks in total on the North and South Rim Drives. The 130-mile loop can be done in one day or broken up if visitors only have a few hours. It takes about 2 hours to visit the three overlooks on the North Rim Drive, which has the best light for morning photos. It also takes approximately 2 hours to visit the six overlooks on the South Rim Drive, which has the best light for afternoon photos. Both routes offer stunning views of crimson cliffs towering over lush fields at the bottom of the canyon.

The overlooks are open year-round. The road is paved and car friendly, including small passenger vehicles.

Canyon Tours

To explore the canyons and get a closer vantage point to the spectacular rock formations, guests must schedule a tour with an authorized Navajo guide. Contact a private company for a tour into the canyon. Options include hiking, horses or Jeeps.

On guided tours, visitors get insight into the history and significance of this sacred place. Tours include exploring by foot, Jeep, or horse. Fees required. Tours require a backcountry permit. No pets allowed.

Back-Country Permits

The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department (NPRD) office (located near the entrance of the Cottonwood Campground) issues backcountry permits for canyon tours. They also collect fees for overnight camping. Contact NPRD at 928-674-2106 for more information.