Canyon de Chelly National Monument
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Canyon de Chelly at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Main Canyon de Chelly highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- Chinle, AZ
Explore this park
About Canyon de Chelly National Monument
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.
Weather Information
Canyon de Chelly's elevation is about 5,500 feet.
- Spring
is cool and windy; highs from 50 to 70; lows of 35 degrees.
- Summer
is hot and dry; highs from 85 to 100; lows of 51 degrees.
- Fall
is warm and often wet; highs from 60 to 80; lows of 40 degrees.
- Winter
is cold and breezy; highs from 40 to 60; lows of 18 degrees.
Expect dust storms and canyon flooding. Drink plenty of water outdoors. Expect lightning, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Expect 1-4 inches of snow and freezing nighttime temperatures.
Operating Hours
Rim Drives, North and South Rim Overlooks
North Rim Drive, South Rim Drive, 9 overlooks open daily all year round. The Welcome Center is open daily from 8AM to 5PM and closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Welcome Center gates open and close daily with regular business hours. No entrance fee for park.
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
Common questions
Planning Canyon de Chelly National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Canyon de Chelly. Check the Permits tab on this page and Recreation.gov before you travel — campground, tour, or backcountry permits may apply even without park-wide timed entry.
See Permits tab →
