Canyon de Chelly National Monument Map & Directions
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located near Chinle in northeastern Arizona entirely on Navajo Nation lands. The monument protects dramatic sandstone canyons, archaeological sites and a living cultural landscape where Diné families continue to raise livestock, grow crops and maintain connections to a place inhabited by people for nearly 5,000 years.
This map and directions guide covers the recommended paved route into Canyon de Chelly, driving from Flagstaff, Phoenix, Gallup and Albuquerque, the North and South Rim scenic drives, White House Trail, canyon-tour access and practical visitor information. Because GPS and cell-phone service can be unreliable across the Navajo Nation, visitors should follow official paved routes rather than relying on navigation apps to select shortcuts.
- Canyon de Chelly Quick Facts
- Canyon de Chelly Map
- Recommended Driving Route
- Directions From Flagstaff
- Directions From Phoenix
- Directions From Gallup
- Directions From Albuquerque
- North & South Rim Drives
- White House Trail
- Canyon Tours
- Welcome Center & Hours
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
Canyon de Chelly National Monument Quick Facts
- Location: Chinle, Arizona on Navajo Nation lands
- Managing partners: National Park Service and Navajo Nation
- Welcome Center: Approximately 3 miles east of Highway 191 in Chinle
- Entrance fee: None for general monument access and rim overlooks
- Rim drives: North and South Rim Drives with 10 overlooks
- Road surface: Rim drives are paved and do not require four-wheel drive
- Public hiking trail: White House Trail
- White House Trail: Approximately 2.5 miles round trip
- Canyon-floor access: Authorized guide and backcountry permit generally required
- Nearby community: Chinle, approximately 2 miles from the park
- Time zone: Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time from March through November
Recommended Driving Route To Canyon de Chelly
The recommended entrance to Canyon de Chelly National Monument is from U.S. Highway 191 in Chinle. From Highway 191, turn east onto Navajo Route 7 and follow the paved road less than three miles to the park entrance and Welcome Center.
GPS and cell-phone service can be unreliable throughout the Navajo Nation. The National Park Service specifically warns visitors not to use Route 7 from the east between Sawmill and the Spider Rock turnoff because that section is unpaved and unmaintained and can lead travelers into remote areas without reliable cell service.
An alternative paved approach enters from the east on Route 64 from Tsaile. Three North Rim overlooks are located along Route 64 before reaching the Welcome Center.
Directions From Flagstaff To Canyon de Chelly
From Flagstaff, travel east on Interstate 40 toward eastern Arizona, then take U.S. Highway 191 north toward Chinle. In Chinle, turn east onto Navajo Route 7 and follow the paved road less than three miles to the Canyon de Chelly Welcome Center.
The National Park Service estimates Canyon de Chelly at roughly three hours from Flagstaff under normal driving conditions.
Directions From Phoenix To Canyon de Chelly
From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17 toward Flagstaff, then continue east on Interstate 40 toward U.S. Highway 191. Take Highway 191 north to Chinle and turn east onto Navajo Route 7 for the final paved drive to the monument.
The National Park Service estimates travel from the Phoenix area at approximately five hours, although actual driving time depends on traffic and your starting location.
Directions From Gallup New Mexico
From Gallup, travel west on Navajo Route 264, then turn north onto U.S. Highway 191 toward Chinle. In Chinle, turn east onto Navajo Route 7 and follow the paved road to Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
NPS estimates the drive from Gallup at approximately 1.5 hours under normal conditions.
Directions From Albuquerque To Canyon de Chelly
From Albuquerque, travel west on Interstate 40 toward Gallup. Continue through the Gallup area and follow the recommended route using Navajo Route 264 and U.S. Highway 191 north toward Chinle. From Chinle, take Navajo Route 7 east to the park entrance and Welcome Center.
The National Park Service estimates travel from Albuquerque at approximately four hours.
Directions From Sedona To Canyon de Chelly
From Sedona, travel north on State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff. From Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 east and then U.S. Highway 191 north toward Chinle. In Chinle, turn east onto Navajo Route 7 and follow the paved road to Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
Allow substantial additional travel time during busy periods in Oak Creek Canyon and on Interstate 40.
Map of Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly National Monument Map
Map of Lookout Points. Credit: NPSCanyon de Chelly North & South Rim Drives
Canyon de Chelly has two paved scenic drives that visitors can explore independently without a guide or permit. Together, the North and South Rim Drives provide access to ten canyon overlooks.
The North Rim Drive has three principal overlooks and is especially good for morning photography. The South Rim Drive includes six major overlooks and is generally better for afternoon light, with dramatic views toward Spider Rock and the deeper canyon.
Four-wheel drive is not required for the paved rim roads, and the overlooks are normally open year-round. Allow about two hours for each rim drive if you plan to stop at the major viewpoints.
White House Trail
The White House Trail is currently open and is the only public trail into Canyon de Chelly that visitors may hike without an authorized Navajo guide or separate canyon tour.
The trail begins at White House Overlook on the South Rim and is approximately 2.5 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation change. The route descends from the canyon rim to views of White House Ruin before climbing back to the overlook.
Allow about two hours for the hike. The route is moderately strenuous, with switchbacks, elevation change and exposure to heat or changing weather. Hiking is at your own risk, and pets are not allowed on the trail.
Guided Canyon Tours
Most travel along the canyon floor requires a backcountry permit and an authorized guide. Private Navajo tour companies offer trips into the canyon by four-wheel-drive vehicle, horseback and hiking.
Tour companies set their own schedules, prices and reservation policies. Reservations are especially recommended from March through October. Access may occasionally be restricted because of weather, flooding, road conditions or resource protection.
Visitors interested in exploring beyond White House Trail should arrange a tour with an authorized operator rather than attempting to enter restricted canyon areas independently.
Canyon de Chelly Welcome Center & Hours
The Canyon de Chelly Welcome Center is the best place to begin a visit. It provides park information, maps, a bookstore, orientation materials and Junior Ranger activities.
Current National Park Service hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The Welcome Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day and may open late or close during severe weather.
There is currently no entrance fee to visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument or drive to the rim overlooks. Separate fees apply for Cottonwood Campground, guided canyon tours and some backcountry permits.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
P.O. Box 588
Chinle, AZ 86503
928-674-5500
Navajo Nation Time Zone
Canyon de Chelly is located on the Navajo Nation, which observes Daylight Saving Time from March through November. During that period, the local time at Canyon de Chelly may differ from nearby Arizona communities that do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
When reserving tours or planning arrival times, confirm the current local Navajo Nation time rather than assuming all locations in Arizona are on the same clock.
Canyon de Chelly Lodging & Camping
Chinle is the primary gateway community for Canyon de Chelly and offers lodging, restaurants, fuel, groceries and other traveler services close to the monument.
Cottonwood Campground is located near the park entrance and is managed by Navajo Parks and Recreation. Campsites are generally available first-come, first-served, and the campground does not provide showers or RV hookups.
Visitors combining Canyon de Chelly with Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park may also consider an overnight stay in Holbrook as part of a multi-day northeastern Arizona itinerary.
Canyon de Chelly Visitor Tips
- Use Highway 191 and Navajo Route 7 from Chinle as the recommended paved entrance.
- Do not use Route 7 from the east between Sawmill and Spider Rock as a shortcut.
- Download maps before traveling because cell-phone and GPS service can be unreliable.
- Remember that the Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time from March through November.
- Allow several hours for the rim drives rather than treating Canyon de Chelly as a brief roadside stop.
- Carry plenty of drinking water, especially during warm weather and when hiking White House Trail.
- Stay away from cliff edges and supervise children closely at overlooks.
- Do not enter private homes, farms or restricted canyon areas.
- Arrange an authorized tour for most canyon-floor travel beyond White House Trail.
- Check current weather because summer storms can cause flash flooding and winter weather can affect travel.
More Canyon de Chelly Information
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument Guide
- Canyon de Chelly Cottonwood Campground
- Canyon de Chelly Photos & Videos
- Canyon de Chelly Visitor Information
- Painted Desert
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Canyon de Chelly National Monument FAQ
Where Is Canyon de Chelly National Monument?
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located near Chinle in northeastern Arizona on Navajo Nation lands.
How Do You Get To Canyon de Chelly?
The recommended route is U.S. Highway 191 to Chinle, then Navajo Route 7 east less than three miles to the monument entrance and Welcome Center.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Canyon de Chelly?
No. There is currently no general entrance fee to visit the monument or its rim overlooks. Separate fees apply to camping, guided canyon tours and some backcountry permits.
Can You Drive Canyon de Chelly Without A Guide?
Yes. The paved North and South Rim Drives and their overlooks can be visited independently without a guide or permit.
Do You Need Four-Wheel Drive At Canyon de Chelly?
No. Four-wheel drive is not required for the paved North and South Rim Drives. Guided canyon-floor vehicle tours may use specialized vehicles for backcountry conditions.
Is White House Trail Open?
Yes. White House Trail is currently open and is the only public trail into Canyon de Chelly that visitors can hike without an authorized guide.
How Long Is White House Trail?
White House Trail is approximately 2.5 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation change. Allow about two hours for the hike.
Do You Need A Guide To Enter Canyon de Chelly?
Most canyon-floor travel requires a backcountry permit and an authorized guide. White House Trail is the primary exception for independent hikers.
What Time Zone Is Canyon de Chelly In?
Canyon de Chelly follows Navajo Nation time. The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time from March through November, unlike most of Arizona.
How Much Time Should You Spend At Canyon de Chelly?
Plan at least several hours to visit the Welcome Center and selected rim overlooks. A full day is better if you want to explore both rim drives, hike White House Trail or take a guided canyon tour.
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