Where is Canyon de Chelly National Monument,Chinle, Arizona?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in northeastern Arizona, USA. It lies between the town of Chinle and the Navajo Nation lands and is situated in the Colorado Plateau region. The monument is famous for its ancient Navajo cliff dwellings, sandstone canyons, and rich Native American history.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument Location Map,Chinle, Arizona

Top Attractions Inside Canyon de Chelly National Monument

  • Spider Rock – Iconic sandstone spire rising 750 feet from the canyon floor, sacred to the Navajo people.
  • Canyon Overlooks – Scenic viewpoints such as Junction and White House Overlook offering panoramic canyon views.
  • White House Ruin – Accessible trail leading to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
  • Navajo Guided Tours – Tours led by local Navajo guides providing cultural insights and canyon history.
  • Antelope House Ruin – Multi-story cliff dwelling perched on a ledge overlooking the canyon floor.
  • North and South Rim Drives – Scenic drives with multiple overlooks and interpretive signage along the canyon edges.
  • Chinle Wash Trail – Hiking trail through the canyon showcasing rock formations, ruins, and desert flora.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument Facts

Official NameCanyon de Chelly National Monument
LocationChinle, Apache County, Arizona, USA — within the Navajo Nation
Latitude & Longitude36.1542° N, 109.5563° W
Total Area≈ 83,840 acres (≈ 339 km²)
Established / Opened1931
Founder / DesignerU.S. Government / National Park Service
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS) in partnership with the Navajo Nation
RegionNortheastern Arizona, within the Navajo Nation
AddressFederal Hwy 191, Chinle, AZ 86503, USA
Zip Code86503
Area Code928
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptNatural canyon landscapes, Navajo cultural heritage, archaeology, history, hiking and scenic vistas
Main Features / SectionsSouth Rim Drive, North Rim Drive, White House Ruin, Spider Rock, canyon overlooks, archaeological sites
Famous AttractionsSpider Rock, White House Ruin, Antelope House Ruin, ancient cliff dwellings, scenic overlooks
Annual VisitorsApprox. 200,000–250,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission / Guided Tours Required for Canyon Floor Access
Ticket Price Range~$10–$20 per vehicle; guided tours vary ($45–$100)
Ticket OptionsSelf-guided rim access, guided canyon floor tours, photography tours
Best Time to VisitSpring (March–May) and Fall (September–October) for milder weather and optimal photography
Nearby AirportFlagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – 180 miles (290 km)
TransportationCar / Parking, guided tours via 4x4 or horseback, hiking trails
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm

Distances from Canyon de Chelly National Monument to Nearby Landmarks

  • Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Spider Rock Overlook – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • White House Ruin Trail – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Chinle, AZ – 13 km (8.1 mi)
  • Many Farms, AZ – 24 km (15 mi)
  • Window Rock, AZ – 36 km (22.4 mi)
  • Monument Valley – 120 km (74.5 mi)
  • Kayenta, AZ – 100 km (62 mi)
  • Navajo National Monument – 210 km (130 mi)
  • Four Corners Monument – 195 km (121 mi)
  • Shiprock, NM – 200 km (124 mi)
  • Bluff, UT – 185 km (115 mi)
  • Natural Bridges National Monument – 210 km (130 mi)
  • Mesa Verde National Park – 320 km (199 mi)
  • Chaco Culture National Historical Park – 360 km (224 mi)
  • Durango, CO – 330 km (205 mi)
  • Goulding’s Lodge, UT – 125 km (78 mi)
  • Monument Valley Visitor Center – 120 km (74.5 mi)
  • Little Colorado River – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Round Rock, AZ – 15 km (9.3 mi)