Arizona Travel Forum

We intend to visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument on a half day trip(staying for one night in Chinle). As far as I understand it is only possible to visit the canyon itself with a guided (Navajo) tour.

Has anybody done such a guided tour ??
Experiences ??
Is it worth the money ??

> As far as I understand it is only possible to visit the canyon itself with a guided (Navajo) tour.
Nope. There is one (1) trail in that you can go in without a guide. It descends from an overlook on the south rim, passes through a natural tunnel, into the canyon and ends at a fenced-off (chain-link, for aesthetics I'm sure) cliff dwellings site. The hike was very nice, but the end was a little offsetting.
I haven't done the tours, but they are supposedly very good.

We, sadly, could not go to Canyon de Chelly as we had planned as all tours the day we wanted to go had been cancelled due to staff training. if you are staying in Chinle on a room/tour package to make sure that tours will be operating before you get there. We thankfully found out before we arrived and were able to cancel our room.

My friends said they enjoyed Canyon de Chelly more than the Grand Canyon, but I think that's personal preference. You will not be disappointed, it is well worth the money.

I hope I'm not too late replying - whichever way you visit the Canyon de Chelly I am sure you will not be disappointed. We took a Shake 'n Bake Tour - see my Arizona pages - and I found it to be the most tranquil spot I have ever been to when we stopped at the very base of the canyon. There is something very magical about the place and well worth the trip. I look forward to reading about your visit.