Hiking

From about late May through early September, free three-hour ranger hikes depart most weekend mornings from the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center—call ahead for times and to reserve a spot. Only one hike within Canyon de Chelly National Monument—the White House Ruin Trail on the South Rim Drive—can be undertaken without an authorized guide. The trail starts near White House Overlook and runs along sheer walls that drop about 550 feet. If you have concerns about heights, be aware that the path gets narrow and requires careful footing. The hike is 2½ miles round-trip, and hikers should carry their own drinking water.

Ancient Canyon Tours. This Navajo-owned tour company offers both day-hiking and overnight-camping excursions into the park's two canyons, de Chelly and del Muerto. The moderately difficult day hikes venture into some of the park's most spectacular backcountry and can last from three to four hours, if covering the lower parts of the canyons, and as long as nine hours for excursions into the higher terrain. The cost is $40 per hour (three-hour minimum) for up to 10 hikers; there are additional $30 per guide and $50 per night land-use fees for overnight trips. Private 4x4 tours into the canyons are also available. Chinle, Arizona, 86503. 928/349--6185; www.ancientcanyontours.com. From $40/hr.