Canyon De Chelly
 

We are planning a family trip to AZ in june with two teenagers. Ages 13 and 15. Planning on visiting Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Maybe Navajo NM. Is Canyon De Chelly worth the visit? Heard nice things, but when looking at pictures, only saw about three different things. Didn't seem like much. Should we make it a point to visit, or is there somewhere else we should go? We've been to Sedona and Phoenix, but no where else. Comments on any must see's or comments on Tucson and area appreciated.

We loved Canyon de Chelly. We were in AZ last summer and visited Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelley, Sedona and Scottsdale. We (parents and two teens) all thought Canyon de Chelly was as much worth a visit as anywhere else we went. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Chinle and from there arranged a Navajo guide trip into the canyon - you can't go into the canyon unless you're with a Navajo. He was extrememly knowledgeable and helpful. The canyon has numerous cliff dwellings and is still home, at least in the summer, to Navajos. I'd recommend the Holiday Inn and the Canyon both. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. [email protected].

Yes, yes, yes! Canyon De Chelly is very much worth a visit, both for the spectacular scenery and the fascinating history. There is one trail that non-natives are allowed to take into the canyon, and it is an excellent one, leading to a cliff dwelling and petroglyghs, with great views along the way. A road leading in two directions offers awe-inspiring overlooks into the valley (bring good binoculars). I was glad to have taken the hike rather than the tour. It's a must-see in my book.

I agree with the above replies and would like to add that staying in Moab and visiting Arches nat.park and canyonlands is also more than worthwhile.The holiday INN near the entrance to Canyon de Chelli is great too. Paul

The Canyon is certainly worth a visit. As an alternative, however, you might consider Mesa Verde NP in Colorado

I also agree that Canyon de Chelly is worth the trip. Not sure what your route looks like, but consider taking Hwy 264 between Tuba City, AZ and Ganado, AZ.

I'd pick Canyon de Chelly over Navajo National Monument any day for several reasons. Canyon de Chelly is canyon with sheer sandstone canyon walls that are stained with desert varnish. These are called tapastries. As mentioned there is one hike down to the White House ruins in the canyon, along with some beautiful breathtaking views from the canyon rims. I highly recommend taking a tour into the canyon by a Navajo native. As mentioned it's the only way to see more of the canyon floor. We did the 1/2 day tour into the canyon from the Thunderbird Lodge. It's very informative about the history and it's so beautiful too! Wish we had done the all day tour!

At Navajo National Monument there are just a couple of overlooks to view cliff dwellings far off in the distance. You have to go on a ranger lead hike to the cliff dwellings. Only 25 people per tour, on a first-serve basis the morning of the walk.
The hike from to the Betatakin ruins is five miles round trip and is strenuous with steep switchbacks. We didn't take the hike, but if you have time for the hike, I'm sure it's well worth it.

Utahtea

Also agree with all of the above. We had our own SUV and hired a guide for three hours. Would have stayed longer but she had to meet her children at the school bus stop. Very informative and totally different perspective when on the canyon floor. I enjoyed this as much as anywhere in the Southwest. Also, not as frequently as visited as other parks so crowds should be less. Easy to see why this is a spirtitual place for the Navaho

Thanks for all the input! Let me ask, those doing the tours...is it better to hike, to horseback ride or vehicle ride? Sounds like all day tours are better?.

Utahtea, you mentioned taking hwy 264 there. Reasons why that route? We aren't sure of our route yet, but will be going for probably 7 days, flying into either phoenix or vegas. We want to see GC, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly. Having never been there, what route would you suggest would be best?

With 7 days and places you want to see you have a couple different options...and of course they can be done in reverse order too.

Phoenix to Grand Canyon take I-17 north to Flagstaff. Stop at Montezuma's Castle National Monument just above Camp Verde. Depending on how much time you have you might consider driving thru Sedona. At Flagstaff take I-40 & Hwy 64 or Hwy 180 and Hwy 64 to the entrance of the Grand Canyon.

Exit Hwy 64 going east to Cameron. Take Hwy 89 north to Hwy 160 to Kayenta and then north on hwy 163 to Monument Valley. (If you want to make the short detour to Navajo National Monument...do it before reaching Kayenta.

From Monument Valley to Canyon de Chelly take Hwy 163 back to Kayenta, then Hwy 160 to Hwy 191 and travel south to Canyon de Chelly.

After Canyon de Chelly you have choices.

You can take Hwy 191 down to I-40 which will be a faster drive unless you take the option of driving the extra 20 miles thru the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert before reaching Flagstaff.

OR you can Hwy 191 down to Ganado and take hwy 264 to Tuba City, Hwy 160 back to Hwy 89 and drive south towards Flagstaff. Another option will be to take the 395 loop to Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater.

Both routes are about the same miles but driving times will vary.

Utahtea

The one hike down to White House ruins that you can take without a Navajo guide in to Canyon de Chelly gives you a very limited view of the canyon floor. On the 1/2 & all day guided tours, you make a stop at these and other ruins. You see a lot of petroglpys and more of the beautiful canyon walls.

I haven't done the horseback ride, but I can't imagine that it goes that far into the canyon.

Whether you take a private tour or go with a group will depend on what kind of vehicle you have. If you have your own 4 wheel drive vehicle ...it might be more comfortable than the tour which is known as the "shake and bake" tour. It's named that because you bounced around in an open truck like vehicle with seats and it's usually hot in the summer...but it's worth it!

Utahtea

Thanks Utahtea for the info! Looking at your navigational routes, we would probably follow your first set. Just seems to make more sense looking at the map. However I am curious what rt 264 between Tuba City and Ganado is like since you mentioned that one. Is is scenic, or is it just because it goes through the indian reservations? I had considered stopping off at the Hopi Mesas, but not sure after reading some things if that would be worthwile and if it's something my 13 and 15 yr old girls would enjoy. Any comments would be appreciated.

It is definately worth the visit. I was there 16 years ago, so I'm sure it has changed a bit since then, but it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, and it was beautiful.

I think the Hwy 264 between Tuba City and hwy 191 is pretty scenic and educational. I found some pictures:

http://amandajane.org/Album/navajo_n..._mesa.jpg.html

I've done this route twice in both directions. I prefer driving west towards Tuba City. I think you have better views going this direction.

Utahtea

Thanks everyone for their input!!

And thanks Utahtea for the pictures. I enjoyed viewing the West.