Family Vacations in Arizona: Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly in northeastern Arizona blends archaeology, history, and geology. The canyon was carved by eons of runoff from spring storms and has been inhabited by humans for about 2,000 years. The cliff dwellings are spectacular structures with perfectly preserved specimens and ruins set in deep caves at the base of vivid red and yellow sandstone walls.

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona.
Ancient Puebloans built multi-storied stone and adobe dwellings into these cliffs.

The caves are surrounded by green pastures, fields of maize, and cottonwood trees, creating an incredible vista. But unlike most of the national parks in the United States, Canyon de Chelly is also part of the Navajo Nation and home to a living community of people who consider the canyon sacred ground. Likewise, visitors to Canyon de Chelly should treat the canyon as such and tread lightly on its floor.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument Information

Address: Visitor Center 3 miles off Rt. 191
Chinle, AZ
Telephone: 928/871-6647
Hours of Operation: Dawn - Dusk
Admission: Free

Canyon de Chelly Quick Fact

One of the most striking attractions in Canyon de Chelly is Spider Rock. According to Dine (Navajo) lore, Spider Woman made her home perched at the top of the rock. She was an important and revered deity, and is said to have taught the Dine; the art of weaving on a loom. Children were often told if they did not behave, Spider Woman would scurry down her web ladder, snatch them up, and bring them back to the top to devour them. Some said that the top of Spider Rock was white from the bleached bones of Dine; children who had misbehaved.

Continue to the next page to find out about Sabino Canyon.

To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:

  • Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
  • Arizona State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in Arizona, as well as other recreational activities.
  • Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.