canyon de chelly tour companies

Canyon De Chelly Tours

Tours of the canyon floor with diné guides in chinle, arizona.

Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

We observe MDT from March through November. We are the only part of Arizona that observes this time zone. This places us in the same time zone as CO, UT, and NM. We are 1-hour ahead of Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson. Please plan accordingly.

BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS ( Required )

Every tour requires a backcountry permit and is payable to the Navajo Parks and Rec in cash in the amount of $8.00 per person. Your guide will get it with you prior to entering the canyon. If you have any questions, you may call the Navajo Parks and Rec at: 928-674-2106.

Masks are optional on the Navajo Nation. Most of our guides are vaccinated for COVID. While booking a tour, please indicate as to whether a vaccinated guide is preferred.

Please read our COVID-19 health and cancellation policies prior to booking.

**For the safety of your guide and your group, should any member in your party exhibit symptoms of COVID, cold or flu-like symptoms, your tour will be cancelled and a refund given via payment type.**

/www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm ; and  navajonationparks.org

Ahéhee’ (Thank you),

Canyon de Chelly Tours

Find the tour that's right for you

• Most Popular
• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Private Vehicle Tour

Experience Canyon de Chelly from the comfort of a private 4×4 with an experienced guide.

Public Group Tour

See the sites in Canyon De Chelly in a group tour and a professional Diné guide.

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Canyon Hiking

Hike Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto with an experienced Diné guide to teach you about the geology, culture, and history.

Canyon de Chelly Tours, founded in the latter 1980s, is an enterprise of the late Leon Skyhorse Thomas. Canyon de Chelly Tours is an 100% Diné-owned business. We ensure that every guide is a professional and certified by both the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. We pride ourselves in providing you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Leon was a Diné film maker and musician. He had a love for his cultural heritage and sharing it with the people he met. His passion encompassed so many of the arts such as music, film making, and writing. He was an advocate for the people, community, the arts, language, culture and the canyon. While he is gone, he is not forgotten. His legacy remains with us in the films and music he made.

All Skyhorse products, including the film “Canyon De Chelly, Through Navajo Eyes” and award-winning music, are available by calling: 928-349-1600.

Guests Love Us On TripAdvisor and Yelp!

Canyon de Chelly was the boyhood home of this cultured Navajo gentleman. His formidable knowledge of Canyon de Chelly is matched by his keen appreciation of Navajo history. Reggie focused on making our tour a great learning experience, he also knew the best locations for photos.

We lucked out and got Irene as our guide on a 4-hour private tour and we learned so much. She taught us about the history and Navajo beliefs all along the trip. She is a true treasure.

Spoiled my wife with a private tour, and it was terrific thanks to our guide, Harris Hardy. He was extremely knowledgeable and personable as well. Highly recommended. BTW, we stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge and were very happy. Tried Navajo food at the Best Western, which was also very good...not surprisingly since 90% of the patrons were Navajos.

We had our tour with Richard. We drove through the canyon and would stop every 5-10 minutes to get out of the car to get close up views of some of the paintings. Richard not only knew a ton about the canyon, but he also was extremely knowledgeable about the Navajo Nation in general. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to learn more about this monument!

We recently took a Canyon De Chelly Tour, with Richard T. as our guide! We truly enjoyed the canyon - but Richard's knowledge of not only the canyon, but also of the Navajo people, was what made the tour really special!

Call Today! (928) 674-5842

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OUR CANYON DE CHELLY TOURS

Tour the canyon with us, we have multiple options for touring Canyon De Chelly. The ride and awesome scenery will amaze you. The best way to experience the archaeological sites within the many canyons of Canyon De Chelly National Monument is on one of our tours.

Our All-Day Tour includes the entire length of Canyon De Chelly and Canyon Del Muerto.

The all day tour leaves at 9:00am and lasts approximately 8 hours. The first canyon for the day is Canyon De Chelly and includes the highlights of Spider Rock and White House Ruins.  You will travel the full length of Canyon De Chelly, traveling to the base of the towering 800 foot monolith of Spider Rock, where canyon walls rise over 1000 feet.  White House Ruins and many other ruins are along the way in the lower canyon.  This portion of the trip exceeds 32 miles.

The next leg of your tour is Canyon Del Muerto.  You will travel almost the full length of Canyon Del Muerto with Mummy Cave, Antelope House Ruin and Navajo Fortress being the highlights of this canyon.  Mummy Cave is a partially restored ancestral apartment complex constructed under an arching overhang in the weathered sandstone.  At Antelope House, colored drawings of antelope created at the beginning of the last century are side by side with creations of the Ancestral Pueblo.  Canyon walls at Antelope House Ruin arch into the canyon over the stream bed below.  The round trip for this canyon exceeds thirty miles.

Lunch and snacks are provided.  

Rate: $150.00 per person

Note: This tour is currently unavailable.

Our Four-Hour Tour includes the following major ruins;

• Kokopelli Cave
• Petroglyph Rock
• Junction Ruin
• Ceremonial Cave
• Antelope House Ruin in Canyon Del Muerto
• White House Ruin in Canyon De Chelly

The 4-hour tours leave daily, either in the morning (9am), afternoon or sunset.

Departure times for our afternoon tour:

• November through March: 1pm departure
• April through October: 2pm departure

Our Sunset tour is seasonal, operating April through October.

Departure times for the sunset tour: May through September – 4:00pm departure April and October – 3:00pm departure

Rate: $70.00 per person

Spider Rock Rim Tour & Storytelling  

Spider Rock Rim Tour & Storytelling leaves at 5pm, departing from the front of the Thunderbird Lodge. This two-hour tour includes traveling 37-miles along the South Rim, viewing different overlooks and ruins along the way. When arriving at the Spider Rock Overlook, you have the option to stretch your legs, catch a great view, hear the history, and stories of the Navajo (Dineh) and the infamous Spider Rock.

Highlights include

• Scenic Views
• Historic Ruins
• Native American History
• Storytelling

Rate: $35.00 per person

OUR VEHICLES AND GUIDES

Our tours are conducted on Pinzgauer army troop carriers, built by Steyr-Puch of Austria, manufacturer of the Mercedes G Wagon. Our Pinzgauers have seat belts for all 10 passengers. They are very impressive off road, and in 6wd with 3 axles locked, they will go places where Hummers and Jeeps fear to tread. Our model is the Soft Top 6×6 with two rear axles. The soft tops are easily and quickly rolled up for exceptional viewing.

Our Navajo guides teach you the history of the canyons and about Ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi), Hopi and Navajo peoples. We offer you more than just viewing our scenery. Every guide is a professional, certified by the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department.

All tours depart from Thunderbird Lodge Trading Post. Please check-in at least 20 minutes prior to your departure time. Bottled water and snacks are provided.

For more information about our Tours:

Phone: 928-674-5842 Email: [email protected]

CLOSURES MAY BE POSSIBLE, DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Canyon de Chelly Tour Operators

Navajo nation park & recreation.

To book a guided tour in Canyon de Chelly, select a tour operator from the list below, please call to make an appointment or take a look at the link provided for more information. All Navajo Tribal Park areas are Guided Tour only.

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Alerts in effect, tours of the canyon.

Last updated: February 14, 2023

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Contact info, mailing address:.

P.O. Box 588 Chinle, AZ 86503

928 674-5500

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Beauty Way Jeep Tours

Welcome – yá’át’ééh.

Thank you for visiting us. Canyon De Chelly (pronounced d’shay) is in the Center of the Navajo Nation in the community of Chinle, Arizona. The Canyon is home to over 50 Navajo families, that still utilize the land for farming, ranching and a weekend home. Throughout the Canyon you will come across hundreds of historical sites, ranging from pictograph, petroglyph, cliff dwellings created by the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi), and granaries. Beauty Way Jeep Tours prides itself and stating that all of our guides are local Navajo in habitants of the Canyon many of us still occupy our homestead and farmland within the base of the canyon floor. Our Guides are all authorized by the National Park Service and Navajo Park and Recreation to lead visitors into the Canyon by Jeep, hiking, and camping.

Read the Full Story about Canyon De Chelly HERE

Establishing our business in 1989 as De Chelly Tours, my father wanted to highlight the south Canyon where our family homestead is located. In 2005 we decided to rebrand the company to Beauty Way Jeep Tours. Beauty Way is a Navajo way of life. With our tours we wanted to highlight more of our traditions and give thanks to our ancestors so we named our company Beauty Way Jeep Tours.

Our company has lead hundreds of visitors from all over the world for over 35 years. We have accommodate Sierra Club, REI, Jeep Jamboree, countless universities and scholars. Our company also has lead several large film and photograph groups into the canyon Disney Lone Ranger, PBS, Firstline Films, Arizona Highway, foreign documentaries. Trips we’ve accommodated for special interested guest include photographers, painters, geologist, architects, authors, musicians, weavers, religious groups and large tour bus we’ve accommodated more than 75 people on a trip into Canyon De Chelly.

Popular Stops in Canyon DeChelly

Watch this video about our tours – many thanks to @jerryarizona for creating this.

Pickup Locations

Best Western Canyon De Chelly

Holiday Inn Canyon De Chelly

Cottonwood Campground entrance

Canyon De Chelly Welcome Center

Please note: Thunderbird Lodge does not allow pickups on their property. For our clients who are staying there, Cottonwood Campground Entrance is a short walking distance from the lodge and we can pick you up there.

Daily: 6 AM - 8 PM Mountain Standard Time

You can reach us by phone on our landline at: ( 928) 674-3772

Or call or TEXT us on our Cellphone at: (928) 241-3767

Email: [email protected]

CDC Visiting Information

All Day Tour

Take a tour of the entire length of Canyon De Chelly and Canyon Del Muerto. You will travel approximately 60 miles throughout the spectacular canyons stopping at the base of the 800-foot monolith, Spider Rock.

Departs at 9:00 am each day.

Highlights include

• Spider Rock
• All other major ruins included on the 4-hour tour

Click here for more information on the All Day Tour

$150 per person

4-Hour Tour

Choose from Morning (9 am), Afternoon (2 pm) or Sunset departure times. Our Sunset tours are offered seasonally from April through October.

During the 4-Hour Tour, you will travel approximately 24 miles on the breathtaking canyon floor.

• Antelope House
• White House Ruins
• Navajo Fortress

Click here for more information on the 4-hour tour

$70 Per Person

Spider Rock Rim Tour & Storytelling

Spider Rock Rim Tour & Storytelling leaves at 5pm, departing from the front of the Thunderbird Lodge. This two-hour tour includes traveling 37-miles along the South Rim, viewing different overlooks and ruins along the way. When arriving at the Spider Rock Overlook, you have the option to stretch your legs, catch a great view, hear the history, and stories of the Navajo (Dineh) and the infamous Spider Rock.

• Scenic Views
• Historic Ruins
• Native American History
• Storytelling

Click here for more information on the Spider Rock Rim Tour & Storytelling tour

$35 Per Person

T: 928-401-0430

Footpath Journeys

Canyon de chelly.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona (Four Corners Area) is one of the jewels of the Navajo Nation and home to many different clans of the Diné (Navajo People).   Past and present are interwoven in Canyon de Chelly . 

Footpath Journeys of Canyon de Chelly offers various tours of the canyons’ treasures. Accessibility to the park is limited without an authorized Navajo guide.

On our day hikes or camping trips, we'll see hogans, sweat lodges, sheep and horses and explore the vast richness of the many ancient ruins nestled in the canyon and well as the abundance of fascinating rock art that dots the glorious textures of the towering walls of Canyon de Chelly.

We are currently closed for the 2023 season. However, Footpath Journeys will be offering some exciting cultural immersion packages for 2024. We will be providing more information about these 4 day camping experiences and accepting reservations starting December 15th. Hiking reservations in 2024 will not be available until February 24th. The best way to

join us at Footpath Journeys is to sign up for our mailing list below and we will send you some updates shortly.

MAILING LIST!

Preserving Navajo History In Canyon De Chelly

June 28, 2010  ·  12:00 AM ET

Heard on Morning Edition

Crossing Between Worlds, The Navajo of Canyon de Chelly

By Jeanne Simonelli

with Lupita McClanahan

Canyon de Chelly Tours

• See all photos

3 hour Private Tour in Chinle

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Canyon de Chelly Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Canyon de Chelly National Monument: The Complete Guide

 JLR / Getty Images

Things to Do

• Best Hikes & Trails

Scenic Drives

Canyon tours, where to camp, where to stay, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit, canyon de chelly national monument.

Jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly National Monument sits on approximately 84,000 acres of tribal land in northeast Arizona and actually consists of two canyons: Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “shay”) and Canyon del Muerto. From the visitor center, Canyon de Chelly runs slightly southeast while Canyon del Muerto runs northeast, forming a “V.”

You can view Ancestral Puebloan pit houses dating back nearly 5,000 years, cliff dwellings built into the canyon walls, and Hogans lived in by Navajo today for free from overlooks on the rim. However, to explore the canyons’ interior, you’ll need to hire a Navajo guide.

Most people experience the park by driving its two scenic drives, one with views of Canyon de Chelly and the other with views of Canyon del Muerto. Stop by the visitor center to pick up a map, watch the 23-minute introductory video, and learn about ranger-led programs before hitting the road. You can also hire a Navajo guide at the visitor center to take you into the canyon on a 4x4, horseback, or hiking tour.

Best Hikes & Trails

There is only one trail in Canyon de Chelly National Monument that you can hike without a guide, the White House Trail. If you want to explore any further, you’ll either need to take a ranger-led hike or hire a Navajo guide. Trails you can hike with a guide include Beehive, Bat, Tunnel, Bear, Baby, Crow, and White Sands.

• White House Trail: This 2.5-mile, out-and-back trail starts at the White House Overlook on South Rim Drive and switchbacks 600 feet down to the canyon floor, ending at the White House Ruin. Allow two hours, plus time to view the ruins and shop for Navajo arts and crafts. The trail has little shade, so wear a hat, liberally apply sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.

Of the park’s two scenic drives, the South Rim Drive is the most popular. Following the edge of Canyon de Chelly, it boasts one of the park’s most notable formations, Spider Rock, an 800-foot sandstone monolith said to be the home of Spider Woman. But the North Rim Drive is equally impressive with views of Canyon del Muerto, so named for the 115 Navajo people killed here by Spanish soldiers in 1805. Both roads are paved and are open year-round.

• South Rim Drive: This 36-mile, round-trip drive starts at the visitor center and ends at the Spider Rock Overlook, where the view of the canyon’s colorful 1,000-foot walls is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. In total, the South Rim Drive features seven overlooks, including the White House Overlook, where you will find the trailhead to the White House Ruin.
• North Rim Drive: Starting from the visitor center, the North Rim Drive covers roughly 34 miles round trip and includes stops at Antelope House, Mummy Cave, and Massacre Cave overlooks. You’ll encounter fewer people on this drive, but you’ll also need to watch more carefully on this stretch for livestock, which are allowed to range freely throughout the area.

Except for the White House Trail, you can only access the canyon with a ranger or a Navajo guide. You can find a guide online at Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation or the park’s visitor center. If you can, hire a guide before you visit, especially if you plan to go during the peak months, March through October.

Most tour companies offer 4x4 tours, guided hikes, and overnight camping. Packages are also available, combining a guided hike with an overnight stay in a Hogan, for example. Don’t see exactly what you were looking for? Guides will often create custom experiences. Just ask.

• 4x4 tours: Usually conducted in Jeeps, these tours range from three to eight hours. The three-hour tour is the most common one. It stops first at Kokopelli Cave, then continues to Petroglyph Rock, First Ruin, Junction Ruin, and White House Ruin. Tours depart from hotels in Chinle, about a mile and a half west of the visitor center or from the visitor center itself. Expect to pay $150 to $175 per person for a 3-hour 4x4 tour.
• Guided hikes: Most companies require hikers to be 12 years old and physically fit enough for a three-hour hike. Depending on how much of a challenge you want, your guide can stick to relatively flat trails or lead you up steep canyon trails. Guided hikes start at $40 per hour for groups up to 15.
• Horseback riding: Justin’s Horse Rental takes visitors on guided horseback rides into the canyons. You’ll find the stables just past the visitor center on South Rim Drive. Spend an hour in the saddle or the whole day for $20 per person, per hour, plus $20 per hour for the guide and a 6 percent tax.
• Overnight camping: Some companies charge a flat fee, such as $160 per night. Others charge by the hour (usually $40 per hour) or per person ($70 to $90 per person, per night). You’ll typically sleep under the stars, but some companies have Hogans available.

There are two campgrounds in the area. The first is located near the visitor center and managed by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation while the other is privately operated by a Navajo guide on his property near the Spider Rock Overlook.

• Cottonwood Campground: The tribe manages this campground with 90 individual campsites and two group tent sites. No hookups are available, but there is a dump station. The campground also has three restrooms but no showers. Bring cash to pay the $14 per night fee. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the park campground.
• Spider Rock Campground: Howard Smith operates this campground near the Spider Rock Overlook with 30 RV and tent camping sites and a dump station. No hookups are available. Sites are $15 per night and come with the perk of solar-heated showers for $4 per person. Don’t have an RV or tent? You can rent a tent or sleep in one of the campground’s three Hogans. Reservations are required.

If you want to stay inside the park, your only option is the 69-room Thunderbird Lodge operated by Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise. Nearby Chinle has several chain hotels with restaurants serving Navajo dishes like fry bread.

• Thunderbird Lodge : With a cafeteria-style restaurant originally a trading post built in 1896, this lodge has pet-friendly rooms and is entirely smoke-free. It also operates one of the area’s premier guide companies.
• Best Western Canyon de Chelly Inn : Just off US 191 on Indian Route 7, this Best Western has 104 smoke-free rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a recently renovated indoor swimming pool.
• Holiday Inn Canyon de Chelly : The closest hotel to the visitor center, this hotel includes the historic Garcia’s Trading Post. It has 108 rooms and an onsite restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Chinle.

From I-40, take US 191 north to Ganado. If you have the time, stop at Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site here. Otherwise, take Highway 264 west to Burnside, where you can pick up US 191 again heading north. At Chinle, turn east onto IR 7. The park entrance is about 3 miles from US 191.

Or, you can exit I-40 at Window Rock and drive approximately 50 miles north on IR 12 to Tsaile. Turn west at IR 64 and follow it to Mummy Cave Overlook, which becomes the North Rim Drive. Do not use IR 7, which is unpaved and unmaintained between Sawmill and the Spider Rock turnoff.

The visitor center and several overlooks—Massacre Cave Overlook on North Rim Drive, Tsegi, Junction, White House, and Spider Rock overlooks on South Rim Drive—are accessible. Backcountry trails and areas are not.

• The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Savings Time; the rest of Arizona (except for some other tribal lands) does not. Double-check times to make sure you don’t miss your tour.
• Admission to Canyon de Chelly National Monument is free, although you will need a guide to explore inside the canyons.
• Many guides and even Cottonwood Campground do not accept debit or credit cards. Bring cash or personal checks for payment.
• Pets are not permitted in the visitor center, on the White House Trail, or canyon tours. However, your leashed pet can accompany you at the overlooks and in the campground.

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Enjoy the Canyon Scenic Tour

The tours that we offer, 4x4 vehicle tours.

Come join us for an unforgettable experience!  You’ll be driven on a half day 4X4 Vehicle Tour that will amaze you.

Hiking Tours

Come hike with us! You’ll be joined with our experienced Diné guides to learn about the history, culture, and geography of Canyon De Chelly.

Welcome (Yá'át'ééh) to AZ Canyon Jeep Tours Website!

My name is Deswood Yazzie and I am the owner of AZ Canyon Jeep Tour. I am a full blooded Navajo (Diné) born and raised in the canyon. I have been a guide for 30 years plus. I grew up learning the Diné (Holy People) way. We have struggled hard since coming and as of today we continue to struggle.

The canyon we call Tseyi (Canyon de Chelly) is referred to by our Navajo Elders as “a place within the rock.” Canyon de Chelly embraces the history of the human spirit, a place of refuge, a source of strength, protection and peace.

Our tours will take your back to Anasazi times. The Anasazi's were the first early people of the canyon. They inhabited the canyon from 2500 B.C.E. to 1300 A.D. Around the 1200’s they migrated from the canyon; throughout the southwest they left behind dwellings, handmade tools and wares.

After the Anasazi migrated from Canyon de Chelly the Hopi's arrived and utilized the canyon for ceremonial purposes, cultivating and other uses. It was the Hopi’s that planted the thousands of peach trees that were destroyed by the U.S. Calvary along with Colonel Kit Carson and William T. Sherman during a “Scorched Earth” Campaign.

During your tour we will learn about the people and the events that went on in Canyon de Chelly. We will view the ruins of the early people, and admire their beautiful artwork in the forms of pictographs and petroglyphs, all created by the early people, which included the Hopi and the Navajo people.

Available Tours:

➤ 3 hour tour (most popular).

This tour will take you into Canyon de Chelly , where the first stop is Kokopelli Cave. We will then continue on to:

• Petroglyph Rock
• First Ruins
• Junction Ruins
• From there we will go to the South Canyon and visit White House Ruins (Restrooms available and vendors are selling jewelry, arts and crafts)

… then back to the Junction and up the North Canyon to continue on to:

• Bare Trails Ruins
• Round Corner Ruins
• Ledge Ruins (Restrooms Available)
• Our final stop will be Antelope House Ruins (Concession stands, along with Native Arts and Crafts, and restrooms are available)

➤ 4 Hour Tour

This tour is the same as the 3 Hour Tour, but we will continue past Antelope House to:

• Standing Cow Ruins. There you will see the Spanish Mural Panel.
• Along the way you will see Navaho Fortress Rock This is where the Navajo (Diné) took refuge from the Spanish soldiers and the U.S. Calvary. This is where you will also see the entrance to Black Rock Canyon.

➤ 6 Hour Tour

This tour is the same as the 4 Hour Tour, but we will journey all the way to:

• Mummy Cave Ruins then back South Canyon to continue on to…
• White House Ruins (or vise verse with Spider Rock)
• Spider Rock
• Then to North Canyon’s Antelope House Ruins

For Deluxe Tours Please Call for Pricing.

Please bring the following:.

• Snacks or lunch for longer tours
• Insect repellant
• Jacket (winter season)
• Light sweater or jacket, rain coats, hats
• … And of course your humor

Things To Know:

• Daylight Saving Time is Observed from March to October.
• We are Open Year Round. Our Office is Open Daily.
• Tours are Subject to Change Due to Weather / Trail Conditions.
• Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation issue the back country permits. The fee is $2 per person.
• Not recommended for persons pregnant or with serious back problems.
• Our Guides are full-blood Navajo (Diné), Knowledgeable, professional guides from Canyon de Chelly.

We depart from 3 Motels:

• The Sacred Canyon Lodge
• Holiday Inn
• Best Western Motel
• We pickups from the Cottonwood Campground

We are located at the entrance of the canyon (The inner part of the canyon) . Follow the AZ Canyon Jeep Tour signs; we are located next to Justin's Horse Stables.

We look forward to Your Visit!

Canyon de Chelly & Monument Valley

April 30, 2024 thru may 2, 2024.

Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley are both natural wonders. Now you can experience both on the same tour! Canyon de Chelly is a National Park entirely owned and maintained by the Navajo Nation. The legends of Navajo origin, family patterns, and rituals are centered in the Canyon, where people have lived for nearly 5,000 years. As we navigate this unique tour, we are enveloped in a scene of earthy colors, sharp rock lines, shadows, cactus-studded red soil, and dazzling blue skies. We are immersed, invigorated, and uplifted by all we see and feel.

Transportation

Deluxe Motorcoach

Trip Duration

3 days, 2 nights

Activity Level 4

3 meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch) included

Availability

Tour Director, Driver & Local Guide tips included

Tour Highlights

• Jeep Tour of Canyon de Chelly
• South Rim Canyon de Chelly Driving Tour
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Tour & Rug Weaving Demonstration
• Optional: John Wayne movie at Earth Spirit Theater
• Goosenecks State Park
• Four Corners Monument
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• 2 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
• Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
• 3 Meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)
• Admission to all listed attractions
• Your Professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
• All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)

Day 1 - Journey & Jeep Tour

We board the motorcoach and start on our adventure! On our way, we will make a comfort stop to ensure that we have a smooth and enjoyable journey. Then, savor an independent lunch in Chinle, AZ at the Thunderbird Lodge Cafeteria, set against a backdrop of stunning desert vistas.

The highlight of the day is the thrilling Jeep Tour with Thunderbird Tours. Traverse the rugged terrains, feeling the pulse of the land and soaking in breathtaking panoramas that tell tales of times gone by. Rest up from the day at the Thunderbird Lodge as the sun dips lower in the sky. The evening is yours to explore and dine.

Day 2 - Canyon de Chelly

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. We embark on the South Rim driving tour, offering panoramic vistas and insights into the area’s history. Conclude the tour at the Canyon de Chelly Monument Welcome Center. Later, arrive at Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley for a delightful group lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a captivating Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Tour, including a rug weaving demonstration. Conclude your day with dinner on your own, and optionally, enjoy a classic John Wayne movie at the Earth Spirit Theater.

Meals included :  (B, L)

Day 3 - Monument Valley

After a hearty breakfast at the Stagecoach Restaurant, we’ll make our way to the mesmerizing Goosenecks State Park, renowned for its deep meanders of the San Juan River. As we journey on, we’ll briefly pass through Bluff before reaching the iconic Four Corners Monument, the only point in the U.S. where four states converge. We’ll then continue to Farmington, where you’ll have some free time for lunch. Post-lunch, we’ll take a short break in Cuba before heading back to Meadowlark or the Sun Tours office.

Meals included: (B)

Itinerary subject to change.

Canyon de Chelley Pronunciation

"Canyon de Chelly" is often pronounced as "Canyon de Shay" or "Canyon de Shell-ee." The name is derived from the Navajo word "Tseyi" or "Tséyi," which means "inside the rock."

Ancient Dwellings

The canyons have been inhabited for nearly 5,000 years, with archaeological evidence of ancient Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) and Hopi dwellings.

Sacred & Spiritual

Canyon de Chelly holds deep spiritual significance for the Navajo people, who believe it's a place where their ancestors' spirits continue to dwell.

Hotel Information

Thunderbird lodge, goulding's lodge.

Monument Valley, UT

Package Pricing

$905 per person, double occupancy.

Deposit: $200

$1,055 per person

Single occupancy, final payment due:, march 13, 2024.

Deposit: N/A

Price Includes

• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach • 2 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels • Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece) • 3 Meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch) • Admission to all listed attractions • Your Professional SUN TOURS Tour Director • All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)

Booking Policy

FINAL PAYMENT DUE: March 13, 2024

CANCELLATION FEES:

• None – through March 13, 2024
• $200 – March 14 – March 28, 2024
• $500 – March 29 – April 13, 2024
• 100% – after April 13, 2024

TRAVEL PROTECTION STARTS AT $104

ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING

Level 1: Easy

Expectations: Little to no walking. Traveling at a leisurely pace, this itinerary requires a small amount of physical activity. Depending on the itinerary details, guests will need to be prepared to board a plane, bus, boat, ferry or ship. There will be some walking to rooms, cabins or restaurants and general points of interest. This may also include an occasional flight of stairs or some steps during transfers and stops.

Appropriate for: All travelers including those with lower mobility and who are comfortable participating in at least three hours of activity per day.

For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.

The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.

GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE

The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.

LODGING REQUESTS

If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.

Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.

TRAVEL REQUESTS

We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.

RESPONSIBILITY

SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in northeastern Arizona, within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. In May, the weather at Canyon de Chelly tends to be relatively mild and comfortable, making it a popular time for visitors. Here are some general weather characteristics for Canyon de Chelly in May:

Temperature: Average High: Around 70-80°F (21-27°C) Average Low: Around 40-50°F (4-10°C)

Precipitation: May is generally one of the drier months at Canyon de Chelly, with limited rainfall.

Sun and Sky: Expect mostly clear skies and plenty of sunshine.

What to Wear: Light layers are recommended, as temperatures can vary significantly from day to night. A light jacket or sweater may be needed for cooler mornings and evenings. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is crucial due to the high altitude and strong sun.

Notes: Weather can change rapidly, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast closer to your visit and prepare for varying conditions. The elevation of Canyon de Chelly is over 5,000 feet, so the sun can be particularly intense, even if the air feels cool. Visiting Canyon de Chelly in May offers the chance to experience its stunning landscapes and rich history in comfortable weather conditions.

Inquire About This Tour

Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.

• Name * First Last
• Tour Name *
• Number of Travelers Select Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7+
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!

If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.

Not done exploring?

We have plenty of tours to choose from, so take a look around!

"I live at Running Antelopehouse ruins, Canyon Del Muerto/Canyon De Chelly" "I specialize in Storytelling and teaching the Dineh ways" "My Grandparents were Medicine People, and they have Blessed me with the Sacred Knowledge and Stories of long ago" "On my tour you hear the true stories of the Long Walk to Ft. Sumner and the stories of my Great, Great, Great, Grandpa, known as Barboncito"

Adam's Biography in Business

Authorized Guide of the National Park Service for 30 years. Endorsed and reccommended by the Navajo Nation and Arizona state Tourism office President and founding member of the Navajoland Entrepreneur Association, Inc. Featured Native Storyteller at the 2004 annual 4 Corners Storytelling Festival in Farmington, New Mexico T.V. Apperance on C.B.S. Sunday Morning News on January 7, 2007 Featured Storyteller at the Annual Indian Arts shows in Tucson, Arizona Recommended by AAA Via Magazine

Ben Teller was born inside the Canyon De chelly, and grew up inside at Tsegi overlook area Ben is a teacher and storyteller for the N.P.S. (National Park Service) and is often requested to guide for his expertise in interepretation of rock art He is also an excellent singer and entertainer for the Navajo people He has been featured in several newspaper articles like the Arizona Republic and Navajo times He is one of the few "year round residents" of Canyon Del Muerto, with his house located at Running Antelope House Ruins site Ben also specializes in overnight camping tours and hiking excursions into the heartland of the canyons

Antelope House Tours is 100% owned and operated by the Navajo people from the Canyon de Chelly

Don't be fooled by our competition's misleading and misrepresenting advertisments - some of these other companies aren't even Navajo owned

We have the best Navajo guides in the tour business and we are the most professional at teaching the Navajo culture as well as the ancient cultures

Our company has the best storytellers and teachers in Canyon De Chelly or Canyon Del Muerto - and the best on the reservation

All of our guides are the best in the business and should you choose to request a specific guide, please ask in writing or by e-mail

Adam Teller is a very popular guide and will have advanced requests made for his service - sometimes changes happen on short notice and he also leads the group tours. If you want him as your guide sometimes you have to join the group tour for that specific day of the tour.

Deposit is required for arranging the best and most authentic tour of Canyon De Chelly / Canyon Del Muerto for individual and group tours

Deposit is non-refundable and will be applied towards your total tour fees

On our tour you see such sites as First Ruins, Junction House, Ceremonial Cave Ruins, Running Antelope House Ruins, and White House Ruins on a halfday tour (3 hours or so)

You also get professional and expert rock art intrepetation at Kokopelli's Cave, Petroglyphs Rock, and Ute Raid Panels

So come take an intrepretive journey into our world and feed your spiritual soul with true and authentic stories of the ancient ones

We are open all year round, including holidays

Prices subject to change at anytime throughout the year.

Make sure you are 100% sure of your trip, before you reserve and book your tour reservations, as there are no refunds of booking fees or deposits, even if reservations are made far in advance - no exceptions. Last minute changes are sometimes necessary and a particular guide is not guaranteed, as we do have last minute changes to our tour schedules. Antelope House Tours is a company of reliable and knowledgable Navajo guides that are equal or similar in skills and ability.

CURRENT PRICING

Private 4 X 4 Vehicle Tours (per vehicle)

$55.00 non-refundable deposit to hold your reservations

4x4 tour (3 hours) = $165.00 for 1-3 people 4x4 tour (3 hours) = $220.00 for 4 people 4x4 tour (3 hours) = $275.00 for 5 people 4x4 tour (3 hours) = $330.00 for 6 people Book Now

4 hour 4x4 tour = $220.00 for 1-3 people 4 hour 4x4 tour = $275.00 for 4 people 4 hour 4x4 tour = $330.00 for 5 people 4 hour 4x4 tour $385.00 for 6 people Book Now

All day 4x4 tour $440.00 for 1-3 people (includes credit card fees) All day 4x4 tour $495.00 for 4 people (includes credit card fees) All day 4x4 tour $550.00 for 5 people (includes credit card fees) All day 4x4 tour $605.00 for 6 people (includes credit card fees) Book Now

Download Your Guide!

(05/10/24) – Navajo Nation Police Officer Day

(05/12/24) – Mother’s Day

(05/27/24) – HOLIDAY – Memorial Day

(05/31/24) – HOLIDAY – Navajo Nation Memorial Day (Observed)

(06/01/24) – HOLIDAY – Navajo Nation Memorial Day / Treaty Day ‘Treaty of 1868’

(928) 810-8501

Window Rock, AZ

Mon.-Fri. 8am.-5pm.

Horseback Tours

Let us be your guide.

There are a handful of tour guides that offer horseback tours within the Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley parks.

*Notice: it is the responsibility of the tour company and its operators to ensure minimum safety standards and practices are followed, regarding horseback riding tours.

• MV Twin Warriors Tours
• Roy Black's Guided Tours
• MV Dineh Trail Rides
• Sacred Mountain Tours

Monument Valley Twin Warriors Tours

Owned and operated by a Diné/Navajo family that has been living in Monument Valley for over 100 years. While visiting, you will learn about the history and culture of the Navajo, all while taking in the breathtaking sites the area has to offer. Their vast knowledge of the land will ensure you have a unique and unforgettable experience.

To fit your time and budget, Monument Valley Twin Warriors offers a variety of tour and camping options. Each option will feature the popular and gorgeous sights of Monument Valley.

Call us (928) 429-8628

Roy Black’s Guided Tours (Monument Valley)

Come and experience the magnificent and scenic Monument Valley with Roy Black’s guided informative tours. Tours are available by 4×4 open-air Jeep, horseback or by taking a hiking excursion. We have a wide variety of tours available for those who prefer to just sit back and relax to others who can’t wait to break-in their hiking boots and hit the trails OR for the more adventurous, there is horseback tours available!

For more information contact:

928-429-0637 or  Lavar Black  @ 505-701-9609

Dineh Trail Rides (Monument Valley)

Come and experience the 7th natural wonder of the world, Monument Valley Tribal Park. The park is a 17 mile loop drive, where you will see many monuments.

Call us (928) 209-2692

​Sacred Monument Tours (Monument Valley)

We welcome families, couples, artists, photographers, filmmakers, and adventurers to experience and explore Tse’bii’nidzisgai, “the valley within the rocks.” Navajo storytelling is available upon special request of our tour services. Our horseback guides are available sunrise to sunset and will match you with a horse based on your riding experience. We provide horses for the beginner, intermediate and advanced rider. We’ll take you to popular and historic locations. Routes that other tours don’t and can’t provide without horses or hiking. Your horse and guide are waiting for you, book a tour today!

• Justin's Horse Rentals

Justin’s Horseback Tours (Canyon de Chelly)

Experience the canyon on horseback!

Day rides & overnight camping available. Rides everyday, year round. 8am-5pm.

Kids under 5 ride free!