The labyrinth called Canyon de Chelly (pronounced d'SHAY) is really several canyons, which include Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto. At the mouth of the canyon the rock walls are only 30 feet high. Deeper into the canyons, to the east, the walls rise dramatically until they reach more than 1,000 feet above the floor. The cliffs rise straight up, overshadowing the streams, cottonwoods, and small farms below. Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established in 1931 to preserve archaeological ruins within these canyons and their important record of human history.
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| Elevation: |
From 5,564 to 6,869 feet. |
| Fees: |
There is no entrance fee. |
| Visitor Center: |
Open every day except December 25. |
| Facilities: |
Visitor Center, book store, restrooms, drinking water, campground. |
| Directions: |
The Visitor Center is three miles from Route 191 in Chinle, Arizona. |
| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83) (Visitor Center): 36 09.186N; 109 32.333W. |
| Weather: |
Temperatures are cold in winter and extremely hot in summer. |
| Regulations: |
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| Precautions: |
- The canyons are deep and have steep, vertical walls; falls can be fatal. Stay on established trails and stay behind the protective walls.
- Watch for snakes, stinging insects, and thorns. Do not put your hands or feet into any place that you cannot clearly see.
- Thefts can occur wherever you travel. Lock your vehicle at overlooks. Secure valuables out of sight or take them with you.
- From March through November, the Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time. The rest of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time all year.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
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