Canyon de Chelly, located on the Navajo Reservation, sits atop the Defiance Plateau along the northeastern edge of Arizona. This off-the-beaten-path national monument combines spectacular scenery, ancient cliff dwellings, and a look at a traditional Navajo way of life. It’s well worth the time and effort to explore.
People have lived in Canyon de Chelly for nearly 5,000 years. A wave of groups populated the area beginning with the Archaic people, followed by the Basketmakers, the Pueblo, the Hopi and finally the Navajo.
There are several ways to explore Canyon de Chelly National Monument, a joint effort between the National Park Service and Navajo Nation. Two of the most popular are rim drives or a tour inside the canyon.
What would you rather do? Peer down into a scenic canyon from the rim drive or venture inside? If you chose being in the canyon, then I recommend exploring Canyon de Chelly by four-wheel-drive.
How to Four-Wheel-Drive in Canyon de Chelly
For an introduction to off-roading, Canyon de Chelly National Monument (official website) near Chinlé, Arizona, offers baby boomers easy to moderate driving challenges in a scenic setting. But you are not allowed to explore independently.
Driving into Canyon de Chelly requires joining an organized group that’s accompanied by a Navajo guide. Arranging for a private guide is another way to tour the canyon.
Alan and I explored Canyon de Chelly as part of a Jeep Jamboree USA tour. The experience reminded me of a cruise on land as we shared the canyon with 50 Jeeps.
Don’t have four-wheel-drive? Buy a ticket for one of the large open vehicles that Alan and I fondly call “shake and bakes.”
Booking a private excursion operated by one of the Navajo licensed guide companies is another option. Rather than driving, you’ll get to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Navajo Outfitters also offer hiking, camping and horseback riding adventures in the canyon.
A two-day discovery of Canyon de Chelly and her sister, Canyon del Muerto, initiated me to the fun of four-wheel-drive adventures—Alan is already an expert. It also introduced me to an intriguing adventure in the American Southwest that is well worth traveling out of your way to experience.
