More thoughts on Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly is a different type of scenic destination. It is spectacularly beautiful, it is high accessible and it is relatively well known, but, for example, it is very seldom mentioned or featured in Arizona Highways magazine. There are probably two reasons for this, first and foremost is that it is private property. Although the Canyon is officially designated as a National Monument, it is also on the Navajo Nation and has permanent residents. The Canyon is composed entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land. This is the Navajo people's home, it is not on public land.

This fact leads to the second issue, that entrance to the Canyon is controlled and can be pretty expensive both in money and time. Although it is possible to drive around the perimeter of the Canyon and visit the overlooks without charge, going into the Canyon can take an entire day and can be quite expensive. A drive-in tour to see both branches of the Canyon, Spider Rock and Mummy Cave, can easily take eight hours. Prices vary but a short three hour trip can cost up to $60 or $70 per person with an additional charge of almost $70 an hour for longer trips.

If you can afford the trip, it is certainly worth the time and the money, but even comparing this to the Grand Canyon, a very expensive place, and it is much more expensive for a casual visit.

Another factor in the popularity of the Canyon is the difference in accessibility. Since the Grand Canyon has been a destination for so many years, there are a multitude of tours and ways to get to the Canyon. On the other hand, Canyon de Chelly is tucked away, well off the beaten path in eastern Arizona. The facilities are decided limited and the Grand Canyon-like infrastructure is entirely missing. I love the place. It is spectacular, but it must be enjoyed in its own unique context.