Best Western Belen

Joining as a unit of the National Park Service in 1931 Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in northeastern Arizona.What makes it unique is that it lies completely within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. The monument is 131 square miles with three major canyons within its borders. Canyon floor access is restricted, any visitors must be accompained by a park ranger or authorized Navajo guide. There are two rim roads to view Canyon de Chelly (north and south) and Navajo people are living on the canyon floor. The canyon floor represents one of the longest inhabited landscapes in North America. The North and South Rim Drives and the White House Trail are open all year. The visitor center is open all year except Christmas Day. It operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the Navajo Nation honors Daylight Savings time March to November. The rest of Arizona does not). The entrance fee is free for vehicles. Canyon hiking is $15 an hour with similar restrictions to driving the floor. To drive the canyon bottom one must meet the following requirements 1) a four wheel drive vehicle, 2) a Park Service permit, 3) an authorised Navajo guide. Cost is $15 an hour for the first vehicle, $5 each additional vehicle with a 5 vehicle limit.