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To explore Canyon de Chelly, you can drive around the north and south cliff rims, hike, ride horses, or take jeep trips through the canyon. The place you can hike down in the canyon without a Navajo guide is the White House Trail. |
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Stop at the Visitor Center to get maps of Canyon de Chelly (South Rim) and Canyon del Muerto (North Rim). You can arrange for Navajo guides at the visitor center (call in advance 928.674.5500), and also at the Holiday Inn gift shop in Chinle. |
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White House Trail – A hike down to the see the prehistoric cliff dwelling, called the White House ruins, is a must do. It’s a wide, well-maintained trail to the bottom of the canyon. Along the way, don’t miss the traditional Navajo hogan and sheep grazing (and respect their privacy, the canyon is their home). The trail, 2.5 miles round trip, is easy for kids and it’s a totally great experience down in the canyon. Be sure to bring some water along. |
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Rim Drive South – Spider Rock Overlook – Kids will really appreciate Spider Rock. It’s a spectacular spire poking 800ft up from the canyon floor. In Navajo belief, the deity Spider Woman lives here at Spider Rock. She taught people how to weave and when children are naughty, Spider Woman might eat them. (Use your binoculars to see if there are any bones at the top of the rock …) |
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Horseback riding – What an experience for kids to ride through the canyon on horseback. ifferent outfits have 2 hour, 4 hours, all day tours through the canyon. |
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Canyon tours – To drive down in the canyon, hire a guide or arrange for a jeep or truck tour. There are private jeep tours (3 hour minimum), or at the Thunderbird Lodge, there are half-day tours inn big trucks with padded seats. Navajo guides can also be hired for hiking and overnight camping tours. |
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There's plenty of fun things to do with kids at Canyon de Chelly, but you'll need a fun place to stay. Here's hotels in Chinle (3 miles from the canyon), near to places you'll want to explore, with amenities for families: |
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Thunderbird Lodge – Rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4); mini-fridge and microwave in all rooms; extra bed available upon request; on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, kids menu, open daily; air conditioning; coin-operated laundry. |
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Best Western Canyon de Chelly Inn – Indoor heated pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4); on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with children's menu; air conditioning; outdoor picnic tables and barbeques. |
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Holiday Inn Canyon de Chelly – Outdoor swimming pool (seasonal); rooms with two double beds (sleep 4); on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, children's menu, kids eat free with paying adult, room service; air conditioning. |
