Canyon de Chelly Tours
Canyon de Chelly Tours
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Canyon De Chelly Tours is an enterprise of the late Leon Skyhorse Thomas, now owned and operated by his daughter, Tanya Yazzie. Tanya has a background in archaeology and continues to work in the cultural resource management field. As an Indigenous woman-owned company, every guide is certified by the National Park Service to provide you with a memorable experience. Canyon De Chelly Tours has been operating for over 25 years and we are proud to carry on the tradition established by our original founder, Leon Skyhorse Thomas. We are professional Navajo guides who will relate the history of our canyons and the Anasazi, Hopi and Navajo peoples. We pride ourselves in offering you an experience you will not soon forget. There are over 2,700 archaeological sites within the many canyons of Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Only 13 of the 700 standing ruins have been stabilized, re-inforced, or protected from degradation. The mix of history, beautiful scenery and culture will enchant you.
Chinle, Arizona
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
709 reviews
Excellent
625
Very good
52
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9
Poor
11
Terrible
12
Brssjunk
Tucson, AZ1,129 contributions
Oct 2022
We had last visited the canyon 30 years ago and was struck by how much it had changed. With fewer people living in the canyon, many of the fields have been replaced by woodlands. We were fortunate to be there at the height of the autumn color, but I missed seeing the orchards and corn fields that were there last time.
This time we were traveling with my husbands brother and sister in law, neither of whom had been in the canyon before. We had an enclosed SUV which was good since the temperature when we started out (October) was 28 degrees. We were scheduled for a 3 hour tour, but since we were so busy taking photos, we ran over a good hour so we volunteered to pay her for the additional hour. The entire trip was viewing the canyon, the ruins and the petroglyphs. We didn't spend any time looking at tourist gifts, but I am sure she would have done so had we asked.
On the tour, you only get to explore a small section of the total canyon (Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto), since the canyon is more than 50 miles long, but most of the well known archeological sites are in this area.
Horses roam free in the canyon. Some are owned and some are "wild", or not specifically owned by an individual. Supposedly there is a lot of other wildlife in the canyon, but we only saw a rock squirrel and a few birds.
Our guide was the sister of the original owner and she was excellent. She is a good driver which was necessary due to the fact that there are virtually no roads ... just deep sand washes to drive in which was made worse by a recent flood, and the routes are not graded except by the families when they are tending their plots so it is very rough. She was able to describe the many petroglyphs , what they meant and the stories behind them. For each of the ruins, she would share with us the approximate number of people that resided there and the approximate date of occupation. We heard stories about the Navajo that lived in the canyon, but also stories about the current Navajo and their many successes away from their native home. I felt that I learned far more from this guide than from our guide 30 years ago.
I highly recommend this experience.
This time we were traveling with my husbands brother and sister in law, neither of whom had been in the canyon before. We had an enclosed SUV which was good since the temperature when we started out (October) was 28 degrees. We were scheduled for a 3 hour tour, but since we were so busy taking photos, we ran over a good hour so we volunteered to pay her for the additional hour. The entire trip was viewing the canyon, the ruins and the petroglyphs. We didn't spend any time looking at tourist gifts, but I am sure she would have done so had we asked.
On the tour, you only get to explore a small section of the total canyon (Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto), since the canyon is more than 50 miles long, but most of the well known archeological sites are in this area.
Horses roam free in the canyon. Some are owned and some are "wild", or not specifically owned by an individual. Supposedly there is a lot of other wildlife in the canyon, but we only saw a rock squirrel and a few birds.
Our guide was the sister of the original owner and she was excellent. She is a good driver which was necessary due to the fact that there are virtually no roads ... just deep sand washes to drive in which was made worse by a recent flood, and the routes are not graded except by the families when they are tending their plots so it is very rough. She was able to describe the many petroglyphs , what they meant and the stories behind them. For each of the ruins, she would share with us the approximate number of people that resided there and the approximate date of occupation. We heard stories about the Navajo that lived in the canyon, but also stories about the current Navajo and their many successes away from their native home. I felt that I learned far more from this guide than from our guide 30 years ago.
I highly recommend this experience.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zara
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Me and my husband spent 2 days touring the Canyons with our friends, and were so blessed to be given Percy as our tour guide. As we have a deep interest in petroglyphs and ancient cultures, we did a lot of research before going and felt that Canyon de Chelly Tours was the right company for us. We were so glad we chose them! As we booked it from Europe, we were very grateful to have excellent communication from Tanya right from the start, throughout and up to the time of the tour. She was so professional and helpful, and arranged everything perfectly. The tours are weather-dependent and we were very lucky to be able to spend 2 x 6 hour trips, one in Canyon de los Muertes and one in Canyon de Chelly. After the first day we thought we could not imagine taking in more, but the second day was just as amazing. Percy was a truly remarkable guide and person - he is deeply knowledgeable about the area, both in terms of history and personal experience. He shared many stories with us, and showed us many sites beyond the usual ones. We saw so many petroglyphs, pictographs, old paths and ancient dwellings, and he would make sure we could stop long enough, ask questions and help us to see them in historical and cultural contexts. He also told us a lot about how life in the canyon is now in the present day. Percy was also a brilliant driver and a very wonderful person to spend time with, offering both spiritual insights and a lot of jokes. We had such a memorable, inspiring and enjoyable time with him. We stayed for 3 nights at Thunderbird Lodge, which I really recommend as a base, as it means you are right in the canyon area all the time. We loved having 2 full days to explore this stunning landscape, and taking our time listening to the Native perspective. We also found the Navajo evening presentations and dances at Thunderbird Lodge to be above expectation and very informative and inspiring. We met so many welcoming friendly Diné people, it was hard to leave.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PDN
Atascadero, CA9 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I requested two private 8-hr jeep tours with Canyon de Chelly Tours. Tanya was able to arrange for me a tour of Canyon de Chelly to Spider Rock on 4/2 and a tour of Canyon del Muerto to Mummy Cave on 4/3. I thank them for checking CDC beforehand to verify that the route was good and water passable.
My guide on both tours, Richard, was excellent! He shared his knowledge and stories of the Navajo and of the canyons themselves. He showed me many Anasazi and Navajo ruin sites and explained the many instances of wall art (petroglyphs and pictographs) throughout the canyons.
Richard answered all my questions and knows these canyons very well and loves to share his knowledge. Richard is an avid hiker and recommend several hikes we could do along the way. My favorite was the uphill climb to the Window (CDC).
Richard is great because he points out many things besides just the ruins and wall art (rocks in shapes of animals, the hikes, plants, other sites of historical significance). I hadn’t realized that the cottonwood trees, which dominate the canyon floor, were planted by the California Conservation Corps.
If you’re going to Canyon de Chelly, I can’t praise this company and Richard enough: you must do a jeep tour, preferably after doing the rim drives. Confirm that the jeep has a roll-away top.
Bringing binoculars, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and water is a must.
There is a very friendly family that lives near Antelope House and sells the pottery, jewelry, wooden figures that their members have made. They also sell fry bread, which is amazing.
My guide on both tours, Richard, was excellent! He shared his knowledge and stories of the Navajo and of the canyons themselves. He showed me many Anasazi and Navajo ruin sites and explained the many instances of wall art (petroglyphs and pictographs) throughout the canyons.
Richard answered all my questions and knows these canyons very well and loves to share his knowledge. Richard is an avid hiker and recommend several hikes we could do along the way. My favorite was the uphill climb to the Window (CDC).
Richard is great because he points out many things besides just the ruins and wall art (rocks in shapes of animals, the hikes, plants, other sites of historical significance). I hadn’t realized that the cottonwood trees, which dominate the canyon floor, were planted by the California Conservation Corps.
If you’re going to Canyon de Chelly, I can’t praise this company and Richard enough: you must do a jeep tour, preferably after doing the rim drives. Confirm that the jeep has a roll-away top.
Bringing binoculars, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and water is a must.
There is a very friendly family that lives near Antelope House and sells the pottery, jewelry, wooden figures that their members have made. They also sell fry bread, which is amazing.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul M
Phnom Penh, Cambodia6 contributions
Sep 2022
The canyon is spectacular, and it had been on my bucket list for 50 years, since my first visit to Arizona. We stayed at the Holiday Inn (lousy internet) and then took an early morning jeep tour with our guide, Reginald. The Canyon is beautiful and quite unspoiled and untouristed, given the very rustic road. The tour was excellent, with Reginald taking us for 3.5 hours up the two branches of the canyon to visit the White House and other ancient indian ruins shelter in overhangs under immense solid rock cliffs. The jeep we were in was in excellent shape and had an electric winch (which Reginald used to get another vehicle unstuck from dep sand). Reginald's stories about Navajo culture and history made the visit particularly special and memorable. I would highly recommend this tour company (and make sure that you get this company, and not its similarly named competitor).
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fred H
Central Point, United States140 contributions
Sep 2021
We decided to take a 3-hour late afternoon canyon tour. We had a fantastic Navajo driver/guide who actually lived in the canyon as a child, who gave us a rich history about every place we traveled. She stopped and let us explore and take photos wherever we wanted. Unlike the driver/guides in the other jeeps, she got out and personally showed us many of the Ananazi ruins, petroglyphs, rocks and other sites. We decided to book with Canyon de Chelly Tours, even though they cost a little bit mote, because they were highly recommended. We were not disappointed.
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandy D
Kanab, UT6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Very highly recommend. Our tour guide, Reginald, was very knowledgeable and he provided so much interp we barely said a word the entire time. We got to see so many sights and being inside of a vehicle with our tour guide made a huge difference because he could speak with us while driving from site to site. This is the tour for you if you are really interested in the interpretation of the canyon, it's history, and it's people.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lu Ann S
17 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Such an amazing tour. My experience with Canyon de Chelly Tours started with my communication with Tanya Yazzie (owner/operator). She answered all my many questions, and helped me plan the best tour for our interests (private tour with plenty of time for photography). We also talked viewing the Canyon from the rim, in addition to the tour from the floor of the canyon with her Company. We drove the North rim the morning before and the South rim, later in the afternoon before, on our own. Nice roads with many viewpoints. Map in Visitor Center. It was so helpful having this perspective before our tour the following morning. No fee is required to tour the rim areas.
Jarvin Yazzie (cousin of Tanya), picked us up promptly at our hotel the morning of our tour. After taking us to purchase our entry pass ($8 per person- it is a back country fee-you cannot enter the floor of the Canyon without a tour guide), we were on our way.
The Canyon is gorgeous beyond words and Jarvin was the perfect guide. He is a fourth generation member of a Navajo family that actually has family living in the Canyon. His love of his family and the land is contagious. He is a perfect fit for giving tours through this beautiful land. We stopped at many points and were able to take all the photographs we wanted.
Our 3 hours passed quickly, and he retuned us to our hotel. I am certain our paths will cross again. We’d love to return at some point and do a hiking tour.
We can never thank Jarvin enough for making our tour magical.
I am attaching photos from our tour.
Jarvin Yazzie (cousin of Tanya), picked us up promptly at our hotel the morning of our tour. After taking us to purchase our entry pass ($8 per person- it is a back country fee-you cannot enter the floor of the Canyon without a tour guide), we were on our way.
The Canyon is gorgeous beyond words and Jarvin was the perfect guide. He is a fourth generation member of a Navajo family that actually has family living in the Canyon. His love of his family and the land is contagious. He is a perfect fit for giving tours through this beautiful land. We stopped at many points and were able to take all the photographs we wanted.
Our 3 hours passed quickly, and he retuned us to our hotel. I am certain our paths will cross again. We’d love to return at some point and do a hiking tour.
We can never thank Jarvin enough for making our tour magical.
I am attaching photos from our tour.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
466Richard789466
Toronto, Canada507 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Had great three hour private with Jarvin Vazzie. Stopped at the great views including ancient ruins. And other spots as requested by us. Was in an enclosed four wheel drive very comfortable vehicle. Very exciting as we safely drove through the river as we worked our way up and down the valleys. He explained what we were seeing including many petroglyphs and pictographs. They’re flexible so if you want a length of tour not seen on their website call them up and discuss what you want re locations and length.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cccuriel
Alpine, California6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Listening to the lyrical voice of tour manager and expert guide Irene Becenti is mesmerizing as she describes the world the ancestral first people created in the caves and on the cliffs of the canyon more than a thousand years ago. Her descriptions of their dwellings and drawings take you to a place you can only imagine. And the perspective between then and now is striking. It is transcendent. It suddenly made me realize how very brief our time on this planet is. How each of us plays a small part. Some in the place they are are born and rarely or never leave. Some by traveling and meeting others in their land, among their people, briefly experiencing their incredible culture. Canyon de Chelly is a magical place and our guide Irene is exceptional, as is her colleague Jarvin Yazzie. Book a tour. Ask for one of them. And enjoy being transported through time.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Culture02401611713
5 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Outstanding tour. Our tour guide had lived in the Canyon and she did a great job telling us about the people who lived in the Canyon, their culture, and the history of the Canyon. The views, the ruins, and the petroglyphs were great. While the tour was a timed three hours, we never felt rushed and had plenty of time to stop, take pictures, and walk around. We were a little disappointed when we saw that the tour vehicle was a suburban and not an open topped vehicle but as the temperature increased and the sun started beating down, we were happy to be under a roof. There were a few rough spots but overall the ride was relatively smooth so my wife with 4 back surgeries was able to make the trip with no issues.
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Are you the apache county AZ Jeep tours?
Martha L
Riverhead, NY13 contributions
No
canyondechellytours
Chinle, AZ1 contribution
I want to check on a former Booking on Sept. 20th. Al Weigel. 4 PM. #1136708044 Can you email me a copy of this Tour Receipt. Also, send a contact phone number to TripAdvisor. Thank you. Leon.
johnwB6300ZJ
The Woodlands, TX2 contributions
So sorry but have not kept receipt.
My two friends and I are planning a trip in October. We are all photographers and interested in visiting the canyon(s) during the best lighting conditions to capture the best images. Appreciate info on the guide(s) that understand photography and our needs. Thank you.
Call (928) 380-4481 for Canyon Tour. Leon.
reneebob
Tacoma, Washington9 contributions
I would like to get contact info for Reg. My husband and I are going to Canyon De Chelly in mid May and want to take a jeep tour with him. He sounds amazing!
dabneyp
Tucson, AZ1 contribution
There are several tour companies, and I imagine they are all good, but for the record, Reg Etsitty was with CDC TOURS.
The jeep could be open or closed- depending on weather..
wwebber563
Cannington, UK
are any of the group 3 hr tours in the open jeeps as we would prefer this? Ann Webber
Paul R
Grasse, France61 contributions
Open air jeeps are available, but if you are going in high season, dust from other vehicles is a real problem. The jeeps stop regularly for photos, so even in a closed vehicle you don't miss much. Also, most of the drivers are accommodating, and will stop at additional points for photos if you ask.
marybT5775QN
Battle Creek, MI243 contributions
We are traveling in a party of 2. Will they pair you with others for a more reasonable price? I would do a 3 hour tour but dont want to pay 220ish per person. How expensive was it for you?
J R
Granite Falls, WA
If you get a group seat: You are just buying one of several seats in a jeep. Once the seats are filled that 's it. They all leave in the AM. it isn't like they run all day long because they do not.
If you're buying a personal tour, then it is a personal tour and your buying the truck run; not the seats..
alexandrah260
Venlo, The Netherlands106 contributions
Which tour of Canyon de Chelly would be recommendable, by time 3 or 5 hours tour and and are there different routes so locations of the tours?
We will visit this area middle of August 2017
canyondechellytours
Chinle, AZ1 contribution
Canyon de Chelly is the 2nd largest canyon in the United States ( Its 131 sq. miles). It'll take you 2 complete full days to see the canyon by 4 Wheel Drive. We have over 2700 archaeological sites with over 700 standing ruins. All our Navajo Guides are Authorized by the National Park Service. We are a 5 Star Tour Company. No need to look any further. I always, recommend a minimum a Private Tour of 5 Hours. Watch our 27 minute film, half way down our website called, 'CANYON DE CHELLY, THROUGH NAVAJO EYES'. We look forward in hearing from you. Thank you. Leon Skyhorse Thomas/CANYON DE CHELLY TOURS.
John B
Fairhope, AL
approx cost of canyon tour
canyondechellytours
Chinle, AZ1 contribution
We have 2 types of tours. Group Tours or Private Tours. Our Group Tours is $75.00 (cash) per person and is a 3 hour tour only (with other people). Our Private Tours, depend on how many individuals are in your Party. 1-3 individuals is $200.00 (cash) for the first 3 hours, then $80.00 for each additional hour. There is a $2.00 cash fee per person for your Back Country Permit. Go to our website for more information. Remember, Canyon de Chelly is the 2nd largest canyon in the United States with over 2700 archaeological sites. Thank you. Leon Skyhorse Thomas/Canyon De Chelly Tours.
learnerWi
Tucson, AZ61 contributions
Are any of the tours wheelchair accessible?
canyondechellytours
Chinle, AZ1 contribution
To Whom It May Concern: YES ... Just let us know. All tours depart from the Best Western Motel. Thank you. Leon Skyhorse Thomas.
markjay
Scottsdale, AZ224 contributions
Do you have information for whom Richard works? Or how to contact him. Want to go tomorrow...
David K
Roslyn, NY23 contributions
I don't know who Richard works for. I assume you mean the 4 wheel drive tours offered on the floor of the canyon de Chelly. IN our experience most of these tours go to the same places i.e sites of petrofglyphs, pictographs and ancient SinAqua Indian ruins. Unless the company is really going to individualize your tour take th one that is the most economical.