The 10 Best Things to Do in Chinle, United States

March 28, 2018 Franklyn Hardiman

Chinle (Navajo: Chʼínílį́) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Apache County, Arizona. The name in Navajo means "flowing out" and is a reference to the location where the water flows out of the Canyon de Chelly. The population was 4,518 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Chinle

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Rt 7, Chinle, AZ 86503
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Red cliff and canyon walls that are home to ancient Indian ruins.

Reviewed By Kathryn V - Florence, Arizona

Another one of my bucket list places to see and I loved it. Did the north and south loop drives and it took us maybe 2 hours total to do both. (So don't believe the brochure times, they say 2 hours each). We would get out at each spot, look around, take a few pictures, and then move on the next spot. Going to get in shape and come back sometime to do the White House Ruins Trail.

The north loop has a small (quarter to half mile) trail that takes you down to a drop off with ruin views. Hubby and I did that in our out of shape overweight bodies and did just fine. It was a little huff and puff coming back but not bad at all. If us overweight and fat people can do, then almost anyone can.

We entered from the west end in Chinle. Apparently there is a east entrance also that can take another several hours to get to.

2. Spider Rock

Chinle, AZ +1 928-674-5500
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 261 reviews

Spider Rock

A dramatic 800-foot monolith that was formed more than 230 million years ago.

Reviewed By wolfgang1Richmond_VA - Richmond, VA

Great to see but very far away from the rest of the park. Takes an additional 20 mins to drive to and the area is somewhat sketchy. Lovely to see though.

3. White House Ruins Trail

Chinle, AZ +1 928-674-5500
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 288 reviews

White House Ruins Trail

A self-guided 2.5-mile hiking trail in Canyon de Chelly.

Reviewed By Neecy B - Bakersfield, California

This is the only public access to the Canyon. Very scenic all the way down (unfortunately, you've got to come back up, but it's not bad at all). Much of the trail was carved into the sandstone rock wall. You also go through a couple of tunnels. The view of the White House Ruins and being down in the Canyon makes it all worth it. Especially in the summer, recommend hiking this early in the morning when it's cool, or perhaps in late afternoon when the climb back up will be shaded.

4. South Rim Drive

Chinle, AZ +1 928-674-5500
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 271 reviews

South Rim Drive

A scenic and dramatic 36-mile drive along the 500-foot rim of Canyon de Chelly.

Reviewed By DonHalazon - Seattle

The South Rim Drive is the one I would take! There are great vantage points that are all easy to stop at and get out for a short easy walk! .I would drive ALL the way to the end and then make your stops on the way back.It will probably take about 2 hours if you get out at all the stops!

5. White House Ruin

Chinle, AZ +1 928-674-5500
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

White House Ruin

Site where the Anastazis lived in Canyon de Chelly 700 to 800 years ago before they vanished.

Reviewed By Feenixwest

This ruin on two levels can be approached by a trail the starts on the South Rim but I thought better up close in a FWD driven by a Navajo guide. It's fenced off but we got some good viewing anyway. Venders have tables nearby but are not aggressive. Good pit stop.

6. North Rim Drive

Chinle, AZ
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

North Rim Drive

A scenic drive through the Canyon de Chelly.

Reviewed By flaneur40 - New York City, New York

There are some lesser sights on this side of the Canyon de Chelly, but that's not saying it's not worthwhile. There is the Mummy Cave and Antelope House and Massacre House. Best seen in the morning.

7. White House Overlook

Chinle, AZ +1 928-674-5500
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

White House Overlook

Scenic stop along the South Rim Drive in Canyon de Chelly.

Reviewed By Go2theZoo - Layton, Utah

This is an amazing place to view the canyon and ruins in Canyon de Chelly. The red rocks against the green of the canyon and the river are simply an amazing viewing experience. Visiting Canyon de Chelly is well worth the time to visit if you are in the area even if you just observe from the overlooks and don't do any trails or tours.

8. Canyon del Muerto

Chinle, AZ
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 49 reviews

Canyon del Muerto

This "Canyon of the Dead" is where the remains of prehistoric Indian burials were discovered in 1882.

Reviewed By Dee P - Stafford Springs, Connecticut

We had a wonderful guide, Francine, who knew all the history, having been born there and Native American, knew all of the confusing paths and roads and didn't get us lost, added humor to her tour, and was able to discuss some of the ongoing conflicts with the US Government. That being said, contact Leon Skyhorse for more information about tours. He and his guides are rated as some of the best.
Would visit again in a heartbeat.

9. Antelope House Ruin

Chinle, AZ
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Antelope House Ruin

Anastazi ruins located in Canyon de Chelly.

Reviewed By Esty666 - Wickenburg, Arizona

Even though both Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto literally boast ruins galore,Antelope House ruin is a grat site to visit - with a native guide on a guided tour -since the ruin, in contrast to most of the others in the twin canyons, is on ground level and not tucked away halfway up a sheer cliff, hudndreds of feet both off the ground and below the rim, nestling on shelves beneath overhangs ... Like the lower part of the White House complex, you can walk right up to Antelope House.

10. Mummy Cave

Chinle, AZ
Excellent
44%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 28 reviews

Mummy Cave

Two adjacent caves hold the largest Indian ruin complex at Canyon de Chelly with over 90 rooms.

Reviewed By Esty666 - Wickenburg, Arizona

Mummy Cave is prtty far up the canyon, and itis only accessible by guided tour - on an open truckeor on horseback. The site can also be seen from its viewpoint up on the rim off the north rim drive. Bring binocularsif you have any, and you need a lens with a good zoom.

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