Planning a Trip

Getting There -- From Flagstaff, the easiest route to Canyon de Chelly is I-40 to U.S. 191 to Ganado. At Ganado, drive west on Ariz. 264 and pick up U.S. 191 N. to Chinle. If you're coming down from Monument Valley or Navajo National Monument, Indian Rte. 59, which connects U.S. 160 and U.S. 191, is an excellent road with plenty of beautiful scenery.

Fees -- Admission to the monument is free.

Visitor Information -- Before leaving home, you can contact Canyon de Chelly National Monument, P.O. Box 588, Chinle, AZ 86503 (tel. 928/674-5500; www.nps.gov/cach), for information. The monument itself is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily 8am to 5pm (closed Christmas day). Remember that the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time.

Special Events -- The annual Central Navajo Fair is held in Chinle in August. It includes, among other activities, a rodeo, a powwow (Native American drumming and dancing), and Navajo food stalls.

Forget About Wine with Dinner -- Alcohol is prohibited on both the Navajo and Hopi reservations. Unfortunately, however, despite this prohibition, drunk drivers are a problem on the reservation, so stay alert.