Canyon de Chelly in Arizona is a breathtaking canyon packed with rich history. Its dramatic nature is amazing, and people have lived in the canyon for roughly 5,000 years. But where to stay near Canyon de Chelly National Monument for the best experience?
A great option is to stay at the only lodge within Canyon de Chelly National Monument. In addition, there’s convenient lodging near Canyon de Chelly in the gateway town Chinle.
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Jump to
- Canyon de Chelly – Within park
- Chinle – Gateway town
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
A very good option for where to stay when visiting Canyon de Chelly National Monument is to base yourself inside the park. You can do so at the only lodging within Canyon de Chelly National Monument.
When you stay at Thunderbird Lodge, you base yourself inside the stunning Canyon de Chelly. From the Canyon de Chelly lodge you have the best access to exploring the national monument.
At the lodge in Canyon de Chelly you’re surrounded by the peacefulness that the area offers. It’s the best place to stay when visiting Canyon de Chelly if you want to be located in the front row.
But the unique and attractive location makes Thunderbird Lodge very popular for where to stay when visiting Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Therefore make sure that you book your Canyon de Chelly lodging as early as possible if you want it as your base.
In short, Thunderbird Lodge is the only place to stay within Canyon de Chelly National Monument. There is no better lodging near Canyon de Chelly if you want the ultimate park access. But you find a bigger selection of accommodation near Canyon de Chelly in the gateway town Chinle.
- Stay within Canyon de Chelly for: Best possible park access.
Favorite location. Among the alternatives for where to stay near Canyon de Chelly only Thunderbird Lodge is located inside the park. With its rustic charm and peaceful vibe it’s hard not to like the place.
In-park Canyon de Chelly lodging
Thunderbird Lodge
Thunderbird Lodge offers the only Canyon de Chelly lodging within the park. Embrace a historic lodge amid peaceful surroundings that makes your whole stay one great Canyon de Chelly experience. Sure, this isn’t a luxury Canyon de Chelly hotel, but it offers all the comfort you need to fully recharge your batteries.
Chinle
Chinle is a small town that sits adjacent to the national monument. The hotels near Canyon de Chelly in Chinle are located just a short drive west of the park and offer great access to the national monument.
As the town borders the national monument, you in not more than minutes can go from Chinle to Canyon de Chelly. So with very little effort you can go from lodging near Canyon de Chelly in the gateway town to the breathtaking Arizona nature.
Similarly to when you stay within the park, you get a head start compared to other visitors when you stay in Chinle. From hotels near Canyon de Chelly in Chinle you easily get to the dramatic views for both sunrise and sunset.
Still Chinle is just a small town in a remote part of Arizona. So there are not many Canyon de Chelly hotels and restaurants in the town. Nevertheless you come for the nature, and the town delivers the options you need for a comfortable time in the desert.
In conclusion, Chinle is a great option for where to stay near Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The Canyon de Chelly hotels in the gateway town are located outside the park but offer so very good access that it’s almost like staying within the national monument.
- Pick Chinle for: Gateway-town amenities.
Best hotels in Chinle
Holiday Inn Canyon de Chelly
At Holiday Inn you stay just outside the national monument. The Canyon de Chelly accommodation is not in the park, but it’s just about as close as it gets. And as a bonus the place to stay near Canyon de Chelly has a refreshing swimming pool to enjoy after sweaty days in the canyon.
Best Western Canyon de Chelly Inn
You find Best Western slightly further away from the national monument and more central in Chinle. Still it’s only a small town, and in not more than minutes you can go from the Canyon de Chelly lodging to the park experience. The convenient Canyon de Chelly hotel also has a swimming pool for its guests to take advantage of.
Where to stay near Canyon de Chelly National Monument FAQ
Here you find the answers to some frequently asked questions about where to stay near Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona.
You find several appreciated places to stay near Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Among them the lodge within Canyon de Chelly, Thunderbird Lodge, offers the very best canyon access. But in the gateway town Chinle you find more lodging just a stone’s throw away from the park adventure.
Chinle is the closest city to Canyon de Chelly. From Canyon de Chelly hotels in Chinle it only takes minutes to the awe-inspiring national monument.
Canyon de Chelly is located in a very remote Arizona area. The driving distance to Canyon de Chelly National Monument is 231 miles (372 km) from Albuquerque and 295 miles (475 km) from Phoenix.
The National Park Service recommends 2 hours to visit North Rim Drive and another 2 hours to visit South Rim Drive. Add more time if you prefer a slower drive and to fit in other park activities.
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