Hop In Your Car And Take The Incredible, 15-Mile Canyon de Chelly National Monument Scenic Drive In Arizona

You won't always be in the mood for a long hike, so it's nice when popular tourist destinations also offer a scenic driving option. Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Chinle boasts a 15-mile drive that showcases some of the most iconic natural features on its sacred lands. Since most of the park is inaccessible without a tour guide, this is a perfect way for the public to enjoy the splendorous views. Let's check out some of those gorgeous Canyon de Chelly National Monument photos.

At just 15.5 miles, this scenic drive through one of Arizona's most iconic national monuments takes less than a half-hour to complete. It stops at all the major viewing points, so you get the entire Canyon de Chelly experience from the comfort of your vehicle.

A series of designated lookout points let you know exactly where to stop for the most breathtaking views. There's no guesswork involved - all you have to do is enjoy the canyon in its vast, sprawling glory.

You'll even get to see Spider Rock, a nearly 800-foot-tall spire that ascends from the canyon floor. It's easily the most noteworthy natural feature the park has to offer.

If you're just itching to hike, the 2.7-mile White House Ruins Trail is open to the public. It features an ancient canyon dwelling that dates back nearly a millennium, once comprised of a whopping ~80 rooms. All other trails require a Navajo tour guide.

Taking the drive at sunset offers perhaps the most striking views you'll see all day. As daylight slowly fades, the canyon is illuminated in an ethereal glow sure to leave you awestruck. Head back the next morning to check out the North Rim, where the lighting is best at dawn.

Winter hiking can be treacherous without proper equipment, so why not take in the snow-covered canyon vistas via car? More beautiful than a scene from a Hallmark movie, this winter wonderland begs for you to pull over often and take pictures.

Since you're just passing through, there's no entrance fee. How neat is that?

Explore the amazing beauty of Canyon de Chelly in this stunning 4K video:

The best time to visit the Canyon de Chelly National Monument is typically in the early spring or in the fall when temps in Arizona are more mild. For the most up-to-date info on closures and park hours, keep checking the official NPS website and the Canyon de Chelly National Monument Facebook page for the latest updates. Check out the official AllTrails page as well for directions to Canyon de Chelly National Monument!

Have you ever driven Canyon de Chelly Scenic Drive? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments. Check out our previous article for another bucket-list-worthy adventure in Arizona.