March 2018 30 TIME CHANGE From March through November, the Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time when the time will be the same as Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. The rest of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time all year. CANYON TOURS Enjoy a tour into the canyon by vehicle, horseback or hiking. Private companies registered with the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department (NPRD) are authorized to provide canyon tours in the park. Please contact the companies directly for prices, reservations and availability. Reservations are recommended from March to October. Use of private vehicles, ATV’s, UTV’s or motorbikes for tours are not permitted. KNOW YOUR LIMIT! You are responsible for your own safety. Entering the canyon is at your own risk. Do not attempt hikes if you had recent surgery or have respiratory, ankle, knee or back problems; difficulty climbing stairs; or fear of heights! • Some trailheads are off-road and require high clearance vehicles; NPS staff cannot transport hikers. • Hikers are required to stay together during hike with Park Ranger. • Hikes are moderately strenuous to strenuous. • Hikes can involve some climbing; hiking down/ up uneven slick rock; and through sand, mud and water. • Be prepared and dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes (no flip-flops), bring a hat, and carry a pack with water, snacks, first aid kit, and insect repellent. • Weather can be unpredictable; prepare for heat, dust storms, rain and snow. Today, Navajo families make their homes, raise livestock, and farm the lands in the canyons. A place like no other, the park and Navajo Nation work together to manage the land’s resources. DIRECTIONS The recommended route to the park is from Highway 191 in Chinle then turning east on Route 7. The park entrance and Visitor Center is about 3 miles from Highway 191. An alternative is entering the park on the East side via Route 64. There are 3 overlooks to stop at along Route 64 before getting to the Visitor Center. Travel on Route 7 from the East is NOT RECOMMENDED since the road is unpaved and unmaintained between Sawmill and the Spider Rock turnoff. WELCOME CENTER There is no entrance fee for the park! Begin your visit at the Welcome Center to pick up a brochure, stamp your passport, browse the park store and watch the orientation video. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. During severe weather, the Visitor Center may open at a later time or be closed for the day. OVERLOOKS AND TRAIL The North and South Rim Drives, all ten overlooks and the White House Trail remain open all year. The roads are paved and accessible by vehicle (4-wheel drive is not required). The White House Trail starts from the White House Overlook on the South Rim. Canyon de Chelly RICH IN LIFE, HISTORY AND STORIES: PEOPLE HAVE LIVED IN THESE CANYONS FOR NEARLY 5,000 YEARS - LONGER THAN ANYONE HAS LIVED UNINTERRUPTED ANYWHERE ON THE COLORADO PLATEAU.  IN THE PLACE CALLED TSEGI, THEIR HOMES AND IMAGES TELL US THEIR STORIES.