Canyon de Chelly Tour Guides

Can anyone recommend a tour guide for Canyon de Chelly? Would like to get down in the canyon for a while in early Nov. Thanks!

Phil,

Contact Carmen Hunter. My understanding is that she is no longer guiding, but she will know who you should go with. Her email address is carmenhunter (a) yahoo.com. Email me if you need her phone number.

And if that doesn't work out, call the folks at the Park Service HQ. They maintain a list of guides that they can vouch for and may be able to find one that will fit your needs. That's what I did a few years ago and it worked out great. But, it wasn't cheap!
Note that you may need your own 4WD HC vehicle, and be sure to carry a tow strap and other self rescue equipment (perhaps a tire inflator kit?). The Chinle area has suffered an extreme drought this year and 4WDs do get stuck in that deep sand on occasion in normal years.

Or you can do a walking tour. The 4wd vehicles have to drive in certain tracks (to minimize the aforementioned getting stuck). If you walk, the guide can take you to their private properties (or of relatives/friends) that you wouldn't otherwise. Be aware that sometimes there are "hidden" charges, like if you're getting dropped off & picked up in different locations, the shuttle (usually a family member) will need to be paid in addition. When I went, I was asked what I wanted to see, where I wanted to go & they picked a guide and it worked out great.

For those with newer Traction-control 4x4's, turn the computer off when going in soft sand! Traction control is usually a computer firing off individual brakes to stop tire spin (electronic form of locking diff ) and essentially killing your momentum. And of course some extra boards in back to get you going is useful. But really, in the 4x4 world the best advice is - never travel alone, and as John suggested, get a properly-rated towstrap and learn how to use it safely.

Thanks for the help!!!