- Hikes in Arizona
- Petrified Forest National Park and North Eastern AZ
- White House Ruin
White House Ruin
Location
From Flagstaff, take I-40 towards Holbrook, AZ. Continue on I-40 towards the New Mexico border. Turn left (North) onto HWY-191 and drive to the town of Chinle. From the town of Chinle, Arizona, take Navajo Nation route 7 east, following the signs to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. After passing the visitor center, take the South rim drive 5.9 miles to the signed turn (left) to the White House Ruin overlook. Another 0.6 miles will take you to the parking area.
Hike details
Season
- April
- May
- September
- October
- June
- July
- August
Solitude
Difficulty
Permits
Hike to the White House Native American ruins in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona.
There are a number of impressive ruins and inspiring views in the Canyon de Chelly area. However, there is only one ruin you can hike to without hiring a guide. This hike to the White House ruin is an excellent way to stretch your legs and enjoy the historic homes of the Anazasi.
From the parking area, follow the signs to the White House Ruin trail. The trail travels along the top of the canyon wall for a few hundred yards before ducking into the first of two tunnels. From here, the easily followed trail switches back along the canyon walls before reaching the bottom of the canyon through the second tunnel. There is a footbridge across the wash so you can keep your feet dry in case it is running. The ruin is easily spotted on the opposite side of the canyon.
The White House ruin was named for the color of one of the walls. This ruin dates back to the 1000s and was built and occupied by the Anazasi native Americans. It is still a subject of debate as to why they abandoned this area, but they left these impressive reminders of their time here. The ruins are in good shape (protected by a fence) and worth admiring for a while.
There is a restroom near the ruins, but no drinking water.
When ready, return the way you came.
