Welcome to the "unofficial" web page of Chinle, Arizona. My name is Wil. I now live in Tucson. I grew up in Chinle and I decided to add some interesting links about this small community. I was doing a internet search and I discovered that there were very few references to Chinle. I decided to make a web page about Chinle. If you live and work in Chinle, and you'd like to add a web link, send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is listed below. I also have a MySpace web link. Click here to visit My Urban
Navajo web site.
WARNING!!! IF YOU ARE NOT
CAREFUL, YOU MAY RUN OVER A SHEEP, A GOAT, A COW OR A
HORSE!!!
Notice: There is only ONE stop light in Chinle!
INFORMATION ABOUT CHINLE
Welcome to the heart of the Navajo Reservation. Click this map for a perspective of Chinle and it's surrounding Navajo communities. Chinle (pronounced Chin-lee) - which means a place where the water flows out, is located within the State of Arizona in Apache County. The Navajo Reservation is the largest tract of land reserved for American Indians in the United States. The land is held in trust by the Federal Government for the Navajo People.
The Navajo Tribe is comprised of several "districts", most situated within the State of Arizona. Chinle and it's surrounding communities has a population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants. There is one major grocery store, three mini-marts and several fast-food type restaurants. There are 3 major motels within the area and I've provided links to those facilities below.
The community of Chinle is governed by several multi-agencies. This includes the U.S. Government, State of Arizona, Apache County, and the Navajo Tribe. Chinle is unincorportated. There are no actual elected town officials such as a town mayor. The Chinle District has Navajo elected officials who care for most of the day to day operations of the Chinle community. They are assisted by the various multi-govermental agencies within the Chinle area.
Chinle, is located near the entrance to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Chinle became a center for population growth and trade after 1868 when the United States signed a treaty with the Navajo. The first trading post was established in 1882, the first mission in 1904, and the first government school in 1910. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, is Chinle's greatest scenic attraction. The Canyon was a Navajo stronghold during Colonel Kit Carson's Navajo Campaign and was designated a National Monument in 1931. Evidence of Indian habitation as early as 2000 B.C. is found in prehistoric artifacts and drawings located through the many cliff dwellings in the Monument.
Thirty miles south of Chinle lies Ganado, site of Arizona's most famous Indian trading post, Hubbell's. In operation for nearly a century, it has been designated a National Historic Site. You may buy handcrafted Navajo silver jewelry and hand-woven woolen rugs at Hubbell's or at other local traders in the area. Fishing lakes are well-stocked and readily available for trout, bass, and catfish. Other area attractions include Window Rock, the headquarters of the Navajo Tribe; the Painted Desert; Petrified Forest National Monument; Monument Valley; and the Hopi Indian Reservation.
HOW TO GET TO CHINLE:
It would be best to plan your trip with a good printable map with instructions. Click this link to get to Yahoo Maps.
By Road from I-40:
From I-40 take exit 333. Travel northbound on State Route 191.
By Road From the East:
Travel to Gallup on I-40. Take exit 20 and head north on US 666. There is an overpass north of Gallup. Go under the overpass to Window Rock on SR 264. Continue through Window Rock and Ganado, Arizona. Five miles west of Ganado you will pass a business, Thriftway Gas Station/Taco Bell. Turn right (north) to US-191.
By Road From the North:
From US 160 near the Four Corners, turn south on US 191 near Mexican Water. Chinle is sixty miles away. Be careful you don't miss the turn at Round Rock or you will end up in Lukachukai.
By Air
Here is a link I found about the Chinle Airport. The airstrip is small but useful. Chinle Municipal Airport.
WHAT TO DO IN CHINLE:
Here is the world famous Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de Shay) National Mounemnt. If you ever want to to understand the pre-history of the land, it would be best to start here, Canyon De Chelly National Monument."
