Reservations
Are reservations required?
While we do not require advance reservations, we do have limited tour seats and often sell out. We highly recommend making reservations in advance for the best availability of our tours and departure times.
What time do your tours depart?
The All-Day tour departs at 9 am each day. Our 4-hour tours leave daily, either in the morning (9am), afternoon or sunset.
Departure times for our afternoon tour:
- November through March: 1pm departure
- April through October: 2pm departure
Our sunset tour is seasonal, operating April through October.
Departure times for the sunset tour:
May through September – 4:00 pm departure
April and October – 3:00 pm departure
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy in order to receive a refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will not be refunded.
Can I reserve a private tour?
Yes, as long as a minimum of 6 seats are purchased on your tour vehicle. To reserve a private tour, please call Thunderbird Lodge (928)674-5842 or (800) 679-2473 and ask for the Tour Desk.
Weather
What is the weather like in Canyon De Chelly?
Due to the higher elevation at Canyon De Chelly, it can be very cold during the winter. We recommend dressing warmly and in layers from September through April. During the summer months, it can be very warm.
What happens if it rains?
Our tours operate rain or shine. Rainfall in Arizona is generally very short lived, and may offer the chance for you to see rainbows in or over the Canyon. We carry rain ponchos on the vehicles in case of inclement weather. If your tour is cancelled by the Park Service for safety reasons, your fee would be refunded. In the case of extreme weather, Thunderbird Lodge Tours reserves the right to modify, shorten or cancel any tour to prevent damage to trails or avoid unsafe conditions. A full refund would be made if this occurred.
Do you have A/C or heating in your vehicles?
We do not have A/C in the vehicles. During the colder months, our Pinzgauers have the ability to be enclosed and we have blankets available.
How much sun exposure will I get while on a tour?
We recommend you wear a hat, sunscreen and bring a bottle of water. Water is provided, but you can never be too prepared.
Tours
Where do we go to check-in and join our tour?
All our tours depart from the Thunderbird Lodge Trading Post. Go inside the Thunderbird Lodge and you will find the Tour Desk Check In.
Should we tip our guide, and if so, how much?
It is customary to tip the guide, especially when they provide you with exceptional service! Gratuity is based on individual preference but we suggest 15%, which is an industry standard.
Will there be other people on the tour?
Although our tours are intimate due to vehicle size, (maximum of 8 to 10 people) there will likely be other guests on the tour.
Is there anything special we need to bring or wear?
Dress in clothing that is comfortable for being outdoors, keeping in mind that since we are in the southwest it is recommended to wear sun protection including hats and sunscreen year-round. We ask that you wear closed toed shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. We provide a bottle of water and a snack (lunch for the All-Day tour). Don’t forget a camera or binoculars!
Can I bring a backpack or tripod?
Yes, however there is no storage space in our vehicles. Anything you bring needs to be able to be comfortably held in your lap throughout the tour.
Can I bring food or liquor?
You can bring snacks along on the tour, however by Navajo Nation law, liquor is prohibited on the entire Navajo Nation.
Are there any items not permited on your tours?
For the comfort of all guests, items prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following list:
- Firearms
- Cigarettes
- E-Cigarettes
- Drones
- Glass Containers
- Alcohol
Vehicles/Safety
Do your vehicles have seatbelts?
Yes, all of the seats have lap belts.
Are your guides safety trained?
Yes, all our guides are CPR and first aid certified.
Can children go on the tours, and what are the age limits?
Yes, we allow children over 5-years of age on the tours.
Can pregnant women go on your tours?
For the safety of the expectant mother and unborn child, we recommend another site seeing opportunity such as the self-guided North or South Rim Tours.
How many guests do your vehicles accommodate?
Up to 10 guests.
Are your vehicles open air or enclosed?
During the warmer months, we leave the canopy off the vehicle for the best viewing. During the colder months, it can be enclosed.
Group Events
Do you accommodate large groups or team building events?
Yes, we routinely accommodate groups. Please contact info@ExploreNavajo.com for group information and pricing.
Can we have a meal out on the tour?
Our All-Day Tour provides a box lunch and a bottle of water. For our 4-Hour Tours, only a snack is provided. But you are free to bring any food of your own you need to be comfortable.
Special accomodations / Disabilities
Can people with physical disabilities take your tours?
For the safety of our passengers, all guests must have upper body strength with the ability to hold themselves up during the tour. Guests are responsible for getting themselves in and out of the vehicles.
Can seniors take the tour?
Yes, our tours are appropriate for all ages over 5-years and in good health.