Pros & cons
PROS
- Wide Painted Desert panoramas without the crowds
- Covered picnic tables plus restrooms
CONS
- Little shade and fully exposed to heat and wind
- Limited services beyond the picnic area
Overview
Chinde Point is a quiet overlook on the Painted Desert rim near the north end of the park, just west of Kachina Point and close to the Painted Desert Visitor Center. A short spur drive and a brief walk (about 0.3 miles) bring you to sweeping vistas without the bustle of the more famous viewpoints.
What You'll See
Expect broad panoramas of multicolored badlands—bands of reds, oranges, grays, and lavenders rolling to the horizon. On clear days you can spot Pilot Rock, the park’s highest point. Photographers love the open sightlines and big skies.
Facilities & Vibe
This is both an overlook and a picnic spot, with covered picnic tables, restrooms, and parking. It tends to be peaceful and less crowded than neighboring viewpoints, making it a solid choice for a relaxed lunch-with-a-view or a group stop.
History & Geology
The name "Chinde" comes from Navajo, often translated as "unwanted" or "evil spirit." The area carries real paleontological weight too: the only known specimen of the Late Triassic dinosaur Chindesaurus bryansmalli was discovered here in 1984. You’re looking over layers of ancient sandstone, shale, and clay deposited over 200 million years ago; nearby areas also feature scattered petrified wood.
Wildlife
Specific wildlife sightings here aren’t widely reported, but the broader park sees lizards, birds, and small mammals—keep an eye out, especially during cooler morning and evening hours.
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise and sunset light the Painted Desert at its best—colors pop and shadows sculpt the badlands. Midday can be harsh for photos and hot, with little shade. It’s typically uncrowded most days. The park has daily closing hours, so time your visit accordingly.
Tips
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks—there’s no food or store on-site.
- Wear sturdy shoes; short paths can be uneven and rocky.
- If Kachina Point feels busy, slide over here for similar views with more elbow room.
- Interested in backcountry overnighting? Permits are free at visitor centers (not issued at the point).
Where it is
35.0875, -109.7951Tips for Chinde Point
- 01Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best color and photos.
- 02Pack water and snacks—there’s no food service here.
- 03Plan around park closing hours; no after-hours access.
- 04Use the covered tables for a breezy, shaded picnic with views.
Amenities
Near Chinde Point
All places →All trails →
0.4 mi awayWilderness LoopRemote off-trail loop through Painted Desert badlands and petrified woodChallenging · 8 mi · 5 hr
0.4 mi awayOnyx Bridge TrailPainted Desert ramble to a shattered petrified log in a wild washModerate · 4.5 mi · 2.5 hr
0.4 mi awayPainted Desert Wilderness Access TrailQuick descent from the rim into the Painted Desert’s wild badlandsChallenging · 1 mi · 48 min
0.4 mi awayPainted Desert InnHistoric adobe inn with murals and Painted Desert viewsTrailhead · Restroom
0.4 mi awayKachina PointBest Painted Desert panorama beside a historic innTrailhead · Restroom
0.6 mi awayPintado PointThe highest Painted Desert overlook with miles of pastel badlandsPullout · Parking
0.8 mi awayTawa PointPainted Desert panorama and trailhead named for the Hopi Sun SpiritTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayPainted Desert Rim TrailEasy rim walk with nonstop Painted Desert panoramas and history.Easy · 1 mi · 30 min
