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Navajo NM

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Navajo National Monument

Navajo National Monument
HC-71, Box 3
Tonalea, Arizona 86044-9704
928-672-2700

Navajo National Monument encourages active visitation and participation. Visitors to Navajo NM hike or walk to explore ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings of Betatakin and Keet Seel. No ruins are visible from the road

The Sandal Trail is a leisurely self-guided or ranger-led walk viewing the spectacular canyonlands and rugged terrain of this magical location. The Sandal Trail leads to an overlook of the Betatakin ruins. The one mile round-trip walk is fairly easy and binoculars are recommended. The trail is open year-round for self-guided tours. Contact the visitor center for ranger-led tour times.

The Betatakin cliff-dwellings is a large cluster of well-preserved ruins thought to have been inhabited by the Anasazi during the 1200's. The name Betatakin means ledge house.

The Betatakin trailhead is five miles round trip and is strenuous with steep switchbacks. The Betatakin trail is strongly discouraged for anyone with health problems; good physical condition is necessary. At least two liters of water are recommended, as well as a snack and comfortable hiking shoes. The tour begins at approximately 8:15am each morning and returns between 12:00pm and 1:00pm.

There is a limit of 25 hikers for the tour and tickets are distributed on a first come, first serve basis the morning of the tour. Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early. -- A second tour may be offered at 11:00am if there are enough interested people. --

The Keet Seel Trail is a strenuous 8.5 mile (each way) hike that delivers you up to the cliff dwellings of the same name. There is a limit of 20 hikers per day and a Backcountry permit is required for each hiker. The permits are issued "only" after attending a mandatory orientation session. Orientation is held daily at 8:15am and 4:00pm. The self-guided hiking trail has mile markers and white guideposts along the route. Water must be carried - there is no water along the trail nor at the cliff-dwellings.

Primitive camping is available for a single night 1/4 mile from the cliff-dwellings. Campfires are not permitted, there are compost toilets. Two gallons of water is required for overnight hikers/campers.

Upon arriving a Keet Seel, an an interpretive tour of the dwellings is provided by a ranger. Entry into Keet Seel is permitted "only" with the Navajo National Monument backcountry ranger. Only five visitors are allowed on each tour with day hikers having first priority.

Permits are available by calling 928-672-2366, or mailing a letter two months prior to your visit. Call to confirm your reservation 7 days before your visit or your reservation may be canceled. Organized groups are limited to 10 hikers per day. Those without reservations may call six days prior to the day they wish to hike to check if permits are available. Permits from cancellations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

For a one-day itinerary in the area consider Hubbell Trading Post, Canyon de Chelly, and Navajo National Monuments to experience the history of Indian life from ancient times through the early 1900's. The detour from regular travel or typical weekend getaway from the city will be a delightful distraction and would be a great learning experience for young and old alike.

Visitor Center Hours
8am - 5pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

NOTE: The Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time and the rest of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time year round.