Navajo National Monument

Navajo National Monument preserves three of the most-intact cliff dwellings of the Anasazi (Hisatsinom). The monument is high on the Shonto Plateau, overlooking the Tsegi Canyon system in the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. The monument features a visitor center, two short self-guided mesa top trails, a small campground, and picnic area. In the summer, Rangers guide visitors on tours of the Keet Seel and Betatakin cliff dwellings.

HC-71, Box 3
Tonalea, AZ 86044-9704
928-672-2700 - Headquarters

By Plane
The closest major airport is Sky Harbor in Phoenix, AZ; travel by rental car is 4.5 hours (278 miles).

By Car
Major highways transit the Navajo Nation; paved AZ Hwy 564 turns north off US-160 at Black Mesa, and leads to the visitor center.

By Plane
No public transportation is available.

Getting Around
The monument is small; AZ Hwy 564 ends at the border. The campground is just beyond the visitor center, and the two overlook trails are behind the visitor center. The guided hikes to Betatakin and Keet Seel traverse difficult terrain, with steep switchbacks, sand hills, quicksand, and other backcountry hazards slowing travel. Backcountry travel requires ranger guides or permits and is recommended only for experienced and fit hikers.

Summers are warm to hot, with temperatures in the high 90's, and monsoonal thunderstorms in July and August bring rain, wind, and lightning. Spring and Fall can be pleasant, but occasionally blustery, and Winter often brings snowstorms and very cold weather.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Camping
• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
The visitor center features museum exhibits about Anasazi (Hisatsinom) and Navajo culture, and a 20 minute video about the Betatakin cliff dwelling. Behind the visitor center, two short overlook trails take visitors to an overlook of the Betatakin cliff dwelling, and an overlook of a relict forest left over from the ice age. Signs along the trails identify native plants, and how the Hopi and Navajos have traditionally used them.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Betatakin guided hikes are available. There is one hike daily, which departs the visitor center at 8:15 am MDT. Up to 25 visitors can participate in this 5 hour, 5 mile ranger guided tour. No fees are charged for this hike. Hikers should bring drinking water and be prepared for a fairly strenuous trek.

From Memorial Day to Labor day, backcountry permits are available for the strenuous hike to Keet Seel, one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in the southwest. Up to 20 people per day may hike the 8.5 miles to Keet Seel, where they will be toured through the cliff dwelling by rangers. Hikers can camp one night at a primitive campground before returning to their cars. This hike requires advance planning and reservations; please call the monument for more details.

The monument is surrounded by Navajo Nation land. NO HIKING or backcountry travel is allowed on these lands, which are essentially private property.