Navajo National Monument Overview

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

During the spring and summer seasons the Navajo National Monument Visitor Center andmuseum remain open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (MDT) with hours extended to 6:00 pm (MDT)beginning around Memorial Day. At the Visitor Center you can view exhibits on the prehistoricPueblo (Anasazi) and modern Navajo Indians, purchase books, and view a 5 minute slideprogram, a 20 minute Betatakin tour video, and a 25 minute film on the prehistoric pueblopeople.

Outside the visitor center, the self guiding Sandal Trail (1 mile round-trip) leads to a spectacularoverlook of Betatakin Ruin, a 125 room cliff dwelling. A spur trail (0.8 mile round-trip), theForest Overlook Trail descends steeply part way down the head of Betatakin Canyon for viewingthe unusual aspen and fir forest (but not the ruin).

The campground is open year round, weather and funds permitting. 30 spaces with picnic tablesand charcoal grills are available first-come, first-served. Sites are small with a length limit of 25feet for RVs. Sites often fill by sundown on busy summer days. A dump station and water isavailable. Wood fires are not permitted. Group campsites may be reserved. Food and gas maybe obtained 9 miles south of the monument at Black Mesa. Lodging is present in and nearKayenta, 28 miles east of the monument on Highway 160.

The monument is located on a high plateau at 7300 feet elevation with summer temperatures inthe 90's, but cooling down pleasantly at night. July, August and September often bringthunderstorms so always prepare for this possibility. Call the monuments before your trip toreceive the latest information on camping, tours, weather, etc.

Located at the monument are two of Arizona's largest and best preserved cliff dwellings:

Betatakin Ruin

Ranger guided hikes to the dwelling are offered once daily at 10:00 am MDT during May andSeptember. From Memorial Day to Labor Day tours are twice daily at 9:00 am and 12 Noon(MST). The tour is 5 miles round-trip and lasts 5 to 6 hours, equal in difficulty to descending700 feet into the Grand Canyon and climbing out again. During hot weather this trip is arduous.Two liters of water and sturdy hiking boots are recommended. If you have heart, respiratory orwalking problems or only hike infrequently, the high altitude, rough trail, heat and steep gradescan make this trip difficult and it should not be attempted. Sign up each morning first-come,first-served on the day of the tour. Demand for the 25 spaces on each tour in high, so arriveearly. Call or write before you visit because tour schedules can change without notice.

Keet Seel Ruins

This well preserved large cliff dwelling is located 8.5 miles away in the rugged Tsegi Canyon,accessible by foot or horseback. The ruin is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Dayweekend. Free permits are required and reservations can be made by phone or writing (startingtwo months prior to the date of your trip). A primitive campground with pit toilets is locatednear the ruins for overnight hikers. Safe drinking water is not available. Keet Seel is limited to20 visitors per day to protect the fragile site. Call or write for permit details.

NEITHER SITE MAY BE ENTERED WITHOUT A RANGER!