Navajo National Monument

How to Get There

From Page, AZ (125 mi): Take US-89 S to US-160 E, then turn north on AZ-564 and follow signs to the monument entrance.

Overview

Navajo National Monument in northern Arizona, high on the Shonto Plateau overlooking Tsegi Canyon west of Kayenta, on the Navajo Nation, protects three exceptionally well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings: Keet Seel, Betatakin and Inscription House, which has been closed to the public for years. It has a visitor center with a museum, three short self-guided trails, two small campgrounds and a picnic area.

Betatakin (“House Built on a Ledge”) was built in a huge alcove, 452 feet high and 370 feet across, between 1267 and 1286, and had about 120 rooms. Keet Seel (“broken pottery scattered around”) was first occupied around 1250, held up to 150 people at its peak, and is considered one of the best-preserved large ruins in the Southwest thanks to the dry climate and overhanging cliff.

Things to Do

Explore Remarkably Preserved Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings

Navajo National Monument preserves some of the finest cliff dwellings in the American Southwest. Located in northern Arizona within the Navajo Nation, the monument protects three major ancestral Puebloan villages built into sandstone alcoves between approximately A.D. 1250 and 1300. The monument offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience both archaeological wonders and the stunning landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.

Visit the Monument Visitor Center

The visitor center features exhibits on Ancestral Puebloan culture, archaeology, geology, and the history of the region. Interpretive displays, artifacts, and educational materials provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the people who once inhabited the canyon country surrounding the monument.

View Betatakin Cliff Dwelling

Betatakin is one of the monument's most famous and accessible cliff dwellings. Built within a massive sandstone alcove, the site contains dozens of rooms and offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who once called the area home.

Discover Spectacular Canyon Landscapes

The monument encompasses deep canyons, piñon-juniper woodlands, sandstone cliffs, springs, and diverse desert ecosystems. Scenic overlooks provide breathtaking views of Tsegi Canyon and the surrounding Colorado Plateau landscape.

Learn About Navajo and Indigenous Heritage

Located within the Navajo Nation, the monument provides opportunities to learn about the cultural significance of the land and the rich heritage of the Navajo people. Interpretive programs often highlight both ancient and contemporary Indigenous connections to the region.

Enjoy Wildlife Viewing and Stargazing

The monument supports wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, ravens, hawks, and numerous bird species. Its remote location and dark skies also make it an excellent destination for stargazing, astronomy, and night photography.

Top Trails

Sandal Trail

Length: Approximately 1.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The monument's most popular trail leads to an overlook of Betatakin Cliff Dwelling. Interpretive exhibits along the route explain Ancestral Puebloan culture, archaeology, and natural history while offering spectacular canyon views.

Betatakin Guided Hike

Length: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Significant
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

When available through ranger-led programs, this guided hike descends into Tsegi Canyon and provides close access to the Betatakin Cliff Dwelling. Participants learn about archaeology, geology, and the history of the site's inhabitants.

Canyon View Trail

Length: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This short walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyon system, sandstone cliffs, and high-desert landscapes. It is an excellent option for visitors seeking scenic viewpoints with minimal hiking.

Betatakin Overlook Trail

Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy

This scenic route provides additional perspectives of Tsegi Canyon and the surrounding landscape while highlighting the monument's geological and cultural significance.

Sources: National Park Service official Navajo National Monument information, including details on Betatakin, Keet Seel, archaeological resources, visitor programs, hiking trails, and cultural history.
https://www.nps.gov/nava/index.htm

Additional information verified through National Park Service visitor resources covering the Sandal Trail, cliff dwellings, ranger-guided tours, Tsegi Canyon, Indigenous history, and recreational opportunities within Navajo National Monument.
https://www.nps.gov/nava/planyourvisit/index.htm

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Navajo National Monument", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0