Ever wondered where to go on the Navajo Nation? With the reservation spanning over three states, it can be overwhelming. Here are five places to visit in the western edge of the Navajo Nation:
1. Antelope Canyon (Tsé Bighanilí and Hasdestwazí)
A natural wonder of sandstone, these slot canyons formed over eons of water and wind erosion. There are 2 parts to Antelope Canyon, Upper and Lower. Both canyons are World-Renown and featured in many national and international publications. Book your tour with a Navajo-owned tour company for a cultural experience.
Information: discovernavajo.com/antelope-canyon/
2. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgaii)
Featured in many Hollywood movies from the 1930s western movies to today’s modern movies and tv shows, but there is much more to Monument Valley than just providing a pretty background. Monument Valley is rich in Navajo history and culture. View a traditional Navajo hogan, Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs, sample frybread or Navajo taco! Book a Jeep or horseback tour and stay in a hogan or spend a night at the View Hotel.
Information: discovernavajo.com/monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park/
3. Dinosaur Tracks
Featuring a collection of authentic dinosaur tracks from the lower Jurassic period over 174.1 million years ago! The tracks are mostly of theropods, such as the Dilophosaurus, which was actually found in this same area in 1940 by a Navajo/Diné man. There are local tour guides onsite that will show you around the area and point out the tracks. Tips are appreciated, but not required.
Information: discovernavajo.com/dinosaur-tracks/
4. Tuba City Trading Post (Tó Naneesdizí)
Established in 1870 and rehabilitated in 1998 to capture its original appearance. Located in the same street corner of Main Street and Moenave Street, there is the Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit, Explore Navajo Interactive Museum, NavajoLand Hotel, Hogan Restaurant, and Hogan Espresso. All centralized in one location for your convenience.
Information: explorenavajo.com
5. Navajo National Monument
Located west of Kayenta, Arizona on the Shonto Plateau overlooking the Tségi canyon. The Navajo National Monument is operated and maintained by the National Park Service. Drop into the visitors center to learn about the history and culture of the canyon. Take the self-guided 0.65 mile trail to view the ancestral Puebloan ruins of Betatakin. There are 3 cliff dwellings: Betatakin (Bitat’ahkin), Keet Seel (Kits’iil), and Inscription House (Ts’ah Bii’ Kin) that occupied the area since 1250 to 1300. Open year round, hours/days subject to change.
Information: nps.com/nava/
Visit discovernavajo.com for more information!
