Navajo National Monument

Warm (85° F.), dry summers with occasional late summer thunderstorms. Cold (35° F.), usually snowy winters. Windy in the springtime.

No fees.
Free guided hikes.

Reservations welcomed.

Canyon View Campground
Open April 1 through September 30
Phone: 928-672-2700
This simple campground is a tenth of a mile away from the visitor center on an unpaved road. It is free and quiet, and has fine canyon views on both sides. There are 16 sites, three of which are good for group camping. These group sites can be reserved by calling (928)672-2700. There are pit toilets, charcoal grills, and no water; water is available at the other campground. People enjoy this campground for its silence and spectacular night skies.

Sunset View Campground
Open All Year
This free campground with paved roads is close to the visitor center, has 31 small sites with picnic tables, charcoal grills, and parking spaces. There are restrooms and running water. No hookups are available; RV's are limited to 28 feet or less. The campground is first-come, first-served. In the winter, campers should be prepared for cold temperatures and snow. The terrain is sandstone and pinyon-juniper forest; the campground is private and restful.

Three Mesa Top Trails Behind Visitor Center - Always Open

Sandal Trail: paved trail leads top overlook of Betatakin/Talastima cliff dwelling (1-mile round trip).

Aspen Trail: branches off Sandal Trail to descend 300 feet to view ancient aspen forest (0.8-mile round trip).

Canyon View Trail: view of head of Betatakin Canyon; leads to campground (0.6-mile round trip).

Betatakin tours (They are free!) leave daily with ranger. Strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike takes 3 to 5 hours. Begins at 7,300 ft. elevation; loses and regains 600 feet. Wear sturdy shoes and bring ample water. If you have heart or respiratory problems; do not attempt this hike.

Summer season: Hikes leave at 8:15 A.M. and 11 A.M. (We observe Mountain Daylight Time--the same as Utah and New Mexico, not Arizona: check the time!)

Winter season: Hikes leave at 10 A.M.

There is a hazard from falling rock in the Betatakin alcove. We cannot predict if, when, or where a rock may fall. Sandstone flakes off, which is how the alcove is created. You may enter the alcove on the tour, but it will be at your own risk. Or, you may choose to take the tour just to the opening of the alcove. This is still a good tour and view, but you will not get next to the structures within the alcove.

Keet Seel hikes need a backcrountry permit from the visitor center. Daily limit is 20 people for this 17-mile round-trip hike on a primitive trail; elevation loss and regain is 1000 feet. Hike on sand hills and rocks, cross ankle-deep stream many times

During the warmer months, hikers may choose to dayhike or stay overnight in the campground near Keet Seel. Orientation times are 8:15 A.M. and 4 P.M., when you receive your permit. Bring at least 1 gallon of water/person/day, for the stream is shared with livestock. Ranger on site guides you through Keet Seel.

Winter hikes are guided day hikes only; call for reservation: 928-672-2700.