Three superbly preserved cliff dwellings on the Navajo Nation.
Photo: NPS staff · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons
On the high plateau of northeastern Arizona, within the Navajo Nation, three of the Southwest's best-preserved ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings shelter in the alcoves of Tsegi Canyon — Betatakin, Keet Seel, and the closed Inscription House — built around 1250–1300 AD. Navajo National Monument is free (including its campgrounds), and how you see the dwellings is the whole story: from an easy overlook, on a strenuous ranger-guided hike, or via a serious 17-mile backcountry trek.
Most visitors walk the easy, paved Sandal Trail to the Betatakin overlook — a large, beautifully preserved village across the canyon (bring binoculars). In summer, free ranger-guided hikes descend into the canyon for an up-close visit to Betatakin (strenuous, first-come, limited). The truly committed can earn a free permit for Keet Seel, one of the best-preserved large cliff dwellings in the Southwest, by hiking ~17 miles round trip. The visitor center interprets both Ancestral Puebloan and Navajo (Diné) culture.
This is high desert at ~7,300 feet — warm summers with July–August monsoon storms, cold snowy winters — and the guided hikes run only late May through early September. One quirk to note: the Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time, unlike the rest of Arizona, so the clock here can be an hour ahead. It's remote; fuel up in Kayenta and pair it with Monument Valley.
A large, strikingly intact ~120-room ancestral Puebloan village tucked into a huge sandstone alcove, built ~1250–1300 AD.
Insider tipAdmire it from the Sandal Trail overlook, or — the only up-close access — the seasonal ranger-guided hike.
Plan a trip to this spot →An easy ~1.3-mile paved round-trip to the canyon-rim overlook of Betatakin — how most visitors see the dwelling.
Insider tipBring binoculars — the alcove is across the canyon and looks small to the naked eye.
Plan a trip to this spot →A seasonal, strenuous, free guided trip down into the canyon for an up-close visit (~3–5 miles, summer only, limited to 15, first-come).
Insider tipArrive early to sign up at the visitor center; carry 2+ liters of water and real hiking shoes.
Plan a trip to this spot →One of the best-preserved large cliff dwellings in the Southwest, reached only by a strenuous 17-mile round-trip backcountry permit hike.
Insider tipFree permit, limited, summer only — reserve ahead and treat it as a very long day or an overnight backpacking trip.
Plan a trip to this spot →Exhibits and dioramas interpreting both Ancestral Puebloan and Navajo (Diné) culture, with the guided-hike sign-up.
Insider tipStart here — it's where you sign up for guided hikes and get current trail and season status.
Plan a trip to this spot →Short self-guided trails (Aspen, Canyon View) plus two small free first-come campgrounds — neither trail has dwelling views.
Insider tipCanyon View Trail leads toward the quiet rim campground for a low-effort leg-stretch.
Plan a trip to this spot →High desert plateau at ~7,300 feet: warm summers with a pronounced July–August monsoon (afternoon thunderstorms) and cold, snowy winters. The guided hikes run only late May–early September. Note the rim runs cooler and snowier than the Kayenta-area numbers, and the Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time (the rest of Arizona doesn't).
Off US-160 via AZ-564 on the Navajo Nation — free.
About 9 miles up AZ-564 from US-160, ~30 min from Kayenta, ~2.5 hours from Flagstaff. Free. Remote — fuel up; the guided hikes are seasonal and first-come, and the Navajo Nation observes DST (clocks may differ from the rest of AZ).
Two free campgrounds at the monument; lodging in Kayenta.
Two small free first-come campgrounds (Sunset View year-round; Canyon View seasonal) — dry camping, no hookups.
Booking tipNo lodge or dining in the monument.
The nearest town (~30 min) for motels, fuel, and services — well placed near Monument Valley.
Booking tipStock up before heading out.
Is it free?
Yes — entry, the visitor center, all self-guided trails, the ranger-guided hikes, the Keet Seel permit, and both campgrounds are all free.
How do I actually see the cliff dwellings?
Three tiers: the easy paved Sandal Trail to the Betatakin overlook (binoculars help); the free, seasonal ranger-guided Betatakin hike down into the canyon; or the strenuous 17-mile Keet Seel permit hike. Inscription House is closed.
When can I do the guided hikes — do I need a reservation?
Summer only (roughly Memorial Day–Labor Day). Betatakin is first-come at the visitor center (15-person limit, no reservation); Keet Seel requires a phone reservation (20/day). Confirm current dates with the NPS.
What's the deal with the time zone?
The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time even though the rest of Arizona doesn't — so in summer the monument's clock is an hour ahead of off-reservation Arizona. Set your watch carefully, especially for early hike sign-ups.
How high is it — what about weather?
The visitor center is ~7,300 feet — expect cool mornings, strong sun, and thin air; July–August brings monsoon storms and winters are snowy. Carry 2+ liters of water on guided hikes.
How should I show respect?
You're a guest on the Navajo Nation at a site sacred to several Native peoples — stay on trails, don't touch or remove artifacts, ask before photographing people, and follow ranger and Navajo guidance.
Pick your vehicle, line up the stops on the way in and out, and carry the whole route in your pocket.
