Navajo Activities

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.

134 rooms; 100 people. These farmers left in 1300, headed to Hopi.
Marc Steuben
Betatakin Inside 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.