Navajo National Monument

Things To Do Near Navajo National Monument

Set against the stunning backdrop of the American Southwest, the Navajo National Monument offers visitors the unique opportunity to visit the remains of structures abandoned since the 13th century. Today, local Native Americans showcase their craftsmanship and share the story of their people, history, and culture. Hiking trails offer stunning views, and local lakes provide plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing.

Hiking Trails

• Sandal Trail

  The Sandal Trail provides the only overlook views of the Betatakin Cliff Dwellings. The hike takes visitors from the visitor center to a canyon rim overlook. From the overlook, hikers can see the cliff dwellings built by ancient Native American Tribes. 

  Location

  The trailhead is behind the visitor center. AZ-564, Shonto, AZ 86054

  Length

  1 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

• Aspen Trail

  Take the Aspen trail down 300 feet where you can wander a beautiful grove of aspen trees and Douglas firs. Don’t forget to keep watch for the endangered Mexican spotted owls that have made a home among the aspen trees. 

  Location

  The trailhead is behind the visitor center. AZ-564, Shonto, AZ 86054

  Length

  0.8 miles

  Intensity

  Difficult

• Canyon View Trail

  This easy-to-follow sandy path connects the visitor center with the Canyon View Campground. Although this trail has a practical purpose, it also affords breathtaking canyon views along the way. Stop and read about the Historical Contact Station that was once an old cook shanty. Then, loop back around to the visitor center. Sharp-eyed hikers will also note that the views provide a severely angled glimpse of the famous cliff dwellings. 

  Location

  The trailhead is behind the visitor center. AZ-564, Shonto, AZ 86054

  Length

  0.8 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Monument Valley - Navajo Tribal Park

  Monument Valley features breathtaking sandstone buttes, some reaching as high as 1,000 feet. This desert park covers nearly 93,000 acres across two states, Arizona and Utah. There are primitive backcountry trails for hiking and camping, but permits are required to utilize them. Local Navajo vendors set up roadside stands just outside the park where they sell locally crafted items, Native American food, and other souvenirs. 

  Location

  US 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536

• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

  Encompassing over 1.25-million acres across Utah and Arizona, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers such activities as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. Glen Canyon is home to Lake Powell, the second largest lake in the United States, making it a popular destination for boating. The Colorado River also runs through the area, and a short hike will have you standing at the famous Horseshoe Bend Overlook. 

  Location

  4304 Bullfrog, Lake Powell, UT 84533

• Grand Canyon National Park

  The Grand Canyon National Parkin Arizona covers over a million acres and features the stunning canyon from which it received its name. The park offers hiking, biking, and overnight backpacking within the canyon. For the more adventurous, take a multi-day guided kayaking trip down the Colorado River or a mule train to the bottom of the canyon. 

  Location

  Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Museums

• Navajo Code Talker Museum

  Come and learn about the history of the Navajo Code Talkers. Navajo Code Talkers communicated with one another during WWII, relaying important information about battles, troop movements, and tactics. Using an unbreakable code built on their native language and dialects, Code Talkers could relay messages in minutes instead of hours. This speed and efficiency saved countless lives and turned the tide of many battles. 

  Location

  10 Main Street, Tuba City, AZ 86045

• Explore Navajo Interactive Museum

  The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum offers visitors a look at the Navajo life journey. With over 7,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum features a traditional Navajo hogan and explores Navajo creation stories. A Navajo guide will help interpret the culture and lives of the Navajo people. 

  Location

  10 N. Main St., Tuba City, AZ 86045

• Museum of Northern Arizona

  Dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Colorado Plateau, the Museum of Northern Arizona features a wide variety of exhibits. Visitors will learn about the history and customs of the local indigenous people and the formation of the Grand Canyon. 

  Location

  3101 N. Ft. Valley Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Amigo Cafe

  This family-owned and -operated Mexican restaurant serves freshly made authentic Mexican food. In addition to the fresh-made Mexican fare, the Amigo Cafe also offers local Native American dishes. If you need a caffeine boost, be sure to try their specialty coffees. 

  Location

  US HWY 163, Kayenta, AZ 86033

• The View Restaurant

  Enjoy your meal with an awe-inspiring view of Monument Valley. The View Restaurant features both classic American dishes as well as Navajo-inspired cuisine prepared by Navajo chefs. Enjoy the breakfast buffet or stop in for a relaxing dinner after a long day of exploring. 

  Location

  Navajo Nation Reservation, AZ, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536

• Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise

  One of the oldest tribal enterprises within the Navajo Nation, the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise features authentic handcrafted Navajo jewelry, art, gifts, rugs, and more. In addition to the finished artisanal items, the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise also sells the raw materials needed for local artists to create their wares. 

  Location

  Highway 160 & 163, Kayenta, AZ 86033

• Yavapai Gift Shop

  The Yavapai Gift Shop offers a variety of gift options and souvenirs to remind you of your adventures in Arizona. Pick up an authentic souvenir from the Grand Canyon, or take home some locally crafted Native American collectibles. Whatever type of gift you’re looking for, the Yavapai Gift Shop is the place to find it. 

  Location

  Yavapai Lodge Road, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 

How To Get To Navajo National Monument

The Navajo National Monument is located just off US Highway 160 at the end of State Highway 564. 

From Shonto, AZ: Take Indian Route 6325. Turn right onto Indian Route 221. Follow Indian Route 221 until you reach the monument. 

From Tonalea, AZ: Take Indian Route 21 to US-160 E/Navajo Trail. Turn left onto US-160 E/Navajo Trail. Continue to follow US-160 E/Navajo Trail for 30 miles. Turn left onto AZ-564 N. Follow AZ-564 N until you reach the monument. 

Address

AZ-564, Shonto, AZ 86054

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Navajo National Monument is a uniquely preserved slice of Native American History that allows visitors to imagine what life was like for those long-ago people while learning about the culture of their descendants. Nearby lakes offer fishing and boating, and nearby parks boast additional hiking trails and historical markers. With so much nature and history to explore, the Navajo National Monument is a must-see on your RV trip through the Southwest.