First Mesa is a census-designated place (CDP) in Navajo County. It sits within the Hopi Reservation, with a population of 1,352 as of the 2020 census. The CDP consolidates the villages of Hanoki, Sitsomovi, and Waalpi. Pueblo people settled in Hanoki in 1680 after the Pueblo Revolt, while Waalpi began in 1690. Sitsomovi started in 1750.
Showing common-sense courtesy is a must when you are a guest at this reservation, as visiting First Mesa is a privilege and not a right. A simple rule to follow is if you are unsure, do not touch. Do not peer through windows or walk into dwellings without permission. You are not allowed to record anything and you should avoid interrupting ceremonies. Appropriate dress is mandatory when attending a ceremony; long dresses and pants are preferred over shorts or short skirts.
You will find two motels on the Hopi Reservation. The Keams Canyon Motel has 24 rooms, while the Hopi Cultural Center Motel on Second Mesa has 33 units and a camping area. There is a cafe in Keams Canyon Shopping Center, a small restaurant in the Second Mesa Store, and the Hopi Cultural Center has a large restaurant serving traditional Hopi food and American cuisine.
The First Mesa villages are famous for their hand-coiled white pottery. You can buy arts and crafts at homes, galleries, and along Highway 264 throughout the reservation.
Flagstaff Hullabaloo - Nearby Flagstaff is hosting the upcoming Flagstaff Hullabaloo community festival in June. It features a bike parade, costume contest, giant puppets, craft brews, food, a huge kids' area, vendors, and live entertainment.
Standin' on the Corner Festival - Winslow is only 70 miles from First Mesa and hosts the upcoming "Standin' on the Corner" Festival in September. Named after the famous 1972 Eagles song that put the city on the map, the event attracts visitors from around the globe and offers a beer garden, food, a live auction, a horseshoe tournament, and street vendors.
The Western Navajo Fair - This upcoming event is held in nearby Tuba City every October. You'll experience concerts from different musical genres, a parade, a pow-wow, and a rodeo. There is a cancer walk to participate in or Zumba madness if you want to exercise after riding in your RV.
The Petrified Forest National Park sits 90 miles southeast of First Mesa, known for its 220 square miles of colorful desert landscapes. You can look at several paleontological exhibits or observe wildlife and plants around the park. There are two public RV campgrounds and another three private facilities nearby.
Driving 127 miles west of First Mesa puts you at the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most popular parks in the U.S. Over 1.2 million acres of canyon and surrounding areas carved out by the Colorado River are available to explore by raft, foot, or riding. Ten campgrounds in and around the area offer a place to rest during your time here.
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is 227 miles northeast of First Mesa and showcases some of the nation's most well-preserved ancient Puebloan ruins. There are over 4,000 archaeological sites among the 52,000 acres of park lands. Five trails wind around the ruins, and over 15 campsites provide places to rest in or near the park.
Homolovi State Park is 68 miles south of First Mesa and offers a glimpse into Native American history. The area was home to the Hopi, and current archaeological sites reveal artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries. Enjoy camping, hiking, and stargazing in or around the park.
Driving 192 miles north of First Mesa will bring you to Goosenecks State Park in Utah. It showcases the canyon carved by the San Juan River with its 1,000-foot-deep switchbacks. There are no trail systems for biking or hiking, but there are scenic vantage points you can access before stopping at one of the two nearby campgrounds for spectacular stargazing at night.
Riordan Mansion State Park is 113 miles southwest of First Mesa. The main attraction here is the 13,000-square-foot mansion built in 1904 that sits at 7,000 feet in elevation. Enjoy a guided tour or wander around the visitor center at your own pace. Several exhibits show artifacts or explain facts about the mansion.
The Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is 56 miles east of First Mesa, down highway 264. It celebrates the benefits the trading post brought for Americans and the Navajo Nation working together. There are several trails, museums, and sightseeing opportunities nearby.
A 132-mile road trip from First Mesa will get you to the Navajo National Monument. The site preserves the ruins of three Pueblo villages dating back to the 1200s. You can use the mile-long Sandal trail for the best views of the cliff dwellings.
Another Puebloan cliff dwelling site is Canyon de Chelly National Monument, located 83 miles northeast of First Mesa. There is a self-guided hiking trail and two scenic drives, but you can also go on guided tours with a park ranger or Navajo guide. There are nearby amenities in the town of Chinle.
The nearby Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA has several full RV hookup sites with 30 and 50-amp power, firewood, propane, cable TV, and WiFi. Another RV-friendly campground in the area is the Homolovi State Park Campground near Winslow, offering 30 and 50-amp power in the pull-through sites, potable water, and a dump station. Black Bart’s RV Park in Flagstaff has 175 sites with full hookups for a $55 daily rate. There's an on-site steakhouse right in camp.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in First Mesa, AZ, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in First Mesa?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in First Mesa from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in First Mesa?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
