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National Monuments in Northern Arizona (View Photos):
The multitude of National Monuments in northern Arizona contain serpentine canyons, awe-inspiring buttes, volcanic moonscapes, and culturally significant Native American archeological sites. Many of these parks are situated on Indian tribal lands. This remote region of surrealistic rock formations and deeply incised canyons is the spiritual homeland of the Hopi and Navajo tribes of the Southwest. Stark volcanic landforms loom over parts of the Northern Arizona desert, most notably around the Flagstaff area. Here, the landscape has been transformed by convulsive seismic activity, resulting in volcanic mountains, cinder cones, lava flows, and lava domes. This page discusses three National Monuments in Northern Arizona.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument:
Canyon de Chelly has been continuously inhabited by Native American peoples for almost 5,000 years. A community of
Navajo Indians currently lives in the canyon, tending their fruit orchards and corn and alfalfa crops. The Navajo
maintain their ancient traditions and receive much of their sustenance, both physical and spiritual, from the
canyon. Prior to the arrival of the Navajo about 300 years ago successive waves of indigenous peoples settled the area.
The Archaic, Basketmaker, Hopi, and Pueblo peoples all left behind evidence of their culture in the form of rock paintings
and etchings, pottery, ceremonial kivas, household compounds, and cliff dwellings.
The monument is part of the Navajo Nation and is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the Navajo. Several canyons comprise the monument, with the
2 largest being Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto. Paved roads skirt the outer rims of these two canyons, offering
scenic overlooks at numerous spots, including the famous Spider Rock, an 800 ft. freestanding rock spire. It is important for
visitors to respect the privacy and property of the Navajo inhabitants. Jeep and hiking tours are available through
authorized Navajo guides; only the White House Trail can be undertaken without oversight from Navajo guides.
Navajo National Monument:
Three intact Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings are preserved within this monument, which lies within the Navajo
Nation. Betatakin Ruin and Keet Seel Ruin are open to the public and can be explored on ranger-led guided
hikes (the Keet Seel tour requires a permit and advance reservations). The Inscription House ruin is closed to
the public due to its fragile state. In addition to the ranger-led hikes, there are 3 self-guiding trails of short duration
that trace along the rim of spectacular Tsegi Canyon and offer excellent views of the gorge.
Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments:
Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument are a short distance from each other
and are connected by a paved road. Wupatki National Monument safeguards a series of archeological structures
built by the ancestral Puebloan people approximately 800 years ago. The main attraction is Wupatki pueblo, a large
100-room dwelling constructed out local red rock materials. Several other nearby pueblos exist across this arid,
high-desert landscape. All the sites can be explored via self-guided trails. The visitor center has in-depth displays which
explain the history and culture of the people who once lived here and the impact of environmental
factors on their way of life. The natural science of the region is likewise documented.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument preserves a massive cinder cone of relatively symmetrical proportions as well as lava
flows that spread out near the cone's base. Volcanic explosions and thunderclaps took place here sometime in the 11th century and
shaped the current landscape. Sunset Crater is encompassed by the huge San Francisco Volcanic Field and holds the
distinction of being the youngest cinder cone in the entire volcanic field. Vegetation has slowly returned to this
previously blasted and burnt out area, as evidenced by the small stands of pine and aspen that grace the cinder
cone and surrounding lands. The explosions that occurred here in the 11th century had a tumultuous impact on the
resident native peoples, forcing them to move on and find unaffected lands that they could cultivate.
Recommended Day Hikes:
Betatakin Ruin - Navajo National Monument
Round Trip Length: 5.0 miles
Trailhead location: Visitor Center
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: This is a ranger-guided hike that descends into the canyon and ends up at the base of a large alcove
that shelters a well-preserved Anasazi ruin. Anasazi Indians built this village and lived and farmed here for about 50 years
before mysteriously moving on. The trail starts at an elevation of 7,300 ft and loses 600 ft by the time
it reaches the ruins. Beautiful canyon views. Call ahead for hiking schedules: (928) 672-2700. Spaces are first-come, first-served
Sandal Trail - Navajo National Monument
Round Trip Length: 1.0 miles
Trailhead location: Visitor Center
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: An easy, paved trail that takes hikers across the top of the Shonto Plateau through a forest of pinon
pine and juniper and finishes up at an overlook of the Betatakin cliff dwelling
Aspen Forest Trail - Navajo National Monument
Round Trip Length: 0.8 miles
Trailhead location: Visitor Center
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: Branching off the Sandal Trail, the Aspen Forest Trail leads to a nice viewpoint of Tsegi Canyon where a
remnant of an ancient aspen forest can be seen on the canyon floor
White House Trail - Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Round Trip Length: 2.5 miles
Trailhead location: 7 miles from the visitor center along the South Rim Drive at the end of the White House Overlook
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: This is the only hike permitted within the park that does not require a Navajo guide or permit. Descending
500 feet to the canyon floor, this hike passes a Navajo farm and then crosses Chinle Wash, winding up at the White House Ruins, a
delicate Anasazi cliff dwelling that dates from about 1200. Great views of Canyon de Chelly's sheer sandstone walls are
visible all long the trail
Wupatki Pueblo - Wupatki National Monument
Round Trip Length: 0.5 miles
Trailhead location: Visitor Center
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: A paved trail that explores the ruins of an 800 year old Native American village. This archeological site
consists of a large 100-room dwelling structure, a circular community room, a ballcourt, and a blowhole (a natural geological
feature in which air is blown out of a hole in the ground). After living here for about 150 years, the Puebloan Indians
left the village to start life elsewhere. The reasons for this are unknown. The indigenous Hopi and Zuni peoples of the
present day believe that their ancestors who once built and occupied this village remain here as spiritual guardians.
Lava Flow Trail - Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Round Trip Length: 1.0 miles
Trailhead location: 1.5 miles from the visitor center just off the park road
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Attractions: An up-close look at the Bonito lava flow which lies at the base of the Sunset Crater cinder cone. This
lava flow was a river of molten magma back in 1064 AD when a huge volcanic eruption took place in the area and forever
changed the landscape.
Recommended Points of Interest:
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park; the Inner Basin hiking trail (located in Coconino National Forest opposite Sunset
Crater); Horseshoe Bend viewpoint (near Page, AZ); the Vermillion Cliffs; Rainbow Bridge National Monument (located just
over the border in Utah, on Navajo Nation land); Shiprock Peak (located just over the border in New Mexico, on Navajo Nation land)
Helpful travel tips and observations
Excellent hiking opportunities abound within the vicinity of Flagstaff, AZ. The Grand Canyon lies about an hour north of Flagstaff,
while Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona are 30-45 minutes south of town. Northern Arizona is sparsely populated and very
remote; be sure to travel around in reliable vehicles and plan your hotel accomodations ahead of time as there are few services
around. Navajo Nation land is home to many Native American sites of historical and spiritual importance; causing damage
to this heritage or stealing artifacts is strictly prohibited by both tribal and federal law
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More Photos: Page 1 > Page 2 > Page 3
Tsegi Canyon from the Betatakin Ruin Trail, Navajo National Monument, (February 2005)
Betatakin Ruin from the Sandal Trail, Navajo National Monument, (February 2005)
Tsegi Canyon from the Sandal Trail, Navajo National Monument, (February 2005)
Tsegi Canyon from the Betatakin Ruin Trail, Navajo National Monument, (February 2005)
Tsegi Canyon from the Sandal Trail, Navajo National Monument, (February 2005)
Betatakin Ruin, Navajo National Monument, (February 2005)
Tsegi Canyon from the Aspen Forest Trail, Navajo National Monument, (February 2005)
El Capitan peak, Navajo Nation reservation, (February 2005)
