Guided Tours

Ranger led hike at Navajo National Monument

NPS

 

CAUTION

Know your limit! Please do not attempt the guided hikes if you have hip, knee, heart, respiratory problems or had any recent surgery.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Remember the Navajo Nation and park observe Daylight Savings Time from March to November during which local time will be the same as Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

The park has the right to cancel hikes due to unforeseen circumstances such as staff availability, inclement weather, hazardous conditions, etc... We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Betatakin:

Please note that visitors must be accompanied by NPS staff when visiting Betatakin. The park does not allow unsupervised visits to the site for the safety of visitors and for the protection of irreplaceable archaeological and cultural resources. Visitors may visit Betatakin by joining the scheduled NPS guided hikes.

Keet Seel:

Special overnight trips to Keet Seel are offered seasonally when staff is available. Trips to Keet Seel (Kawestima) will be offered 2 times in April, May, September and October. The park does not allow unsupervised visits to the site. Registration and safety orientation are required. More details below.

Inscription House:

This site is closed to the public indefinitely due to its remote location, fragility of the site, and at the request of local residents with concerns of trespassing and vandalism. Please be respectful of this decision.

 

The Betatakin cliff dwelling tour stops at this vantage point due to rockfall hazard

NPS

Betatakin Cliff Dwelling Tours

Betatakin is open for Ranger led hikes during the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hikes are generally offered on weekends. A signup sheet will be posted at the Visitor Center on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact park staff for hike details.

Hikes may be cancelled due to staff availability and/or hazardous conditions. Contact the park by email before your planned visit to verify that a tour is offered.

The hikes are very strenuous and use steep trails (a 3 mile roundtrip OR a 5 mile roundtrip) depending on which tour you join (see below for descriptions). Tours often have a duration of 3-5 hours.

Do not underestimate this hike. People have joined tours who could not hike all the way to the bottom or had difficulty hiking back out of the canyon. Do not put yourself at risk in an area that is remote and located an hour's drive from the nearest medical facility. If you have any concerns, please contact NPS staff.

Due to potential rockfalls, hikers will not enter the site and can view Betatakin from a safe distance.

 

A view of the canyon from Tsegi Point Trail

NPS

5 mile Route to Betatakin

This hike uses the Tsegi Point Trail which is a strenuous 5-mile round-trip trail. Tours usually take 4 to 5 hours.

The trailhead begins at an elevation of 7,300 ft. The hike has an altitude loss and gain of 700 feet (218 meters). The trail is not well shaded so be prepared for exposure to the heat and sun.

Visitors are required to drive their vehicle to the trailhead.

 

The Aspen Trail is a switchback with stairs that are steep and strenuous. There are 927 steps from the bottom of the canyon to the visitor center and vice versa.

NPS

3 mile Route to Betatakin

The Aspen Trail may be closed for trail work. Updates available at the Visitor Center.

This trail is a steep 3 mile roundtrip hike and takes 3-4 hours.

The trailhead begins at an elevation of 7,300 feet behind the visitor center. The hike has an altitude loss of 700 feet (218 meters) from the visitor center to the bottom of the canyon.

Please be aware that this hike requires hiking a steep 927 step staircase where hand rails are not present at all times. This hike is NOT recommended for people who are afraid of heights and are not avid hikers; in good physical health; or have issues with joints such as knees. Please supervise all young children joining tour.

 

More Information About Betatakin

• Reservations are NOT REQUIRED.
• A sign up sheet is available at the visitor center's front desk and can be signed the day before or day of hike.
• Tours are first come, first served and are limited to 15 people per tour. Tours do not fill up but if you are concerned, call the visitor center to verify a tour is offered and if space is available.
• Wear proper hiking shoes because the trails are unpaved. Tennis shoes are suitable.
• Bring 2 liters of water per person and snacks. There is no drinking water located on the trail. People who refuse to bring water will be asked not to join the tour. BRINGING WATER IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR SAFETY.
• Be prepared to hike in hot weather by bringing a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS HIKE if you have any current injuries, major surgeries and medical conditions that would affect your ability to hike.