Navajo National Monument
Kayenta, AZ
An overlook trail from the visitor center looks across a canyon at Betatakin, a 13th-century village in an alcove. The monument has a small free campground and a short paved rim trail near the visitor center.
Navajo National Monument in northern Arizona protects three cliff-dwelling villages of the Ancestral Puebloans, built between about 1250 and 1300 in sandstone canyons. Betatakin is the most accessible, Keet Seel can be reached only on a long hike, and Inscription House has been closed to the public since 1968. Access is via AZ 564 from US 160.
Short trails start near the visitor center: the paved Sandal Trail (0.6 miles) with a viewpoint across from Betatakin, the Canyon View Trail (0.4 miles) and the Aspen Trail (0.3 miles). There is a short 1.5-mile hike to Betatakin; Keet Seel (8.5 miles each way) requires a reservation, and visitors are generally not allowed into most rooms.
According to The American Southwest, entry, camping and guided hikes are free. There are two campgrounds, closed for part of the year. Betatakin and Keet Seel are open daily from late May to mid-September and only in a limited way at other times. Check season and offerings with the park in advance.
- Nearest town
- Kayenta, AZ
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.6780, -110.5410
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Sunset View CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Navajo National MonumentDrinking waterToiletsFree
- Canyon View CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Navajo National MonumentTentsCaravansFree
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Navajo National Monument?
Navajo National Monument is in Kayenta, AZ, at GPS 36.6780, -110.5410. It is about 50 mi from Mexican Hat.
Can you camp near Navajo National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sunset View Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Navajo National Monument?
Navajo National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Navajo Nation: Window Rock, Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.
What is there to see near Navajo National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Monument Valley (33 mi), Antelope Canyon (48 mi), Goosenecks State Park (48 mi) and Moki Dugway (53 mi).
When is the best time to visit Navajo National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)