An aboveground cave almost sounds like an anomaly; typically we think of dark, hidden places underground with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations jutting from cavern walls. That’s not always the case. Arizona has a number of caverns small and large sitting along canyon walls that have served a number of purposes over the centuries, including as homes.

The best examples are centuries-old cliff dwellings found throughout Arizona (and other parts of the Southwest) where ancient Puebloans made pueblo-style homes in shallow caverns. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the best preserved examples of cliff dwellings, located in Navajo National Monument.

In the northwest corner of the Navajo Nation and on the road between Tuba City and Monument Valley is Navajo National Monument. The park sits within a portion of Tsegi Canyon, an expansive canyon that winds through the red sandstone landscape.

Three old ruins exist here: Betatakin (pictured above), Keet Seel, and the Inscription House. Each one has a distinct history but the one we’ll be checking out today is Keet Seel, which requires a 17-mile round trip hike through the canyon to get to the small cave that hosts the ruin.

Keet Seel sits within a large, shallow cave along the sides of the canyon. The name kits’iil (pronounced "kits-eel") is a Navajo word for pottery sherds, of which numerous quantities are found scattered around the area. The Hopi call this place Kawestima.

The hike to and from the cliff dwelling is, as mentioned earlier, a 17-mile guided hike. While some people somehow manage to make this into a day trip, most hikers tend to do an overnight trip. The trail has a bit of a rough start with switchbacks and a steep walk down into the canyon.
The rest of the trail follows a stream that winds through the canyon and quicksand can be found in some areas. You’ll want to make sure you have some strong lower body muscles and joints when hiking this trail!

Once you reach the ruins, you are able to enter parts them with your guide so you can see what life would have been like in the ancient dwelling.

The cliff dwelling dates to the late 13th century (1200s) and is widely considered one of the best preserved ruins in the Southwest. It also happens to be the largest dwelling at Navajo Nation Monument, which at one time housed up to 150 people for roughly 20 years.

You can also hike to Betatakin, which is a shorter 5-mile hike but is just as difficult. For more information about reserving hiking tours and operating hours, visit the Navajo National Monument website.

Wow, it’s almost difficult to believe Keet Seel is close to 800-years-old. Want to take a look at some other incredible ruins found across Arizona? Check out one of our previous articles, These 12 Unbelievable Ruins In Arizona Will Transport You To The Past, for ruins found in rural and urban areas.