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Visit These Fascinating Cliff Dwelling Ruins In Arizona For An Adventure Into The Past

Navajo National Monument in Arizona features well-preserved Native American cliff dwellings accessible via hiking trails.

Published Jan 15, 2021

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Arizona has no shortage of ancient ruins, many of which are accessible via hiking trails. Among the most fascinating is the Navajo National Monument, where you can marvel at three Native American cliff dwellings that remain surprisingly intact after more than 800 years of abandonment.

Navajo National Monument protects three of the most intact cliff dwellings erected by the Anasazi people: Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House.

A large rock overhang reveals ancient cliff dwellings and lush greenery below in a desert landscape.
Wikimedia Commons/MPSharwood

Abandoned since 1300 AD, these castle-like ruins tell fascinating stories about their earliest inhabitants.

If you're looking for a self-guided adventure, there are three hiking trails to choose from.

Sign for "Fork-Stick Hogan and Sweathouse Exhibit" near a small structure, surrounded by shrubs and trees on a dirt path.
Wikimedia Commons / MPSharwood

The most popular among them is the Sandal Trail, which leads to an overlook from which the cliff dwellings can be seen. The other two trails, while scenic, don't offer views of the ruins.

Along the Sandal Trail, you'll see a traditional Navajo sweat lodge.

A small, earthen structure with a wooden entrance, surrounded by sparse vegetation in a natural setting.
Wikimedia Commons / Burley Packwood

These structures are incredibly sacred and have long-since been used for ceremonial purposes.

From late May until early September, ranger-guided tours are offered.

A stunning view of a large sandstone arch surrounded by rugged terrain and green vegetation under a blue sky.
powerofforever via Getty Images

The hike to Betatakin takes 3-5 hours round-trip, while a 17-mile backcountry trek is required to access Keet Seel.

You can opt for either a full-day hike or an overnight backpacking excursion to Keet Seel.

Ancient cliff dwellings nestled under a large rock overhang, surrounded by desert vegetation and blue sky.
Wikimedia Commons/PatrickRapps

Reservations are required, and the trip is limited to 20 hikers per day.

As for Betatakin, you don't need to reserve a spot.

Ancient cliff dwellings nestled in a rocky landscape, showcasing adobe structures against a reddish-brown backdrop.
Wikimedia Commons/Jon Sullivan

Sign-up sheets are available in the Visitor Center.

The dwellings might be what Navajo National Monument is known for, but your experience doesn't have to end there.

A display featuring documents about the Navajo Code Talkers and a book on Native American history.
Wikimedia Commons/Burley Packwood

In the Visitor Center, you'll find a museum showcasing artifacts excavated from the ruins as well as an auditorium where films about the park are played on a loop.

Please note: the Monument is currently closed, but reservations for hiking to Keet Seel this summer open up on February 1.

Visit the official website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever visited Navajo National Monument? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments below!

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