Navajo Nation Parks You Can’t Miss

There are so many things to see, do, and explore when it comes to the Navajo Nation Parks. You could plan a trip just in the Navajo Nation and, you still probably could not see everything there is to see in a short time. This makes it a great place to keep coming back too. There is a lot to get to, so what are we waiting for? Let’s get into what there is to see if you visit the Navajo Nation Parks.

 

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is an iconic slot canyon. What makes it so iconic? The slot canyon is filled with brightly colored bands that flow throughout the canyon. During the summer and daytime, the sunbeams fill the canyon with lots of light.

It does require a tour to go into the canyon. There are two parts to Antelope Canyon, the Upper and Lower Canyons. The Upper Canyon is more popular since it is a flat hike there and back. The Lower Canyon is a perfect option if you want fewer crowds and a more personal experience. We love this one not only because it is ours, but the beauty is astounding.

 

Bisti Badlands

First off, we have the Bisti Badlands. If you give this area a quick internet search, you will find this park in New Mexico. The Badlands is 45,000 acres and, it spills over into Arizona. The great thing about this is you do not have to go to a different state to visit the Bisti Badlands. You can stay right in Arizona and see them.

Come prepared. This area is known for being unmarked. That means there are no designated trail paths and poor cell phone reception. The Badlands are perfect if you want to escape society and be out in nature. So be sure to come prepared with lots of water, snack food, and a reliable GPS.

 

Coal Mine Canyon

Coal Mine Canyon is different from big places such as the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park. This canyon has sandstone that has been weathered down by the elements, over the years. It gives the canyon a different look than other major parks that you will find in the Navajo Nation area.

Ready to get serious about looking at the rocks? Coal Mine Canyon is the spot for anyone that wants to see rock formations up close and personal without the crowds of tourists and visitors.

 

Dinosaur Tracks

Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks is the perfect spot to bring your child or family. This area is family-friendly and loves all things about dinosaurs. The cool thing about this area is that it is not a typical museum experience. There are not any displays or glass boxes that contain the dinosaur tracks.

The tracks are on Navajo Nation land, so it is important to be considerate of two main things. There are vendors in this area that sell different souvenirs that are handmade. You will also be asked if you want a guided tour of the dinosaur tracks. If you want a tour they may ask for a small fee, and you will want to tip them at the end of the tour.

 

Four Corners

There have probably been days where you have wanted to be in more than one place at once. When you visit the Four Corners, you can be in 4 different places at once. Yes, you read that right. You can be in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, at the same time.

Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the monument is open year-round. There is a 20 dollar fee per vehicle or a ten-dollar fee per person. You can take a break at a picnic table here and experience some true Navajo culture.

 

Monument Valley

If you know about old western movies, this place is going to be a great stop on your trip. Monument Valley is home to the big screen with cowboy westerns. Goulding’s Trading Post Museum is filled with all of the sets that were filmed out in Monument Valley. This place is a must-see for any John Wayne enthusiast. We have lunch at the Goulding’s Stagecoach Restaurant if you go on our TLC Tour where guests are responsible for their own lunch cost. Taking this tour is one of the most jampacked tours you can have.

Hiking and the famous Tribal Park are also main attractions in Monument Valley. The Tribal Park contains breath-taking buttes. We recommend taking Wildcat Trail if you want to get some hiking in on your trip.

 

Wheatfields Lake

This lake is a great lake for anyone that wants a bit of water and hydration in the desert. Wheatfields Lake is a great place to call home on your vacation. You can go out into the desert and canyons during the day and come back to a beautiful lake in the evening.

Not every place in the Navajo Nation allows camping, but this is one of the areas that does allow it. You will need a Navajo Nation Camping Permit before you arrive. The area is primitive camping, so you will need to pack in and pack out.

 

Little Colorado River

When you think of the desert you probably do not think of a bright blue river. The Little Colorado River is a long river that runs through Colorado and Arizona. This river flows through the Grand Canyon and causes a lot of erosion in the canyon.

What is there to do at the Colorado River? You have several different options. You can stop and look at it from a viewpoint. This is a great way to see the river without having to make it a big part of your vacation. You can also go to the Little Colorado River Gorge, which is only ten miles away from the Grand Canyon. It is known as the best-kept secret of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

And that is the end of our Navajo Nation Parks exploration. These are some of our favorite places to see in the Arizona area. Keep in mind that these are not all the places to see in the Navajo Nation area. These are just the major parks that people keep coming back to again and again. Make sure to add at least one of these parks to your Arizona trip itinerary. We look forward to seeing you at Antelope Canyon soon!