Guided Tours

Betatakin tours are free! Groups leave daily during the summer season with a ranger. Summer season begins May 26, 2013 and ends September 07, 2013.

The 8:15 A.M. Betatakin Tour is a strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike and takes 3 to 5 hours. Begins at 7,300 ft. elevation; loses and regains 700 feet (218 meters). Wear sturdy shoes and bring 2 liters of water. You will need to drive to the trail head following the ranger from the Visitor Center.

The 10:00 A.M. Betatakin Tour is a very strenous 3-mile round-trip hike and takes 3 to 4 hours. The tour begins at the Visitors Center at 7,300 ft. elevation first by Sandal Trail then by Aspen Trail. Elevation loss is 700 feet (218 meter) to bottom of canyon.

Caution: If you have hip, knee, heart, respiratory problems or recent surgery, do not attempt any of the guided hikes.

Summer season: Hikes leave at 8:15 A.M. and 10 A.M. We observe Mountain Daylight Savings Time--the same as Utah and New Mexico and Colorado: check the time!

Winter season: October through April (2013) All cliff dwelling tours are closed.

Click "here" to download 2013 Betatakin tour information in a pdf format.

There is a hazard from falling rock in the Betatakin alcove. We cannot predict if, when, or where a rock may fall. Sandstone flakes off, which is how the alcove is created. Tours are led to the opening of the alcove, this is still a good tour and view.

 

Betatakin Inside Alcove

Marc Steuben

 

Keet Seel hikes requires advance reservation and obtaining a backcountry permit at the visitor center. Daily limit is 20 people for this 17-mile round-trip hike on a primitive trail; elevation loss and regain is 1000 feet. Hike on sand hills and rocks, cross ankle-deep stream many times

Keet Seel reservations are subject to cancellation during sever weather conditions during the summer monsoon season which last from July to September. Keet Seel is located within the Tsegi Canyon system and severe flooding does occur and creates quicksand which is dangerous for all hikers. It is advisable to call ahead for weather conditions so that unnecessary trips and disappointments are avoided.

Click "here" to download 2013 Keet Seel hiking information in a pdf format.

During the warmer months, hikers may choose to dayhike or stay overnight in the designated campground near Keet Seel. Orientation times are 8:15 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., when you receive your permit. Bring at least 1 gallon of water/person/day, for the stream is shared with livestock. Ranger on site guides you through Keet Seel.

Keet Seel is close during winter months and also part of spring; call for reservation: 928-672-2700.

 

Down the Street at Keet Seel

Marc Steuben