Guided Tours

 

Betatakin Tours May 26, 2019 - September 14, 2019

Summer Safety Hours: begins Sunday, June 23, 2019

First tour begins at 7:00 A.M., second tour at 8:15 A.M. Both groups meet at the visitor center

Tour will be led down the Tsegi Point trail (5 mile round trip). Please bring your vehicle

We do not take reservations for Betatakin - first come, first serve basis.

Keet Seel Hike May 26, 2019 - September 08, 2019.

The park is currently taking reservations at 928-672-2700.

Refer to the Betatakin or Keet Seel Hiking information provided below to see specific dates and times the cliff dwellings are open/closed for tours.

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

Hike Smart At Navajo (PDF 472 KB)

Betatakin Cliff Dwelling Tour

2019 Betatakin Information (PDF 81KB)

 

The Betatakin cliff dwelling tour stops at this vantage point due to rock fall hazard.

NPS Photo

• Reservations are NOT required.

• A sign up sheet is available at the visitor center's front desk.

• Tours are first come first serve and are limited to 25 people per tour.

• Wear proper hiking shoes because the trails are unpaved.

• Bring 2 liters of water and snacks.

• Be prepared to hike in hot weather by bringing a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.

• Do not attempt this hike if you have any current injuries, major surgeries and medical conditions that would affect your ability to hike.

Due to rock fall hazard in the alcove, THE BETATAKIN TOURS DO NOT ENTER THE VILLAGE. Rangers give program from a safe distance beneath the village.

 

A view of the canyon from Tsegi Point Trail

NPS Photo

7:00 A.M. and 8:15 A.M. Betatakin Tour: Both hikes use Tsegi Point Trail; a strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike which takes 4 to 5 hours. The trailhead begins at 7,300 ft. elevation; loses and regains 700 feet (218 meters).

Visitors are required to drive their vehicle to the trailhead.

 

The Aspen Trail is a switchback with stairs that are steep and strenuous. There are 927 steps from the bottom of the canyon to the visitor center and vice versa.

NPS Photo

Aspen Trail currently closed due to rock fall

Elevation loss/gain is 700 feet (218 meters) from the visitor center to the bottom of the canyon.

ATTENTION: The 7:00 A.M. and 8:15 A.M. tours are subject to cancellation due to severe weather condition, natural disaster and staff shortage.

 

A guided group inside the alcove near the Betatakin Cliff Dwelling.

NPS Photo

 

Keet Seel Cliff Dwelling Tour

Keet Seel is available from May 26, 2019 - September 08, 2019
From Thursday - Sunday, overnight camping and day hikes are allowed
(Monday - set aside for day hikers only)

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

The park is currently taking reservations to obtain a permit, call the visitor center at 928-672-2700.

The back country hike to Keet Seel is a strenous 17 miles roundtrip.

Hiker(s) must attend a MANDATORY 3PM permit orientation at the visitor center the
day before your scheduled hike.

Please read the Keet Seel Hiking Information, check for local weather forecast and call visitor center for any additional information.

2019 Keet Seel hiking information (PDF 220KB).

 

The ranger station and the welcome sign at Keet Seel.

NPS Photo

Hikers have the option to do the Keet Seel hike in one day or stay overnight in the designated campground near Keet Seel.

KEET SEEL IS CLOSED ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY

Visitors are allowed one OVERNIGHT STAY at the designated campground near Keet Seel from Thursday - Sunday.

Monday and the last day of the season (September 8, 2019) are for DAY HIKERS ONLY.

 

Early morning sunrise in Keet Seel.

NPS Photo

The hike to Keet Seel is strenuous and includes steep canyon switchback trails and sand dunes. Crossing the stream is a common occurence. Quicksand forms during summer monsoon season (July-August).

There is an elevation loss/gain of 1000 feet.

One gallon of water per person per day. Drinking water from the canyon stream is unsafe.

All Keet Seel hikers should be on the trail and hiking to Keet Seel before 8:00 A.M. MDST local time or earlier.

Keet Seel reservations are SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION during severe weather conditions. It is advised to call ahead for trail conditions so that unnecessary trips and disappointments are avoided.

 

Flat Stanley visiting Keet Seel with a ranger.

NPS Photo