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    • Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Betatakin tours are free! Groups leave daily during the summer season with a ranger. Summer season begins May 27, 2017 and ends September 03, 2017.

The 8:15 A.M. Betatakin Tour is a strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike and takes 3 to 5 hours using the Tsegi Point Trail. The trail head begins at 7,300 ft. elevation; loses and regains 700 feet (218 meters). Please 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 strenuous 3-mile round-trip hike and takes 3 to 4 hours. The tour begins at the Visitors Center at 7,300 ft. elevation, then by Sandal Trail, and continuing down the Aspen Trail. Elevation loss is 700 feet (218 meter) to the bottom of the canyon.

Note: The 8:15 A.M. Betatakin Tour will use the Aspen Trail if the weather condition gets to hot or during bad weather. Both tours 8:15 A.M. and 10:00 A.M. are subject to cancellation due to safety concerns such as flooding and thunderstorm.

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

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

Winter season: October 2017 through April 2018 All cliff dwelling tours are closed.

Download "2017 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 backcountry trail; elevation loss and regain is 1000 feet (304.8m). The hike will lead down steep switchback trail, and uneven steps that are haphazardly littered with loose rocks, and continue down a sandy slope and once at the bottom, expect to hike across ankle-deep flowing water many times before reaching your Keet Seel.

Keet Seel reservations are subject to cancellation during severe 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. Flashflooding creates quicksand which is dangerous for all hikers. It is also advisable to call ahead for weather conditions so that unnecessary trips and disappointments are avoided.

Download "2017 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. Open fire is not allowed at the campground.

Mandatory orientation begins at 3:00 P.M. DST the day before scheduled tour and 8:15 A.M. DST on the day of scheduled tour (We prefer hikers to arrive the day before to attend the 3:00 P.M. orientation and hike out early the next day due to hot weather conditions). Before receiving a permit hikers and their hiking companions are required to attend the Keet Seel Orientation. Permits should be visible at all times while hiking to and from Keet Seel. All Keet Seel hikers should be on the trail and hiking to Keet Seel before 9:00 A.M. DST local time or earlier.

Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, for the stream is shared with livestock. Ranger on site at Keet Seel will guide 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