Last updated: January 28, 2021
Thing to Do
Keet Seel Hike
The back country hike to Keet Seel uses a 17 mile round trip trail. A free permit is required and can be reserved by calling the visitor center. The permit is obtained after hiker(s) attend a hiking orientation the day before their hike.
Details
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
The hike to Keet Seel is strenuous including canyon switch backs and climbing sand dunes. Crossing multiple streams is a common occurence on this trail. Quicksand may be present during and after the summer monsoon season (July-August).
There is an elevation loss of up to 1000 feet from the visitor center to the canyon floor. Once reaching the canyon floor, there is an elevation gain of up to 300 feet to Keet Seel village.
Visitors hike from the Keet Seel parking lot to the Keet Seel Ranger Station on their own after obtaining a permit from the visitor center. Hikers willl meet the ranger at the ranger station and arrange a tour of Keet Seel village.
There is an elevation loss of up to 1000 feet from the visitor center to the canyon floor. Once reaching the canyon floor, there is an elevation gain of up to 300 feet to Keet Seel village.
Visitors hike from the Keet Seel parking lot to the Keet Seel Ranger Station on their own after obtaining a permit from the visitor center. Hikers willl meet the ranger at the ranger station and arrange a tour of Keet Seel village.
Age(s)
10 and Older
Due to the long and strenuous trail, children under the age of 10 are not recommended to participate in the Keet Seel hike.
Please call the visitor center at 928-672-2700 or 2727 if you have further questions.
Please call the visitor center at 928-672-2700 or 2727 if you have further questions.
Pets Allowed
No
No pets are allowed on the Keet Seel Trail.
Hikers may come across "stray" animals such as dogs or cats on the trail. These animals often belong to local residents.
Please do not feed animals or bring them back to the ranger station/visitor center.
Activity Fee
No
Keet Seel is a free hike but donations are graciously accepted at the visitor center.
Location
Keet Seel
Keet Seel village sits at the end of Keet Seel canyon which is one of the many side canyons that make up the Tsegi Canyon system. The hike to Keet Seel is 8.5 miles (one way) from the park's visitor center and requires a permit.
Reservations
Yes
A permit is required to hike to and from Keet Seel. Permit reservations can be made at least a week in advance by calling the visitor center at 928-672-2700 or 2727. The visitor center takes Keet Seel reservations as early as February.
Hikers are required to attend a MANDATORY ORIENTATION at 3pm at the visitor center the day before their scheduled hike. After the orientation, a permit is issued to the hiker(s).
Hikers are required to attend a MANDATORY ORIENTATION at 3pm at the visitor center the day before their scheduled hike. After the orientation, a permit is issued to the hiker(s).
Season
Summer
Keet Seel is open from Memorial Day (May) to Labor Day (September).
Keet Seel is closed from Labor Day weekend and will not open until the following year's Memorial Day weekend.
Keet Seel is closed from Labor Day weekend and will not open until the following year's Memorial Day weekend.
Time of Day
Day
Hikers are only permitted to walk trails during the day. NO NIGHT HIKING ALLOWED.
Accessibility Information
The hike to Keet Seel is strenuous including canyon switch backs and climbing sand dunes. Crossing multiple streams is a common occurrence on this trail. Quicksand may be present during and after the summer monsoon season (July-August).
There is an elevation loss of up to 1000 feet from the visitor center to the canyon floor. Once reaching the canyon floor, there is an elevation gain of up to 300 feet to Keet Seel village.
There is an elevation loss of up to 1000 feet from the visitor center to the canyon floor. Once reaching the canyon floor, there is an elevation gain of up to 300 feet to Keet Seel village.