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Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Phone: 520-928-7888
Overview. Time and erosion have carved out a natural wonder that is every bit as grand as its name. A mile deep and up to 18 miles across, this awe-inspiring gorge/river cuts across 277 miles of northern Arizona. Over the course of the day, sunlight on the exposed layers of rock creates an ever-changing set of postcard views dominated by golds, oranges, and hazy blues. Far below the rim, the mighty Colorado River twists and turns, alternating stretches of tranquil water with some of the world's most exciting white-water rapids. No one is sure exactly how the Colorado River formed this immense chasm over the last five million years, but exposed rocks deep within the canyon are almost two billion years old.
Evidence shows that people have been living in and around the canyon for almost 10,000 years. The first Europeans, part of Coronado's expedition, saw the canyon in 1540 but it wasn't until 1883 that the first settler staked a claim to it. Drawn by the lure of mining gold and silver, prospectors soon realized it was easier to service the many tourists eager to visit the canyon. They were an eccentric and independent bunch, from Louis Boucher, the hermit of Hermits Rest, who mined his claim and raised goldfish in a trough at Dripping Springs; to Ralph Cameron, who fought tooth and nail through the Arizona law courts to retain his right to the Bright Angel Trail, which he operated as a toll road; to the Kolb Brothers, who built a studio on the lip of the canyon and made a good living photographing tourists as they embarked on their mule-ride adventure below the rim. Today, the Grand Canyon attracts nearly five million visitors a year. One of the National Park Service's most popular sites, the Grand Canyon is also a World Heritage site.
What to see and do. The Grand Canyon is made up of three main areas. Activity on the South Rim, the most heavily visited, is centered on Grand Canyon Village, adjacent to park headquarters. Across the canyon, the less heavily traveled North Rim is usually closed from late October to mid-May due to heavy snows. The third area, the Inner Canyon is made up of trails that lead to the canyon floor.
A wonderful way to begin your trip to Grand Canyon is to take the train to the park. The Grand Canyon Railway offers daily trips to the canyon year-round. During the summer months, a restored steam engine pulls restored period parlor cars from Williams, AZ, right into the heart of Grand Canyon Village; in the cooler months, a 1950s era diesel is used. You can return the same day, or make lodge reservations and stay a while. Call 800-THE-TRAIN for more information. Reservations are essential.
You can experience the majesty of the canyon on almost any activity level. Begin by stopping at Canyon View Information Plaza. Free copies ofThe Guide, the park newspaper which details the day's events and weather, is distributed to visitors at the park entrances. If your time is limited, head west from park headquarters on Hermit Road, which offers classic panoramic views of the canyon. The drive is closed to automobile traffic from March 1 to Nov. 30, but a free shuttle bus stops near the best vantage points. If you have more time, drive along Desert View Drive (Arizona Highway 64), which follows the South Rim for 26 miles. Across the canyon, the less traveled North Rim, with elevations of 7,600 to 8,803 feet, offers what some believe to be the park's most spectacular views. Activities in the South Rim include the famous mule rides into the canyon proper (reservations should be made 11 months in advance), privately operated tours (both bus and air), free ranger-led programs, interpretive exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, museums and National Historic Landmarks, shops, and special events. Write for a free accessibility guide.
If you prefer a more active visit, make a reservation with one of the many outfitters for a trip down the Colorado River. Trip lengths vary from three to 21 days. This is prime white-water rafting that offers breathtaking scenery and more than 200 miles of rapids and white water. Lava Falls, at rivermile marker (RM) 170 and east of Lake Mead National Recreation Area (RM 240), is the ultimate in rafting excitement. The distance depends on the elevation of the lake. Dam control allows for excellent conditions year-round. However, commercial trips do not run year-round. Other options include backcountry hiking, camping, and fishing (permits and licenses required). If you want to learn more about the canyon's ecology, contact the Grand Canyon Field Institute at 928-638-2485, to get a listing of its 50 courses; these walks, hikes, and river trips let participants study wilderness skills, geology, photography, human history, and art.
Note: The National Park Service considers all canyon hiking to be strenuous, due to the high altitude, steep trails, and extremes in temperature. Take plenty of water, eat plenty of food including salty snacks, and keep in mind that it will take you twice as long to hike up out of the canyon as it took you to descend.
Petrified Forest National Park
Address: 1 Park Road
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028
Phone: 928-524-6228
Fax: 928-524-3567
Overview. Fallen agate giants amid a kaleidoscopic badlandlandscape make Petrified Forest National Park a favorite southwestern destination. In the late Triassic Period, 225 million years ago, this desert was a lush floodplain filled with a host of strange, prehistoric creatures. The huge conifers that grew in the higher elevations to the south were regularly uprooted by floods and carried onto the plain, there to be covered with volcanic ash and silt. Eventually, geologic forces lifted the land and erosion exposed the fallen logs, now turned to stone. Beside the petrified trees, the park's abundance of plant and animal fossils offer a glimpse into the close of the Triassic period. The colorful badlands of the Painted Desert are formed by the same relentless erosion that exposed the ancient trees, and the process continues every day.
The arid landscape, with its almost ten inches of rainfall yearly, may seem too forbidding for extended human habitation, but successive waves of Ancestral Puebloans lived here between 300 and 1400 CE. At Agate House, a short hike from the scenic drive through the park, you can see the partially restored rooms of a pueblo built of petrified wood. Army surveyors were the first non-natives to travel through the area in the mid-19th century, and their accounts of crystal forests and the vividly hued badlands lured droves of sightseers and souvenir hunters. Tons of petrified wood were carried off and many more logs were destroyed as entrepreneurs mined and even dynamited them to get at their quartz and amethyst cores. In 1906 the area was designated as a national monument and upgraded to a national park in 1962.
What to see and do. The scenic drive that passes through the park makes it possible to see some petrified logs and take in panoramas without straying more than a few feet from your car, but take the time to stroll a little farther down the many short trails along the route. From the Rainbow Forest near the southern park boundary to the Painted Desert's vistas in the north, many points of interest are less than a mile's hike from the park road.
At the Rainbow Forest Museum, you can view the fossilized remains of some of the extraordinary creatures that once roamed the area. Wander among some of the largest trees in the park on the half-mile Giant Logs Loop Trail. Don't miss "Old Faithful," almost ten feet in diameter at its base. A slightly longer trail will lead you to the Long Logs, the largest concentration of petrified trees in the park. Continue on to Agate House, a petrified wood pueblo. Farther along the scenic drive, a 0.8-mile loop trail winds through what is left of the Crystal Forest. Here one of the most beautiful groves of petrified wood was decimated by rockhounds and souvenir hunters.
As you drive north, the badland formations become more colorful and fantastic. At Blue Mesa, a one-mile loop trail takes you right into the middle of conical mounds, striated blue, purple, and gray. Stop and examine the abundant fossils along the trail, but leave them where you found them so that others can enjoy them, too.
There are many petroglyph sites in the park, several of them within an easy walk from the scenic drive. Newspaper Rock, two sandstone monoliths covered with ancient drawings, may be viewed from an overlook only steps from the drive. If you forget your binoculars, there are free telescopes at the site. A loop trail takes you right into the thick of the Puerco Pueblo, all that remains of a 100-room dwelling. One of the numerous petroglyphs has been linked to solar events. Rangers lead interpretive programs here year-round, most notably at the time of the summer solstice.
Near the northern end of the scenic drive, you can visit the Painted Desert Inn Museum, a hostelry that once served travelers along old Route 66. The trailhead for backcountry hikes into the Painted Desert Wilderness is located at Kachina Point, behind the Inn. Another intimate view of the Painted Desert can be yours along the Rim Trail connecting Tawa and Kachina Points. Hike this 1 mile trail (round-trip) and take in the glorious play of color and shadow on the vivid landscape. The scenic drive ends (or begins, depending on where you enter the park) at the Painted Desert Visitor Center near the north entrance. Here, you can see a film that explains how wood becomes petrified.
Backcountry hikers must obtain a free permit for overnight hikes into the wilderness areas, and must camp at least a mile from the access point within wilderness boundaries. There are no backcountry trails; most of the hiking here is pure cross-country, wander-as-you-will. Day hikes to such wilderness destinations as Onyx Bridge and Black Forest are possible, and horseback riding in groups of six or less is allowed with permit. Bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. There are no developed campgrounds or other lodgings in the park, but ample accommodations are available in nearby communities.
Services at Rainbow Forest Curios include a seasonal snack bar and gift shop. There is a cafeteria, gift shop, and gas station at Painted Desert Oasis. The Petrified Forest Museum Association offers books, maps, and other publications for sale at both visitor centers and at the Painted Desert Inn Museum; proceeds benefit the park. The park is open year-round from 8 AM to 5 PM, with the exception of Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours may be extended in summer. Due to the high elevation, snow may close park roads temporarily in winter. Leashed pets are only permitted on paved trails.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
PO Box 588
Chinle, AZ 86503
Phone: 928-674-5500
Fax: 928-674-5507
Overview.0 Steep reddish cliffs towering over wildflower-covered bottomlands characterize this canyon system. Eons ago, ancient streams and fierce winds of northeastern Arizona deposited layers of iron-rich sediments, which then hardened into rock. Waters rushing down from the Chuska Mountains cut deeply into the rock, forming the four canyons visitors see today: Black Rock, Monument, del Muerto, and de Chelly.<P>About 2,500 years ago, Anasazi Indians first began cultivating small crops in the fertile bottomlands and building pit houses in the shadow of sheltering cliffs. Later they developed stone houses known as pueblo, many ruins of which can still be seen. They gradually left the area during the thirteenth century, to be replaced by the Navajo at the beginning of the eighteenth century.<P>Tenaciously holding onto their land, they resisted Spanish and U.S. efforts to remove them until 1864, when Kit Carson forced them onto a reservation in New Mexico. A few years later, they were allowed to return to the canyons, and today the park's 83,840 acres are still owned by the Navajo. With 1,000-foot brightly hued cliffs, over 2,000 separate ruins, and many pictographs, this park attracts photographers and archaeologists alike.
<P>At the canyons' entrance you'll find the visitor center, which opens at 8 a.m., and Cottonwood campground. The only trail for which you don't need a guide (there is a fee for guides) is at the White House Ruins Trail. With the pamphlet purchased at the visitor center, stay on the trail to the ruins of a 12-family building. The hike itself lasts about two hours; bring along water for the 2.5-mile round-trip. Another highlight is the Spider Rock Overlook. From the bottom of Canyon de Chelly, a slender rock reaches 800 feet into the air. Navajo legend says the Spider Woman lives here. Along the North Rim Drive, which has four overlooks altogether, be sure to stop at the Antelope House Overlook. Peering down into the canyon, you'll see the outlines of a large 91-room site. Look over to the canyon walls to see (with binoculars) the colorful antelope drawings reputedly done by a 19th-century Navajo artist.<P>Throughout your trip, you'll note the presence of modern-day Navajo residents. Their farms still pepper the canyon floor, and they are protective of their historical treasures. While you're welcome to view the ruins, you're asked not to enter archaeological sites because it's easy to damage them. Keep in mind that the Navajo Nation goes on Daylight Savings Time while the rest of Arizona remains on Mountain Standard Time.
<P>What to see and do. 0 If you don't mind paying extra (to see the rest of the trails requires a guide and there is a fee for this), plan on spending a night here. Minimum three-hour hikes led by authorized Navajo guides are available and you can sign up for them at the visitor center. Because the land is privately owned, you can explore it only when accompanied by a ranger or guide. Navajo guides will also lead you through the canyons on longer, more strenuous hikes.<P>Before you set out, walk through the visitor center's exhibits introducing you to Native American history in the canyon. On the hike, you'll have plenty of opportunity to photograph the cliffs, dwelling ruins, and occasional eagles and hawks soaring above you. Profusions of summertime wildflowers reward your descent down the steep canyon sides. Afternoons and evenings ranger programs may be available at the campground. Check the visitor center for the schedule.
<P>Another way to tour the canyon floor is by four-wheel-drive vehicle or on horseback. At the handicapped-accessible Thunderbird Lodge, located a half-mile from the visitor center, you can sign up for one of their 4WD excursions. If you have your own vehicle, you can hire an authorized guide for a fee at the visitor center. Otherwise, hire a jeep and guide through a private outfitter. Two stables organize day-long and overnight horseback trips for another way to give your feet a break.<P>You may enjoy two scenic routes, the North and South Rim Drives, running along the rims of the canyon system. Each drive takes at least two hours because you'll be stopping at one of the seven overlooks which dot the South Rim Drive.
Saguaro National Park
Address: 3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
Phone: 520-733-5100 or 520-733-5158
Fax: 520-733-5183
Overview. A symbol of the southwest, the giant saguaro cactus can live 200 years and attain a height of 50 feet. Its lovely white blossom is the state flower of Arizona, and its upraised "arms," which begin to develop when the cactus is around 75 years old, give it a welcoming, almost human, look. Despite their hardy appearance, Saguaro are sensitive plants and grow only in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Out of 40 million seeds produced in the lifetime of a single cactus, odds are only one will live to maturity. Herds of cattle and the encroachment of homesteads and cities threatened the saguaro's delicately balanced desert life. In 1933, an ancient saguaro forest east of Tucson was designated a National Monument. In 1961, a younger forest west of Tucson was added. In 1994, both units were upgraded to National Park status. What to see and do. The park is split into two districts. Saguaro West, or the Tucson Mountain District, is located 16 miles west of Tucson. The Red Hills Visitor Center is located on Kinney Road, and is a treasure trove of information about the park's history and resources. Scheduled activities such as nature walks, guided hikes, and ranger programs are posted here. You'll find the park is busiest from December to April. The information center is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM daily, but the park is open at all times. There are many ways to view the saguaro forest. You may choose to stick to your car and travel the six-mile Bajada Loop Drive. If you want to wander through the desert on foot or on horseback, there are many trails, both short and long, for you to pick from. Park roads are open from 6 AM to sunset. There are four picnic areas easily accessible from park roads, and a fifth, backcountry site is available to those who don't mind packing their trash out of the area. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, located only a few miles south of the park, has 300 desert plants and 200 live desert animals on display. Saguaro East, or Rincon Mountain District, is located two miles east of Tucson, and contains an impressive stand of mature saguaro. The visitor center features a continuous slide program that will introduce you to the Sonoran desert and the giant saguaro. The eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive (open from 7 AM to sunset) travels through the saguaro forest, providing access to two picnic areas and many of the trails that wind for 128 miles through the desert and into the rugged Rincon mountains. As in the western district, these trails vary in length and difficulty. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only, and only in specially designated areas. Horseback riding is permitted on all but a few of the trails; check with a ranger to be sure the trail you want to ride is accessible. Seasonal Alert. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hiking in extreme heat is dangerous, especially through difficult terrain. Don't attempt it if you're not prepared and in the best physical shape. In any case, you should carry water at all times, and drink even if you don't feel thirsty. You won't find water at any picnic areas or along most trails in the park. There are two rainy seasons on the Sonoran desert. From January to March, gentle rains fall on the desert, but from July through September, violent thunderstorms can shake the region. One last warning: Cactus spines are dangerous. They can get embedded in your skin and cause pain and even infection. Be especially cautious around the cholla; their spines get stuck easily but are very hard to dislodge.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Rte 1 PO Box 100
Ajo, AZ 85321
Phone: 520-387-6849 or 520-387-7661
Fax: 520-387-7144
Overview. One of the nation's most spectacular displays of desert flora and fauna awaits you at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The junction of two distinct Sonoran Desert vegetative zones occurs within the monument's boundaries, endowing the site with a wide array of cacti and desert wildlife. Several plant species, including the elephant tree, the senita cactus, and the limber bush, are plentiful in Mexico, directly south of the monument's southern boundary, but grow no further north than the stands that have taken root at Organ Pipe.The monument also preserves the largest habitat of its namesake, the Organ Pipe cactus. Although it is similar to a Saguaro, which also grows in abundance at the monument, all of the Organ Pipe's thick arms radiate from the ground, not from a central trunk. The monument includes Quitobaquito Springs, an important oasis along the Camino del Diablo (the "Devil's Highway"), a route made infamous by conquistadors and forty-niners in search of gold. Many died along this desert trail for lack of water. The remains of old mines and ranches can be reached by desert roads or cross-country hiking. What to see and do. Take a few minutes to view the audiovisual presentation at the visitor center. It will acquaint you with the environment of the Sonoran Desert and its wealth of plants and animals. There are several established trails, ranging in length and difficulty from a 0.1-mile nature loop at the visitor center to strenuous hikes of more than four miles, round trip, that lead to abandoned mines and through steep canyons. In addition, the desert is well suited to cross-country hiking, but check with a ranger first to determine your route. Overnight hikes require a free backcountry permit, obtainable from the visitor center. Two scenic loop drives begin at the visitor center and provide very different desert experiences. Striking desert vistas await you along 21-mile Ajo Mountain Drive. This loop, which winds through the foothills of the lofty Ajo Mountain Range, passes by many thick stands of Organ Pipe cacti. Puerto Blanco Drive twists through 53 miles of rolling desert landscape. Quitobaquito Springs and the Golden Bell Mine are along the route, which follows the U.S.-Mexican border on its way back to the visitor center. Both of these roadways are unpaved and can be bumpy. Recreational vehicles over 25 feet long are not allowed on either scenic drive. Although there are picnic areas along both routes, water is available only at the visitor center, so be aware that you must carry enough water for your passengers and for your car, should it overheat. Other undeveloped roads can take you further into the backcountry to several ranch and mine sites, but these routes may require four-wheel-drive capabilities. Check on road conditions before you set out. In spring and summer (with adequate rainfall), the desert blooms with flowering cacti, lupine, golden poppies, and other wildflowers. During winter, wildlife buffs should watch for javalinas, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and numerous other mammals and lizards in the morning and early evening hours, as the animals tend to avoid the intense daytime sun and heat. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a bird-watching paradise, with approximately 40 desert birds making it their permanent habitat, and over 250 migratory species stopping by along their routes elsewhere. Hikers should be aware that six species of rattlesnake and a poisonous lizard ( the gila monster) thrive in the Sonoran Desert. For your safety, keep an eye out for them, but do not disturb them. As with all park species, these reptiles are protected. A 208-site campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and rangers conduct special programs here and at the visitor center daily between mid-December and April, the months of heaviest visitation. The RV limit in the campground is 35 feet. The Southwest Parks and Monuments Association operates a bookstore at the visitor center; proceeds benefit the monument. The park is open year-round; the visitor center is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily and is closed on Christmas Day.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Address: 2800 Montezuma Castle Highway PO BOX 219
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Phone: 520-567-3322 or 520-567-5276
Fax: 520-567-3597
Overview. Montezuma Castle is actually a misnomer for this dwelling, situated about 100 feet up on a cliff. When the ruins were first noted by 19th-century settlers, it was thought that the limestone structure had been built by the Aztecs. The Sinagua Indians were the actual architects of Montezuma Castle, which was built around 1150 and expanded from three or four rooms to 20 rooms over a 250-year period. The five-story structure was home to approximately 50 people; the base of this cliff once supported a larger, six-story structure with 45 rooms. Time and erosion have all but wiped out the base structure. An overhang above the structure protected inhabitants from violent weather and hot sun while at the same time allowing early morning sunlight in for warmth during winter. Fire destroyed most of this site shortly after the Sinaguan departed the area at the beginning of the 15th century. Although the tribe left behind few clues, historians speculate that drought and overpopulation may have been the reasons they abandoned the dwelling. What to see and do. Montezuma Castle itself is not accessible due to its fragility, but a pleasant self-guided interpretive trail, one-third mile round-trip, leads to good viewpoints of the structure. A visitor center, located 100 yards away, contains exhibits of intricate textiles, jewelry, and farming tools that had been found within the ruins. Other exhibits feature the flora and fauna of the Verde Valley or depict scenes from everyday life of the Sinagua tribe. You can also purchase related books, maps, and videos at the center. A picnic area is shaded by sycamore trees along Beaver Creek, and you can also take advantage of walking trails and interpretive trails. A small entrance fee is required. The national monument is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM in winter and has extended hours during the summer. The site is located 2.5 miles off of Interstate 17 and 5 miles north of Camp Verde. Take I-17 to exit 289 and follow signs 2 miles.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Address: 1100 Ruins Drive
Coolidge, AZ 85228
Phone: 520-723-3172
Fax: 520-723-7209
Overview. When natives led Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit priest and explorer, to this four-story Hohokam ruin in 1694, he named it Casa Grande and wondered why it was built and abandoned. Today, we still don't have the answers. This towering structure, built around A.D. 1350 of nearly 3,000 tons of mud, looms over the smaller ruins at the site, which include a court for playing some type of ball game. Because Casa Grande's "windows" seem to line up with the sun at the summer solstice, archaeologists speculate that it could have been an observatory, inspired by Mexican cultures to the south. We will probably never know. The Hohokam abandoned the site a mere 100 years after completing the giant structure, a mystery as great as Casa Grande itself.What to see and do. Rangers lead informative walks through the ruins during the winter months, but you may choose to wander through on your own at other times. A 400-yard self-guided tour includes wayside signs identifying desert flora. Interpretive displays introduce visitors to the Hohokam, discuss their connection with Mexican culture, and speculate on why they built and abandoned Casa Grande. There is a bookstore in the visitor center, and picnic facilities are available at the site. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is located within the city limits of Coolidge, on AZ 87, mid-way between Phoenix and Tucson. Don't confuse the ruins with the town of Casa Grande, 20 miles away. The visitor center is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM (closed Christmas Day). Leashed pets are permitted. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available. Seasonal alert. Be prepared for intense heat during the summer months. Drinking water is available at the visitor center. Rattlesnakes, poisonous centipedes, and scorpions all thrive in this desert climate. Be cautious as you explore the ruins.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Address: 691 Scenic View Dr PO Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040-1507
Phone: 520-608-6404 or 520-608-6204
Fax: 520-608-6204
Overview. Reddish, sculpted, sandstone formations contrast strikingly with the sleek blue waters of Lake Powell lapping at their feet. Named after Major John Wesley Powell, who first explored the Colorado River in 1869, this lake was formed when the Glen Canyon Dam was constructed in 1963. For eons the Colorado River and its tributaries carved breathtaking walls, cathedral-like recesses, and natural bridges out of soft layers of sandstone, creating wonders such as the Grand Canyon and its smaller sibling, Glen Canyon. With the development of the arid southwest, water became a primary concern for ranchers, farmers, and residents throughout the Colorado drainage basin. To harness the hydroelectric potential of the river without compromising the water needs of people further downstream, the 583-foot tall Glen Canyon Dam was poured. Deep blue waters backed up behind it, quickly creating a prime recreation spot for boaters, hikers, and anglers, all of whom enjoy their activities surrounded by splendid scenery.What to see and do. Lake Powell meanders for almost two hundred miles through serious canyon country. Along this stretch, you'll find five paved as well as numerous unpaved roads affording access to campsites and marinas. First-time visitors should stop at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, located at the southwest end of the lake at the Glen Canyon Dam. Be sure to take a guided tour of the dam and look through several exhibits detailing the area's history and unique geology. Then pick up information about marina and camping facilities. Four full-service marinas and several campgrounds offer boat launches and boat rentals. The park service has licensed a concessionaire to provide guided scenic boat tours, marina services, rafting expeditions, food service, lodging and extensive camping facilities, including some RV hookups. Call 800-528-6154 for full information. The other visitor center is at the Bullfrog marina and campground. Both centers are open from 8 AM until 7 PM during the summer and Carl Hayden is open from 8 AM to 5 PM in winter. Ranger programs are offered in season at Wahweap and Bullfrog. Boating is the best way to get around in the area. Haul in your own or rent anything from a fully-equipped houseboat to a jet ski. Beneath the blazing sun of the Arizona desert, a swim in the cool blue waters is always refreshing. Move leisurely through the towering walls, stopping at beaches for a picnic or trailheads for a short hike. Don't miss the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Located 50 miles northeast of the dam, the largest natural bridge in the world was almost inaccessible until the shore of newly-created Lake Powell crept almost to its base. While you're exploring the 96 canyons indenting the lake, fish for enormous striped bass, walleye, or lurking black crappie. In the Lees Ferry vicinity, trout have been known to hit. With the allure of azure water in the midst of arid desert, it's easy to forget that 90 percent of the park is backcountry. Hikers find challenging paths winding through the rugged country, especially in the Escalante River canyon, whose terrain resembles Glen Canyon before the dam submerged its bottomlands. Keep an eye trained on the cliffs for glimpses of owls or eagles; at your feet, you may notice the tracks of shy foxes. Some paths originate outside the recreation area proper. Check with a ranger for trail maps, route recommendations, and flash flood warnings. If you'd rather drive than walk, several unpaved jeep roads snake into little-seen areas such as the 19th-century Hole-in-the-Rock wagon train path. Driving off-road is forbidden in order to preserve fragile vegetation. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted. Fees: A nominal admission fee is charged that is good for up to seven days. Separate fees are charged for boating and camping.
Navajo National Monument
HC 71, PO Box 3
Tonalea, AZ 86044-9704
Phone: 520-672-2366 or 520-672-2367
Fax: 520-672-2345
Overview. Navajo National Monument protects three remarkably preserved Anasazi ruins, two of which are open to the public. Betatakin, or "Ledge House," and Keet Seel, Navajo for "remains of square houses," were built in the mid-13th century and inhabited for only 50 years before they were abandoned. Betatakin housed 125 people, while Keet Seel is the largest Anasazi ruin in Arizona. A third ruin, Inscription House, has been closed since 1968 for its own preservation. Although the Navajo Reservation now surrounds the monument, the Navajo, who are thought to have migrated to the area in the 15th century from what is now Canada, are generally not believed to be descendants of the people who built these communal dwellings. Rather the Anasazi are thought to be the ancestors of modern Hopi and Pueblo tribes.What to see and do. All access to the ruins is limited to small, ranger-led groups, so visiting them takes a bit of advance planning. Backpacking permits for trips to Keet Seel are limited to 20 participants per day and may be scheduled between Memorial and Labor Days. Reservations must be made no sooner than two months and no later than the day prior to your planned visit. This 17-mile round-trip is a strenuous hike and requires a backcountry permit. A primitive campsite is located near the ruins, so you won't have to hike both ways in one day. A short, self-guided trail near the visitor center leads to an overlook with a view of Betatakin and the canyon that shelters it, while a spur trail offers an easy walk into the canyon's aspen and fir forest. The only access to Betatakin is via a steep, five-mile round-trip hike. Only 25 people at a time may accompany a ranger guide to the site, and space on the tour is available the day of the hike on a first-come, first-served basis. Get to the monument early to avoid longer lines for the hike. Rangers lead hikes to Betatakin daily between late May and early September, with one tour a day offered between Memorial and Labor Days. Call the monument for specific information concerning schedules and other details. The visitor center offers videos about the Betatakin Ruins and the Anasazi, and exhibits cover both the region's past and its present as part of the Navajo Reservation. Books and other relevant publications are available at the visitor center. Native crafts are for sale at a gift shop located next door. The monument has a 31-site campground, with spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. Drinking water, and toilets are available, but there are no hookups and space is limited to units under 25 feet long. Limited services are available at Black Mesa, nine miles south, and the nearest lodging is outside of Kayenta, some 20 miles east. When arranging your tour, keep in mind that the Navajo Reservation is the only part of Arizona that observes Daylight Savings Time. Also remember, if you plan to hike, that you must pack in all water; any water along the trail is unsuitable for drinking. The high elevation, loose sand, and steep paths make hiking very strenuous, especially during the summer. Do not attempt either tour unless you are in good physical shape.
Wupatki National Monument
HC 33, PO Box 444A
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: 520-556-7040 or 520-679-2365
Fax: 520-679-2349
Overview. When Sunset Crater began erupting approximately 900 years ago, the people living in the area near San Francisco peaks decided to move on. About fifty years later, they returned, along with other cultures from the east, and settled in the area northeast of the volcano. These mutual cultures thrived, enriched by trade with their neighbors. The community grew, and today almost 3,000 archaeological sites have been identified in the area. Perhaps drought or other environmental factors caused them to leave the Wupatki Basin in the early thirteenth century--no one knows for certain--but by 1250 their sand and limestone pueblos lay empty. Today, the remains of these structures are preserved and protected within Wupatki National Monument.What to see and do. First, stop by the visitor center and take in its interpretive displays about the ancient cultures, and the Navajo and Hopi who inhabit the area today. With the aid of detailed maps and helpful rangers, decide which ruins you want to see. There are self-guided trails to the Nalakihu-Citadel, Wupatki, Wukoki, and Lomaki pueblos, and to the Doney Crater, an extinct volcanic cinder cone. Camping is prohibited, and a permit, available at the Visitor Center, is required for off-trail hiking. The visitor center is located 35 miles northeast of Flagstaff off of Highway 89, on the loop road that includes Sunset Crater Volcano. It is open from 8 AM to 6 PM in summer, and to 5 PM during the winter. The monument is closed on Christmas. Seasonal Alert: Summer temperatures can easily top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen. Be sure to take plenty of water with you, even on short hikes, and remember to drink it!
Chiricahua National Monument
Address: HCR 2 Box 6500
Willcox, AZ 85643
Phone: 520-824-3560 or 520-824-3460
Fax: 520-824-3421
Overview. The forces of wind and weather have worked their magic on the 27-million-year-old volcanic rocks of Chiricahua National Monument, leaving a rhyolite forest of spires, hoodoos, and balanced boulders. High in the "sky islands" of the Chiricahua range, at the intersection of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and the southern extreme of the Rocky Mountains, the monument provides habitat for a widely varied assortment of flora and fauna. Even Mexican species, whose general habitat begins at least 50 miles to the south, thrive in this special environment. Rare bird species, including black-chinned hummingbirds, painted redstarts, and both yellow-rumped and red-faced warblers, to name just a few, are found at Chiricahua. Javelina, hog-nosed skunks, and coatimundi share the rough terrain with bear, deer, and mountain lions. In 1888, Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson established a homestead on property near the "Land of the Standing Up Rocks," as the area is known to the Chiricahua Apache. For close to a century, the Faraway Ranch was home to the Ericksons and their children, who operated it as a cattle ranch and later as a guest facility. In 1979, the ranch became part of the monument and today it is open to the public, offering a glimpse at the evolution of a ranch from pioneer homestead to the present. What to see and do. The visitor center offers a wealth of displays on the geology, biology, and human history of the monument. Acquaint yourself with the area by viewing the slide presentation and consulting the computer information station. From March to November, rangers hold interpretive programs at the visitor center and the campground amphitheater; check at the visitor center for details. Faraway Ranch and adjacent Stafford Cabin are a mile and a half west of the visitor center and guided tours are given daily. The trail from the visitor center to the ranch makes an easy, scenic 1.4-mile hike, if you prefer hoofing it to driving the distance. Birdwatching is especially good along this trail. Drive to Massai Point via scenic, eight-mile-long Bonita Canyon Drive. From Massai Point, you can see Sugarloaf Mountain and Cochise Head, as well as a panoramic view of the monument and the desert beyond. The Echo Canyon Loop trail begins near here and winds for 3.5 miles through a portion of the bizarre rock formations. The seven-mile Heart of Rocks Trail will take you even farther into the spires and hoodoos to landmarks with names such as "Duck on a Rock" and "Punch and Judy." There are over 17 miles of well-maintained trails in the monument, but no backcountry camping is allowed. Those wishing to make an overnight hike of it can find primitive campsites just outside Chiricahua in the Coronado National Forest. Hikers who attempt longer day-hikes, such as Heart of Rocks, should bring plenty of water along, as the trails are all dry. The monument's 25-site campground operates on a first come, first served basis for tents, trailers, and RVs under 26 feet long. There are restrooms and water available, but no hookups. The park is open year-round. The visitor center is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, with the exception of Christmas Day, when it is closed. Pets are not permitted on wilderness trails. Visitors should note that there is no food, lodging, or gas available at the monument. You should fill your tank at Willcox, 37 miles north, before proceeding to Chiricahua.
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
Address: Highway 264 PO Box 150
Ganado, AZ 86505-0150
Phone: 520-755-3475 or 520-755-3477
Fax: 520-755-3405
Overview. This trading post, located on the Navajo Nation, is over 120 years old and still in operation. Its wooden counter still looks as it did when John Lorenzo Hubbell first settled here at age 23. Hand-woven Navajo baskets, blankets, rugs, jewelry, and pottery are on display, as well as other crafts. Native Americans still use the post to trade for groceries and necessities. Hubbell established the trading post at a time when the Navajo were first making the transition to reservation life. He is said to have taken a genuine interest in Navajo and Hopi culture, and was befriended by a tribal chief, Many Horses. He is credited with maintaining high standards in the goods that were traded, which helped the local economy. The property remained in Hubbell's family until 1967, when the government purchased the property and declared it a national historic site. It is set on 160 acres and includes Hubbell's trading post, the Hubbell Home, the manager's residence, a barn and chicken coop, a bunk house and a Navajo "hogan," which is a many-sided structure used both for spiritual practices and as a dwelling. What to see and do. Daily demonstrations of weaving are offered in the visitor center. Guests are also invited to try to weave on a demonstration loom. The site is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM and has extended hours in the summer. Walking tours are offered and picnicking is available. The trading post is located 1/2 mile west of Ganado. From east and west, take AZ 264; take US 191 from the north and south.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
PO Box 158
Bowie, AZ 85605
Phone: 520-847-2500
Fax: 520-847-2221
Overview. In 1858 the Butterfield Overland Stage line needed a watering stop, which they found at Apache Spring in the southern Arizona desert. Four years later Apache Indians attacked Union soldiers at the site, prompting the army to build Fort Bowie. Until Geronimo surrendered in 1886, the U.S. Army used the fort in its continuing skirmishes with the Apache. By 1894 the fort had outlived its usefulness and was abandoned. Today you can hike into the fort's ruins, seeing other remnants of white and Native American presence along the way.What to see and do. Park at Trail head, and hike towards Fort Bowie and the visitor center, open from 8 AM until 5 PM, to see exhibits about the area's history. Most importantly, fill your canteens with water and wear sturdy shoes. To get to the fort, you hike 1.5 miles through desert terrain along an interpretive trail. In summertime, temperatures can easily top 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making extra water essential. If you make a winter visit, the desert can greet you with snow and bitter wind chills. Be prepared for extreme outdoor conditions no matter which season. Along the hiking trail, keep an eye out for desert wildlife and birds. After a rainstorm, wildflowers will soften the landscape. Before you reach the fort ruins, you'll pass by the old Butterfield Stage station, post cemetery, Apache village, Apache Spring, and the Battle of Apache Pass site. At the fort site, walk around the remains of 37 buildings, imagining the lives of men and women living in this remote outpost. Take a break at the picnic tables, then return along the overlook trail (also 1.5 miles). From this outlook, you get a complete view of the fort ruins and its surroundings. Back at the visitor center, you can view and purchase books, historic photos, and artifacts. Call ahead for details about this and other special events. For mobility-impaired access, you need to make prior arrangements with the park. Leashed pets are permitted.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Address: Tuzigoot Road PO Box 219
Camp Verde, AZ 86324
Phone: 520-634-5564
Overview. The Sinagua Indians began building this pueblo in the early part of the 10th century. By A.D. 1400, the structure was two stories high and contained 110 rooms. Excavations of the site yielded a treasure trove of artifacts: tools, shards of pottery, exquisitely crafted jewelry of shells and turquoise. The Sinaguan culture thrived for 400 years or more at this site, which overlooks the Verde River. Then it vanished, its fate a mystery to modern archaeologists. What to see and do. The visitor center houses an impressive collection of artifacts recovered from the site, and its interpretive displays chronicle the long history of this Sinaguan farming village. Follow the self-guided loop trail to the ruins. Interpretive signs along the quarter-mile walk offer added information about the history of the region. Located 65 miles south of Flagstaff, the visitor center is open from 8 AM to 7 PM in the summer; it closes at 5 PM in the winter. The monument is open year-round, except for Christmas Day. Picnic and camping facilities are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, three miles from Tuzigoot.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Address: Walnut Canyon Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: 520-526-3367 or 520-526-0571
Fax: 520-527-0246
Overview. More than 800 years ago, Sinagua Indians settled in the shallow caves of Walnut Canyon and built 300 rooms in the shelter of the canyon walls. The community thrived in the canyon for approximately 150 years. Descendents now live among the Hopi Indians in northeastern Arizona, whose earliest villages date from A.D. 1100. Today, the cliff dwellings tucked into the walls of beautiful Walnut Canyon offer us a hands-on history lesson. What to see and do. You can get a close look at the cliff dwellings by following the Island Trail down into the canyon. This self-guided, 0.9-mile trail descends 185 feet. Bear in mind that you must climb that distance on your way out, so allow 45 minutes to an hour to complete the hike. If you have any heart or respiratory problems, Island Trail is not for you. The three-quarter-mile Rim Trail loop leads you to two stabilized surface dwellings and includes two spectacular overlooks. Signs along the way point out the unique mix of vegetation that thrives in Walnut Canyon. In summer, rangers lead off-trail hikes and give interpretive talks. Space is limited on hikes, call for reservations and information. The visitor center houses a small museum of Sinaguan culture, geology and natural history. Picnic tables are located nearby at Walnut Canyon. The monument is located 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff on I-40 then off exit 204 (Walnut Canyon National Monument Exit). The monument is open from 8 AM to 5 PM in September, October, and November; 9 AM to 5 PM, December, January, and February. The area is closed on Christmas Day. Spring hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, March, April, and May. Summer hours are 8 AM to 6 PM, June, July, and August. Seasonal Alert: Be aware that snowstorms may close the trails for a short time. If you are planning a winter, fall, or spring visit, call ahead to be sure the trails are open. Note: Very limited turnarounds are found after exiting I-40 at the Walnut Canyon Exit. Vehicles that are towing, particularly RV's with cars in tow, should unhook their tow vehicle before coming. This situation is worst when the area is congested.
Pipe Spring National Monument
HC 65, PO Box 5
Fredonia, AZ 86022
Phone: 520-643-7105
Fax: 520-643-7583
Overview. During the late 19th century, a group of Mormon settlers built a 40-acre cattle ranch over the underground spring at this site. Three years later the original owner, James Whitmore, was killed by frontier raiders, which prompted other members of the Mormon community to come in to fortify the site with outer walls and gun ports. Once the ranch had been fortified, it began to prosper. In its heyday in 1879, it produced nearly 100 pounds of cheese each day and boasted a 162-horse herd and over 2,000 cattle. While the Mormon Saint George Temple was being built in Saint George, UT, provisions such as meat and milk were sent to workers by the ranch caretakers. In 1888, the ranch was sold by the Mormon church during a dispute with the U.S. government over polygamy. The original buildings and walls still stand today: two houses, workshops, corrals, and outbuildings made of red sandstone from a nearby quarry. Nicknamed "Winsor Castle" for Anson Winsor, the original ranch superintendent, the two-story houses are joined by an outer wall and contain kitchens, sitting rooms, and bedrooms. One of the houses features an underground spring room where cheeses were stored. The spring was also a water source for the ranch's orchard. What to see and do. A visitor center museum is open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM (5 pm in the summer), except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The other buildings close at 4 PM. At the visitor center, you can see a display of original water barrels, cooking utensils, and plows that were used. Guides wearing period costumes offer interpretive demonstrations of what life was like at the ranch. Visitors can take self-guided and walking tours around the property, and the Kaibab Paiute Indian reservation, which is nearby, offers picnic areas and camping. Plaques along the half-mile walking trail offer information about the local Indian tribes. Visitors are cautioned about touring the buildings on the site: watch for low doorways and steep stairways. From Fredonia, follow US 89A via AZ 389.
Tonto National Monument
HC 02, PO Box 4602
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Phone: 520-467-2241
Fax: 520-467-2225
Overview. In the early 12th century, the Salado people settled in the valley of the Salt River, for which their culture is named. They farmed the land, traded with neighboring cultures, and built an elaborate system of irrigation ditches, obliterated in 1911 by the creation of nearby Roosevelt Lake. They were master craftspeople, noted for the beauty of their colorful pottery. By the 13th century, the Salado had moved into the bluffs overlooking the valley and built cliff dwellings in the shallow caves there. After inhabiting the site for only 150 years, the Salado abandoned it, and their culture disappeared. Today, visitors to the Tonto National Monument can walk through the lower cliff dwellings and marvel at their ancient fingerprints, clearly preserved in the plaster of the walls. What to see and do. The paved Lower Ruin Trail climbs 350 feet to a 19-room cliff dwelling. Along the half-mile, self-guided hike, you'll find informative trail markers about area wildlife, the Salado, and the cliff dwellings. Once there, venture inside the cliff dwellings and imagine what it was like to live in them. You can only visit the Upper Ruin on a ranger-guided hike, from November through April. The trail to the 40-room Upper Ruin includes a 600-foot ascent. The three-mile round-trip, limited to 15 people, takes three to four hours. Reservations are required, often weeks in advance; call park for information. The visitor center houses an excellent display of Salado pottery, tools, and jewelry. An audiovisual introduces you to the cliff dwellings and the history of the Salado. There is a picnic area and a sales outlet for related books. The quarter-mile Cactus Patch Trail begins at the visitor center and acquaints walkers with local cacti and other desert plants. The visitor center also offers a junior ranger program for kids. The monument holds an "Open House" one weekend in March, in conjunction with Arizona Archeology Awareness Month. During this weekend, visitors are free to hike to the Upper Ruin without an accompanying ranger. The visitor center is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, with the exception of Christmas Day. The Lower Ruin Trail is closed to uphill travel one hour before the monument closes. Seasonal Alert: Desert temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Take proper precautions, especially on steep trails, and carry plenty of drinking water. Many consider early spring the best time to visit Tonto National Monument. The desert blooms with colorful wildflowers in March and April, and the weather is mild. The Tonto National Monument is located on Highway 88.
Tumacacori National Historic Park
PO Box 67
Tumacacori, AZ 85640
Phone: 520-398-2341
Fax: 520-398-9271
Overview. Tumacacori's history dates back to 1691, when Jesuit explorer Eusebio Kino celebrated mass at the site and established a mission. The present mission church was not begun until 1800, and was built in stages by the local Pima Indians who worshipped there. Mass was first conducted in the church in 1822, but it was still unfinished when the Mexican government expelled the foreign missionaries in 1828. The Pima Indians continued to worship there, but increasingly hostile Apache raiders forced them to abandon the mission in 1848. Today, the grounds provide a stunning backdrop for living history demonstrations, and offer us a glimpse into 19th-century mission life. What to see and do. The visitor center houses a museum filled with historical displays and artifacts from the mission, including original wooden statues from the church. A self-guided tour leads through the mission complex and includes the church, the ruined foundations of the compound's buildings, and the cemetery where Indians who labored to build the church are buried. Herbs and flowers typical of those grown in other northern Sonoran missions are cultivated under the shade trees of the Patio Garden. You may purchase a selection of books, videos, and other informative materials there. If you get hungry, there is a picnic area near the visitor center, and a selection of restaurants close by. You can savor a taste of the old Southwest through the living history demonstrations at the mission and, if you're lucky enough to visit in December, you may catch the Tumacacori Fiesta. Held on the first weekend of that month, the fiesta has craft booths, demonstrations, music, and heaps of native food on both Saturday and Sunday. A Mariachi Mass starts the day off on Sunday. The visitor center is open year-round from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Leashed pets are permitted. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Address: 6400 North Hwy 89 Ste 3
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: 520-526-0502 or 520-526-1157
Fax: 520-714-0565
Overview. In the shadow of the lofty San Francisco Peaks, sacred to the Hopi as the home of the kachina, lies Sunset Crater Volcano. Dormant for a mere 700 years, Sunset Crater Volcano is the youngest volcano in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. This field lies north of Flagstaff, AZ, and began erupting 10 million years ago. The Sinagua lived here until the earth opened and fountains of lava ash began spewing forth during the winter of A.D. 1064-65. Sunset Crater Volcano remained active for over one hundred years, leaving the thousand-foot cone we see today. Explorer and surveyor John Wesley Powell, impressed by the vivid sunset hues caused by iron- and sulfur-rich cinders near the cone's summit, referred to it as "Sunset" in 1885. Before the eruptions ended, the displaced Sinagua settled with other groups to the north of Sunset Crater Volcano. The remains of their cooperative effort can be seen at Wupatki National Monument, linked to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument by a 35-mile loop road through the scenic desert landscape. What to see and do. A stop by the visitor center will introduce you to the geologic forces that shaped Sunset Crater Volcano and the entire San Francisco Volcanic Field that surrounds it. A video presentation explains the mechanics of a volcanic eruption, and a seismograph monitors earth movements worldwide. Check the posted park schedule for information about talks and other park activities planned for your visit. The one-mile-long Lava Flow Trail winds around the Bonito Lava Flow, past bizarre volcanic formations such as lava bubbles, fumaroles, lava tubes, and squeeze-ups, and introduces you to both jagged 'a'a and smooth, ropey pahoehoe lava. Hiking on Sunset Crater Volcano itself is not allowed; its steep, cindery slopes are slippery and easily damaged. If you want to hike up a cinder cone, take the short, steep trail up the side of Lenox Crater. The trail rises 280 feet to the rim of the crater, and will take you a minimum of 30 minutes to complete. There is no camping in the national monument. A small U.S. Forest Service campground is located near the visitor center. Call 520-526-0866 for camping information. Flagstaff, only 15 miles south, provides lodging, dining, and other services. Sunset Crater Volcano and the ruins at Wupatki are well worth visiting as you make your way from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. The visitor centers for both monuments are open year-round, from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours possible during the summer months. Both centers are closed on Christmas. Pets: Leashed pets are only permitted in parking areas. Fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
PO Box 1507 c/o Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Page, AZ 86040-1507
Phone: 520-608-6404 or 520-608-6200
Overview. Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural bridge in the world, stands 290 feet high, as tall as the nation's Capitol Building. Carved by Bridge Creek out of the canyonlands of southeastern Utah, the vivid salmon-colored span is 275 feet long. The afternoon sun catches subtle mineral variations in the rock, painting it swaths of color. It has been called one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the Navajo consider it a sacred place. Once accessible only by strenuous canyon trails, Rainbow Bridge may now be reached easily by boat from Lake Powell. What to see and do. Boat tours to Rainbow Bridge leave from Wahweap, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing marinas, 50 miles from the monument via Lake Powell. A short trail leads from the courtesy dock to the bridge viewing area. Rangers are available at the site during summer and fall. Contact ARAMARK, Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas (800-528-6154) for additional information. Private boats are welcome to leave from both Wahweap and Bullfrog marinas, as well as from those at Halls Crossing and Hite. As Rainbow Bridge is a sacred religious site to many area tribes, among them the Navajo, Hopi, and White Mesa Ute, visitors are encouraged to view Rainbow Bridge from the viewing area at the end of the trail. The visitor center at Glen Canyon National Recreation Center (PO Box 1507, Page, AZ 86040) serves as the visitor center for Rainbow Bridge. It is open from 7 AM to 7 PM in summer, and from 8 AM to 5 PM the remainder of the year. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is open year-round. Seasonal Alert. The canyon climate is extreme. Temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and more are commonplace in the summer. In winter, they drop to around 40 degrees. Strong winds buffet the monument from February to May, and thunderstorms accompanied by flash floods are a constant threat in late summer. Dress according to weather conditions, carry plenty of water, and wear sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the desert sun. If you plan to hike into the monument, contact the Navajo Nation for updated trail conditions and permit processes.
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