Four Days in the Navajo Nation and Nearby Locales

The following day, continue on to Winslow, Arizona. This spot on Route 66 is most famous for its inclusion in The Eagles song, “Take it Easy.” No matter your musical preferences, “The Corner” is absolutely worth experiencing in person. After you’ve had your fill of classic rock, drive just 10 minutes north of town to the nearby Homolovi State Park.

It’s here that in relatively recent history, archaeologists have started to uncover a network of villages settled by the Hisat’sinom people over 700 years ago. These ancient dwellings are especially intriguing, as they make you wonder what else lies just beneath the surface of this high-desert landscape. Stop by the visitor center and museum before taking a hike to one of the historic sites.

Afterwards, carry on to the ghost town of Two Guns where you’ll find the Apache Death Cave. Although open to the public, this haunted cavity is unregulated and not maintained. Translation? Visitors ought to be very cautious should they choose to descend the slope into the cave below. It is here that in 1878, more than 40 Apache were massacred by a local Navajo band. Clearly, this macabre destination is only for the brave!

That evening, enjoy a warm meal and comfortable lodging at La Posada in Winslow, Arizona. You might even opt to camp out at Homolovi State Park, so long as you aren’t perturbed by the thought of ghosts from earlier this afternoon.

On day three, it’s time to head further west to discover even more of Arizona’s abundant history. Just before arriving in Flagstaff, turn left towards Walnut Canyon National Monument. Ideal for those who are fascinated by cliff dwellings and a strong desire to stretch their legs, Walnut Canyon is not to be missed. The one mile round-trip Island Trail provides scenic vistas of 25 different cliff dwellings; many of which are within touching distance. (The only catch is the lengthy series of quad-burning steps down to the trail, and then back up.) For visitors who prefer to opt out of voluntary cardio, stick to the Rim Trail up top.

Next, journey on to Flagstaff, Arizona. At 7,000 feet, this is Arizona’s mountain town. But it’s not all craft beer and college vibes. In fact, Flagstaff is the perfect place to continue your Colorado Plateau education. Learn about the geology of the area that you’ve been exploring the past three days at the Museum of Northern Arizona. This beautiful museum also houses a stunning collection of locally- and responsibly-sourced artifacts. You may find yourself wanting to spend several hours inspecting each colorful item in this single hallway. 

After your travels through time, eat up in downtown Flagstaff. Whether you’d like a wood-fired pizza or a speciality from Martanne Burrito, you’re in for a treat. Spend the night in town at one of Flagstaff’s welcoming hotels or bed and breakfasts.

On your final day, hug the base of the San Francisco Peaks as you travel northwards again toward the Navajo Nation. In under an hour, you’ll arrive at Wupatki National Monument. This archaeological wonder is the perfect grand finale for your journey. A series of ancient sites, these resplendent structures–one of which is three stories tall–seem to rise out of the sagebrush from nothing.

Take your time exploring the various sites on the park’s paved pathways. Or, join an off-trail ranger-led hike, offered from October to April. Alternatively, the lottery-controlled Crack-in-Rock overnight hike will beckon to backpackers and archeologist types, as participants get up-close access to rock art and pueblo architecture in an area normally off limits to visitors.

That afternoon, continue on to your next destination–perhaps nearby Sunset Crater National Monument or the Dinosaur Tracks in Tuba City–or reluctantly return home after an educational and awe-inspiring four days.