Flagstaff, Arizona makes a great starting point to explore the cultures of Northeast Arizona. Three miles north of Flagstaff is the Museum of Northern Arizona. This museum can serve as an orientation to the cultures of the Navajo people and the Hopi people. Once oriented, take Arizona highway 89 past Sunset Crater and Wupaki National Monuments. Wupaki is believed to have been occupied by ancestors of the Hopi. National Monuments are always worth a visit. Be sure to visit Wupaki National Monument for an understanding of Southwestern cultures before the Hopi. Continue to drive past AZ highway 64 the east entrance to the Grand Canyon and Cameron Trading Post. US Highway 160 East leads to Tuba City and the Navajo Interactive Museum.
The Navajo Interactive Museum
This museum gives the visitor an experience the Navajo Nation in its own words. It provides a look at the Navajo people, society, accomplishments, and historic contributions. In addition the museum includes the Navajo Code Talkers Museum, Tuba City Trading Post and the general store.
It is important to understand that the Navajo and Hopi reservations have a variety of laws and customs that any visitor must follow. Most of the reservation is not open to visitors. Be aware of proper etiquette and follow the directives from village members.
Navajo National Monument is north of US 160, on AZ 564. Here there are hikes to two of the best preserved cliff dwelling on Arizona. Continue east along US160 and just past Kayetta is US163 which lead through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Guide hikes, horseback tours, and four wheel drive tours can be arranged. As a general rule no photography, drawing, or painting is permitted without specific permission. Returning to US 160 and continue east to US191. For a short circle take US 191 south to Canyon De Chelly National Monument. A longer circle along US 160 takes you to Four Corner National Monument. Four Corners is the only spot in the United States where four states touch.
To complete the circle take US 491 south from Shiprock, New Mexico. At Yah-ta-hey turn to the west until you reach AZ 264. Follow AZ 264 through Window Rock Pas Hubbell Trading Post the oldest trading post continually operating on the Navajo Nation, Steam boat and Keams canyon.
The Hopi Nation
This is the heart of the Hopi Reservation. The Sipaulovi Hopi information center is located near Second Mesa. At the visitor's center details about an expanded visit to the Hopi lands can be obtained. The circle continues through third mesa, past Coal mine mesa and back to Tuba City. If Flagstaff is the base, return via AZ 89. The route suggested can be driven in one long day. However, to experience the culture and history of the Navajo and Hopi nations requires much more time. Explore as time and energy permit.
This tour gives the basic route to understand the cultures of the Navajo and Hopi Nations, the connection between the land and the people must be experienced. Be sure to hike, observe, listen to the stories and interact with the people within the context of their culture.
Kim Youmans - Kim Youmans is an acclaimed educator, teaching preschool through graduate school. He writes about Theology, travels, and the outdoors.
