Betatakin

Navajo County, Arizona

Nestled in a stunning colossal cavity carved by nature hundreds of years ago, Betatakin contains the remains of Ancestral Puebloan village. The Ancestral Puebloans were prehistoric archeological culture that emerged between today's lands of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Their well-preserved cliff dwellings were constructed with sandstone, soil and mud mortar, bark and wood. And through wood samples used as roof beams, Betatakin (a Navajo name meaning "ledge house") was built around 13th century and abandoned more than seven centuries ago. See also, https://www.trover.com/d/1fUav-betatakin-navajo-county-arizona. Today, under the care and preservation by Navajo National Monument, Betatakin sits on a pristine and serene canyon of Tsegi (see https://www.trover.com/d/1fWEj-navajo-national-monument-navajo-county-arizona) that preserves not only the area's cultural history, but also its wonderful natural history, to include an ancient forest beneath the dwellings that's a remnant of the last Ice Age. Betatakin dwellings can be accessed through Navajo National Monument on the northeastern part of Arizona. It is near Kayenta and the Monument Valley. It is about 2.5 hours drive from the nearest regional airport Flagstaff, and about 5 hours drive from Phoenix, AZ. Additional visitation tips: Check with the Navajo National Monument website for their visiting season, typically varies depending on the unpredictable change of season. They also recommend calling because on busy months reservations for guided tours is a must (free of charge). In the winter months, the archeological site is closed for ranger-guided tours (it is the only way to see the ancient dwelling up-close) to allow growth of natural wildlife and habitat. Be prepared to hike down from the beautiful sandstone rim to the canyon by packing lots of water. Snacks are prohibited once you reached the gate, about halfway down the canyon. It's around five-mile roundtrip high-altitude hike that starts 7300ft and drops 580 ft. During hot temperatures of the summer months, it can be a very strenuous hike but a very rewarding and learning experience. #InStone