Baboquivari Peak, near Tucson EXPLORE ANCESTRAL LANDS OF TRIBAL NATIONS IN ARIZONA No state has more land set aside as designated American Indian land than Arizona. Twenty-two federally recognized tribes make their homes in diverse settings that range from saguaro-clad desert to the river-carved depths of the Grand Canyon. These stunning landscapes are home not only to these longstanding communities but also to important sites that preserve their history and culture. Delve deeper with Native-led tours and experiences that reveal glimpses into their past — and present — way of life. In the northeastern corner of Arizona, the sprawling Navajo Nation is home to archaeological, geological, historical and spiritual wonders, starting with Canyon de Chelly National Monument , one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in the United States. It shelters hundreds of well-preserved uninhabited cliff dwellings and is still home to Navajo families who live and farm the rich bottomlands. Scenic drives trace the canyon rims providing stunning views, but a Navajo-led experience with Canyon de Chelly Tours provides visitors with a broader understanding of this mystical canyon. Meanwhile, Navajo National Monument protects remarkably preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings dating back centuries. The easiest to see is 135-room 18 VISITARIZONA.COM Betatakin (“Ledge House”), visible from an overlook a half-mile from the visitor center or a ranger-led hike and tour offered in spring and summer. It’s hard to not feel in awe at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (no matter how many times you’ve seen it on the movie screen). It is an expanse like no other on earth: a symphony of stone, shadow and sky. To experience the rich Navajo culture, sign up for a guided backcountry trip with Navajo Spirit Tours or an open-style safari truck sightseeing tour with Monument Valley Safari . Explore Navajo Interactive Museum on the grounds of historic Tuba City Trading Post offers a detailed look at Navajo culture and history, exploring creation stories, ceremonial life, family systems and language. The adjacent Navajo Code Talkers Museum tells the powerful story of the 400-plus Navajo men who served during World War II by using their unwritten language to create an unbreakable code for transmitting top-secret messages. The Code Talkers are credited with shortening the war and saving countless lives. Explore this era through photographs, weapons, radios and other equipment on display. At Horseshoe Bend , busloads of tourists come daily to capture their Instagram-worthy moment with the swooping curve of the Colorado River. To avoid the crowds that cluster atop the high cliffs, sign up for a small group tour with Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours , a Navajo-owned business that will take you to a private viewpoint. RANCHO DE LA OSA
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2025-26: Page 18
