Summary
It was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909 to preserve the ruins and protect the area's unique geologic and cultural resources.
The park is a great destination for visitors interested in learning about ancient history and exploring the natural beauty of the region. The main points of interest in Navajo National Monument are the Betatakin and Keet Seel cliff dwellings, which are accessible through guided tours. The Betatakin tour is a moderate 3-mile round trip hike, while the Keet Seel tour is a strenuous 17-mile round trip hike that requires a full day of hiking.
The area is also known for its outstanding views, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park's Visitor Center is a great place to start exploring and learning about the park's history and natural resources.
The best time of year to visit Navajo National Monument is from May through October, when the weather is mild and the park is open for visitors. However, summer temperatures can be hot, and visitors should be prepared for high elevation and desert conditions.
Interesting facts about the park include the fact that the Betatakin cliff dwelling was inhabited for around 150 years before it was abandoned in the late 13th century. The park is also situated at an elevation of over 7,000 feet and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and black bears.
Overall, Navajo National Monument is a fascinating destination for visitors interested in ancient history, outdoor adventure, and natural beauty.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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