The Navajo Nation is comprised of more than 25,000 sq. miles and offers hikers numerous isolated trails and routes. (On designated trail locations) For the safety of hikers who enter the reservation and for the protection of natural and cultural resources, the Parks and Recreation Department has implemented guidelines for backcountry use. Please follow all Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Rules & Regulations. Before departure please be sure to inform your location of your departure date/time. Keep to designated trails and campsites. You will need an approved Backcountry Permit for all Navajo Tribal Park areas. All NTP locations can issue you a Backcountry Permit.
Additional Information
Use Navajo Tribal Park Trails at your own risk! Navajo Parks and Recreation is not responsible for any injuries or theft while on the trails. The trails are periodically improved and maintained, and are usually marked with rock claims. Please follow all signs posted. To reach the trailheads, topographic maps and drives over rough dirt roads are required, (pick up at each tribal park location). Roads can become impassable in wet weather, and conditions can change quickly. Travelers are cautioned to be prepared. To ensure having an enjoyable experience, plan your trip carefully. Most trails are rated strenuous to moderately strenuous, and good physical condition is important. Sign in/out before hiking.
Many Navajo families still live on the reservation annually, please be respectful of home sites and animals in these areas. The terrain is rough, water is scarce, and the weather is often extreme in most areas.
In the summer, the trails are hot and dry; in winter, elevations make them subject to severe cold and high winds. Due to the quick changes in the weather, be aware of the dangers of flash floods. While this danger is greatest during the summer monsoon season (July through September), flash floods can occur at any time of the year.
Contact the Park Office for detailed information about the trail you will venture on.
Backcountry Permit does not include Entry Fee. Backcountry Permit $15 per person, per night, per location. It is required within all Navajo Tribal Park locations if you will be hiking the Backcountry. Please purchase at desired area of hiking or closet location, making sure to check in/out upon return. All Navajo Tribal Park locations can issue a Backcountry Permit.
Backcountry Permits are for hiking and camping on designated trails and campgrounds within the Navajo Tribal Park locations. If caught hiking or camping in the tribal park without a Backcountry Permit, or in unauthorized territory, additional fees will apply and/or will be Denied permit indefinitely. Per NN Code.
Please DO NOT desecrate Navajo lands please follow all NNPRD policies and guidelines. Discarding cremated human remains on tribal lands is strictly Prohibited. Please respect Navajo tribal beliefs and land Do Not spread cremations on Navajo land. If caught, you will be asked to remove remains.
ROCK CLIMBING is strictly Prohibited on Navajo Land. Please abide by the religious requests of the Navajo people and do not climb the Monuments. “Navajo law will be strictly enforced on this issue,” Navajo Tribal Parks, Department Manager.
Navajo Nation Backcountry Use Rules & Regulations
1. In accordance with the Navajo Nation Resource Committee Land Use Policies, a Camping Fee will be charged for all areas $15.00 per person, per night. (Subject to Change) Camping and Camp Fires are strictly prohibited. Except in established areas. DO NOT Leave Fire Unattended or you will be fined to the highest extent of NN Law. Per NN Code. Check all current Fire Restrictions.
2. Stay on designated trails and/or routes. Sign in/out before departing Central Location. Permit-tee must leave-no-trace, make sure all equipment and trash are collected after each stay. Permit-tee will be cited for trash left behind and will be placed on NO Permitting list. NO Backcountry Permits to be Issued to Permit-tee Indefinitely (First infraction).
3. A Fishing Permit is for Fishing any lakes or streams or/a Hunting Permit for game on lands under Navajo Nation jurisdiction. Permits for both, Fees and Dates can be obtained from Fish and Wildlife Program at P.O. Box 1430, Window Rock, AZ. (928) 871-6450/6451/6452.
4. Respect the Privacy and customs of the Navajo people. Do Not touch a person, wander across residential areas or disturb property, or take pictures without permission. Dumping of cremations is Prohibited on tribal lands.
5. Discarding of Cremations is Strictly Prohibited on the Navajo Nation. Person will be cited to the highest extent for each infraction and will be asked to remove the debris.
6. Camp in, camp out all trash and recyclables. Do not burn or bury trash. Leave-no-trace! Please keep area nice and clean for next user.
7. Pets are Prohibited within all Navajo Tribal Park locations. NNPRD does not allow pets to trample or urinate on sacred sites within all Tribal Park locations. Unless, animal is properly tagged for Special Use.
8. Permits are needed for all Photography/Filming/Special Use projects. Commercial Usage, Motion Pictures, Photography are Prohibited within Navajo Tribal Park locations, unless accompanied by a valid Permit issued by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. Application can be found here
9. The use of Drones is Prohibited on the Navajo Nation. Visitor will be asked to Disable drone or NNPRD will Deactivate and Confiscate device.
10. Possession of Firearms on the Navajo Nation is Prohibited. (Navajo Tribal Code Title 17, Section 320).
11. The Navajo Nation is Not responsible for any bodily injures, accidents, and/or thefts of personal property while on Navajo Tribal Parks or Navajo Nation Land during your visit.
12. The consumption/possession of Alcoholic Beverages/Illegal drugs is Prohibited on the Navajo Nation. (Navajo Tribal Code Title 14)
13. Entry into any Cultural Property on the Navajo Nation is Prohibited. (Navajo Tribal Code Title 19, Section 1031). The defacing of all Navajo Nation Property is Strictly Prohibited. Including Canyon walls, Trails, Rock, Natural Housing, Earthen Dams, etc. Person/Permitee will be cited to the highest extent upon each infraction.
14. Any and all Aircraft that could be dangerous or hazardous to the natural park environment are strictly Prohibited within all Navajo Tribal Park locations. (Drones are Prohibited on the Navajo Nation) NN Code, Title 14.
*All areas on the Navajo Tribal Park locations are Closed to non-Navajos unless you have a valid permit issued by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department or other delegated tribal authority. Failure to have a permit is considered trespassing on a Federal Indian Reservation and Person/Permittee will be cited to the fullest for infraction, per NN Code.
Area Contact Information
- Grand Falls: (928) 686-3227, Leupp Chapter House, NN Government.
- Wheatfields Lake: (928) 724-2220, Navajo Fish & Wildlife.
- Rainbow Bridge: (928) 698-2808, Lake Powell Tourism Office.
- San Juan River: (928) 871-6647, Navajo Parks & Recreation Dept.
- Marble Canyon: (928) 698-2808, Lake Powell Tourism Office.