Rules & Regulations

Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation

Since the rescinding of the Mask mandate all travelers do not need to wear a mask. But, the mask is still an option. As we reopen the Navajo Parks & Recreation we will be following all Navajo Department of Health and CDC Guidelines. All areas on the Navajo Nation are closed to non-Navajos unless you have a valid camping, hiking, or backcountry permit issued by Navajo Parks and Recreation Department or other duly delegated tribal authority. Any Navajo Tribal Park locations can issue permits. Failure to have a permit is considered Trespassing on a Federal Indian Land. Navajo Nation Law will be strictly enforced.

Cremation scattering is STRICTLY Prohibited on Navajo Tribal Park lands, please do not violate the trust of Navajo people by discarding cremated human remains on tribal property. Please respect tribal beliefs. No Dumping of Cremations on Navajo land.

Climbing and Base Jumping is STRICTLY Prohibited in Navajo Tribal Park areas. Please abide by the humble religious requests of the Navajo people and do not climb on the Monuments, Sacred Sites, and/or Buttes. Including, writing on rock walls and leaving debris. Pack in, Pack out all trash. Navajo law will be strictly enforced.

Navajo Tribal Park Rules & Regulations

In accordance with the Resources Committee Land Use Policies, a camping fee will be charged $15 per person, per night. In addition, a Backcountry Use Permit is required for hiking, which has a per person fee at each Navajo Tribal Park location. Please see our Backcountry Permits page for more information. Camp-in, camp-out all items, leave no trace.
Stay on DESIGNATED trails and routes. Cutting switchbacks damages trails and causes erosion and destruction of soil composition. It can take 100 years for soil and vegetation to recover from human impact.
A permit is required for fishing any lakes or streams, and also for hunting game on land under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation. Permits, fees, and dates can be obtained from Fish & Wildlife Department: P.O. Box 1480, Window Rock, AZ 86515 or call (928) 871-6451.
Respect the privacy and customs of the Navajo people. Do not wander across residential areas or disturb property. Obtain permission before taking pictures of the Navajo people.
Whatever you pack into the wilderness, you must carry out. Nothing should be left, buried, or burned. Substances such as food scraps and garbage will take years to decompose and wildfires can be started by burning trash.
Pets are not allowed. If tagged, they will need to be on a leash at all times. The backcountry is open range for livestock.
Photographs or video taken for commercial use is prohibited unless accompanied by a valid permit issued by Navajo Parks & Recreation please fill out Photography/Filming Application.
Navajo Tribal Code Title 17, Section 1451, prohibits the use of firearms. No firearms allowed on tribal lands.
The Navajo Nation is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or thefts of personal property during your visit.
Fires are permitted only in grills, fireplaces, or similar control devices. No open ground fires. There is always a danger of wildfires.
Do not disturb or remove animals, plants, rocks, or artifacts. Tribal Antiquity and Federal Laws are in effect. Special permits are required from the Navajo Minerals Department and Natural Heritage Program to collect rocks and/or plants.
Consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on the Navajo Nation. NN Laws will be strictly enforced.

Vehicles: The Navajo Nation is not responsible for any theft or accidents during your visit. Parking your vehicles in isolated areas will not be monitored or surveillance. You may however, obtain permission to park your vehicles at local residence. They may request a small fee. No unauthorized vehicles are allowed in the Navajo Tribal Park areas. Unless accompanied by a permit.

Off-road Vehicles are Prohibited within the Navajo Tribal Park areas: Dune buggies, Jeeps, 4-wheel drive vehicles and modified Motorcycles are strictly Prohibited. Unnecessary trails or roads result in erosion to the fragile environment. All disturbance will be fined to the utmost extent. Per NN Law.

Hiking & Camping Rules

The Navajo Nation is composed of more than 25,000 square miles and offers hikers numerous isolated trails and routes. 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, you must have a permit at all times while on the nation.

The trails are not improved or maintained, and are usually marked with rock claims. To reach the trailheads, topographic maps and drives over rough roads are required. Roads can become impassible 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 conditioning is important. Many Navajo families still live on the reservation annually. Please be respectful of homesites and animals in these areas. The terrain is rough, water is scarce and the weather is often extreme in most areas. Let someone know where you are at all times, sign in or contact your local park office.

In 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. You use the trails and backcountry at your own risk. Navajo Parks and Recreation is not liable for any injuries, accidents, or theft while on the Navajo Nation. Please be safe and knowledgeable of area before departure. Make sure you camp-in, camp-out all material. Leave No Trace.

General Areas of Trails and Routes

There are a number of trails and routes being used by hikers from the Little Colorado Gorge: from Cameron to the confluence within the Colorado River, Marble Canyon bordering the Navajo Nation from Lee’s Ferry to the confluence of the Little Colorado River, side canyons of the San Juan River bordering the Navajo Reservation from Sand Island to Paiute Farms Wash, and the Rainbow Bridge trails around Navajo Mountain. Navajos consider Navajo Mountain a sacred area, and ascending it is forbidden. All Navajo Tribal Park scenic areas are considered sacred sites and are protected by NN Law.

Please be advised that Grand Falls is currently Closed to Public due to debris build up in the area. Please call Leupp Chapter for more information (928) 686-3227.

Hiking is allowed in the following areas only and requires a Backcountry Hiking & Camping Permit from the Navajo Tribal Park:

Rainbow Bridge Trail
Little Colorado River
Bowl Canyon Recreation Area
San Juan River
Monument Valley (primitive campsite)

Areas Closed to Hiking/Backcountry: Recently, the Kaibeto Chapter community has prohibited hiking and camping in the entire area of Upper Kaibeto, Navajo Canyon, Choal Canyon, Kaibeto Creek, Peach Wash, and Butterfly Canyon. Also, the area around the Inscription House community and Tsegi Canyon (Dowozhiebeto and Long Canyons) are Closed. These closures are due to trespassing across residential areas.

TRESPASSING, ABSENCE OF PERMITS, DISTURBING LIVESTOCK, LITTERING, AND THE POSSIBLE DISTURBANCE OF FRAGILE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RUINS WILL RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION FROM NAVAJO AUTHORITIES. NN Laws will be strictly enforced.

Emergency Contact

Due to the isolation of these trails, rescue operations are not readily available. Remember that the majority of hiker fatalities occur with lone hikers. If a hiker is injured, this leaves no one to go for help if you encounter trouble. Beware of potential problems and be prepared to do something about them. Never hike alone, if you are going to hike on Navajo Tribal Park areas please inform someone of your whereabouts and stay informed of inclement weather.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office: 1-800-338-7888
Arizona State Patrol: 1-800-525-5555
Wahweap-Glen Canyon Recreation Area: (928) 608-6200
Navajo Nation Ranger Headquarters: (928) 871-6701
Navajo Nation Law Enforcement Offices:
- Window Rock District: (928) 871-7544
- Tuba City District: (928) 283-3111
- Kayenta District: (928) 697-5600
- Chinle District: (928) 674-2111

Guided Tours

A permit is required by the Navajo Nation from any person conducting or providing guided tour services of any kind within the Navajo Tribal Parks. Contact the Navajo Parks & Recreation department for more information or view the park information on this website by selecting the park on the Tribal Parks page. All Guided Tours also have to follow all Department of Economic Development business development processes.

Navajo Nation Law (Title 5, Navajo Nation Code 2501 et seq.) as amended, provides for the regulation of tour operators and guide services within the jurisdictional limits of the Navajo Nation. This law gives the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department specific authority to issue reasonable rules and regulations to implement this Act, and which rules and regulations herein are prescribed.