Navajo County, Arizona

Navajo County is known for several distinctive features:

• Petrified Forest National Park, one of only two national parks in Arizona with significant paleontological resources
• The Painted Desert, with its brilliantly colored geological formations
• Being home to a significant portion of the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States
• The Hopi Reservation and its ancient mesa-top villages, among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America
• The Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment offering four-season recreation
• Historic Route 66 and the iconic Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
• The White Mountains recreation area, popular for skiing, fishing, and hiking
• Having one of the highest proportions of Native American residents of any county in the United States

Yes, but visitors should be aware of and respectful of tribal rules and protocols:

• Navajo Nation: The Navajo Nation is open to visitors, and many attractions such as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Canyon de Chelly National Monument (in neighboring Apache County) welcome tourism. Visitors should obtain permits when required, respect photography restrictions, and purchase goods and services from Navajo-owned businesses when possible.
• Hopi Reservation: Access to the Hopi Reservation is more restricted. Some villages are closed to outside visitors, while others allow visitors with a licensed Hopi guide. Photography and sketching are generally prohibited. The Hopi Cultural Center on Second Mesa is open to the public and provides context and cultural education.
• Always check current tribal regulations before visiting, as rules can change.
• Ceremonial dances and events may be open or closed to outsiders depending on the specific ceremony.
• Treat all cultural sites, artifacts, and sacred areas with the utmost respect.

The best time to visit Navajo County varies by what you want to see and do:

• Spring (April-May): Excellent for visiting Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert, with mild temperatures and potential for wildflowers. Fewer crowds than summer.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season for the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim communities, which offer a cool escape from the desert heat. Monsoon rains can bring dramatic afternoon storms and enhance the colors of the Painted Desert. Temperatures at higher elevations are pleasant (60s-70s°F), while the desert floor can reach the upper 90s°F.
• Fall (September-October): One of the best seasons for the entire county. Temperatures are comfortable at all elevations, the monsoon has ended, and fall foliage colors the aspen groves along the Rim.
• Winter (November-March): Snow is possible at higher elevations, making Sunrise Park Resort near McNary a ski destination. The Petrified Forest and Painted Desert are uncrowded and can be beautiful with snow-dusted formations.

Navajo County was established on March 21, 1895, when it was split from Apache County. It was named in recognition of the Navajo people (Dine), whose nation occupies a large portion of the county's land. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, stretching across northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. The name "Navajo" itself is of disputed origin, possibly derived from a Tewa Pueblo word meaning "large field" or "large area of cultivated lands." The Navajo people call themselves "Dine," meaning "the People" in their own language.