Dine Brochure PDF

The Navajo Nation is home to wondrous scenic roads
that weave a web through high desert, mountains,
valleys, canyon country, lakes and one of the longest
continuously inhabited landscapes of North America.
The Diné Biítah “Among the People” Scenic Road is a 105
mile thread that weaves its way from I-40, near the
Arizona/New Mexico border, north to Canyon de Chelly
National Monument on Navajo Routes 12 and 64.
Destination Beauty
Funded in part by Federal Highway Administration
Spider Rock, at the south rim of Canyon
de Chelly, is a spectacular red sandstone monolith
standing over 800 feet high. This is one of the most
sacred places on Diné Bikéyah. Spider Woman, who is
said to live on Spider Rock, is among the most revered
deities of the Diné (Navajo) people. According to
Navajo mythology, it was she who taught the Diné
ancestors of long ago the art of weaving on a loom.
Through generations, weaving has evolved among the
Diné to become a world-renowned art form.
Encounter
the artistry,
Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs
(Hwy 89)
Tse’nickani - Flat Rock Mesa
(Hwy 191)
Kayenta-Monument Valley
(Hwy 163)
Naat’tsis’aan - Navajo Mountain
(Hwy 98)
culture,
Leigh T. Jimmie, Navajo Nation Times
Diné Biítah - Among the People
(Rt 12)
Paul Notanabah, Navajo Nation TImes
history &
Visit NavajoScenicRoads.com
and find out more about
these roads and Navajoland.
spirit of the
Diné
When driving the Diné Biítah Scenic Road, it is apparent how the spectacular scenery influences the design and color
of Navajo weaving. Traditional dyes are created with the very same plants one passes on the road, and patterns are
often inspired by the startling contrasts of the shifting landscape.
is one of many
Navajo roads.
This road weaves its way from Canyon de Chelly, through lakes and mountains to Window Rock, Arizona, capital of
the Navajo Nation. With a landmass covering over 27,000 square miles, the Navajo Nation is the largest Native
The Diné Biítah
Scenic Road
Culture, tradition, history, recreation, sceneryit’s all woven together on the Diné Biítah Scenic Road.
American tribe in the United States.
Travel Tips and Details for Visitors to Navajoland
Tune in for News and Culture
To get a good soundtrack for your journey to the heart of
Diné Bikéyah, tune in to the Navajo-owned radio station
KTNN-AM 660. Many Diné people still speak their
language, and it gives you a taste of local color to
listen to this bilingual English/Navajo language station.
Local events as well as national news are covered,
and the music is a very eclectic mix of old/new music,
mostly tribal/country, even featuring local bands.
Time Warp
The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Savings Time
and the rest of Arizona does not. Have foresight and
set your time correctly if you have appointments.
Arizona is in Mountain time (7 hours behind GMT),
and Navajo Nation is shifted forward an hour during
daylight savings time (6 hours behind GMT).
Finding your way in Diné Culture
Some Basic Rules of Protocol
It is helpful to know how customs and laws differ in the
Navajo world. Many caveats are common sense, like the
fact that you should not take someone’s photo without
permission.
1. Respect the privacy and customs of the Navajo
people. Do not approach private property uninvited.
Some differences are more subtle; for instance, the Navajo
people prefer a very light handshake, and find prolonged
eye contact impolite. Touching is often reserved for close
family, and getting too friendly when first meeting someone
can seem too forward to the Navajo.
3. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the
Navajo Reservation.
For more information about protocol, visit:
NavajoScenicRoads.com.
2. Please keep Navajo land clean. Don’t litter and
don’t burn or bury trash.
4. Stay on designated self-guided roads unless
accompanied by a tour guide.
5. Rock climbing and off-trail hiking are prohibited.
6. Fires are permitted only in grills and fireplaces or in
similarly controlled devices. No open ground fires
on campgrounds.
7. Don’t disturb or remove animals, plants, rocks or
artifacts. Don’t feed dogs or other animals.
8. Observe quiet hours from 11 pm to 6 am at camping
areas.
9. The use of firearms is illegal on the Navajo Nation.
Hózhó and Hogans
In Diné Bikéyah, we strive for balance, or “Hózhó”
in our lives and pray for harmony with Mother Earth and
Father Sky.
The building below is a hogan. These sacred dwellings,
which you will see as you traverse our land, are used to
perform ceremonies which have been in practice for
hundreds of years. The goal of most ceremonies is the
restoration of balance and harmony to a person whose
Hózhó has been lost.
Every part of the construction process of a hogan, and
each of its building materials reflect the philosophy of
balance and harmony with Mother Earth, Father Sky,
and the Universe. Each hogan is the heart of a family.
10. The Navajo Nation is not responsible for any injuries,
accidents or thefts of personal property while traveling
through the reservation. Lock hotel and car doors.
11. Off-road travel by four-wheel-drive vehicles, dune
buggies, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles is
prohibited in Navajo backcountry.
12. Photography for personal use is allowed. Permission
is required to photograph people and their personal
property (a gratuity is expected). Photography for
commercial use requires a permit.
Permits & licenses
Hiking, Camping and Backcountry
Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department
www.navajonationparks.org | 928.871.6647
Leigh T. Jimmie, Navajo Nation Times
Good Eating!
When visiting Diné Bikéyah, you really need to sample
some true Navajo cuisine to have a full experience.
We pride ourselves on our delicious frybread, navajo
tacos and burritos, and red and green chile sauces.
Don’t shy away from roadside vendors, as they must
pass inspection each year and locals grab a quick
delicious meal from roadside stands often.
Explore the Heart
of Navajoland.
Along the road, you will find some basic chain
restaurants, but why not try some local treats?
By the road
Commercial Photography
Navajo Nation Film Office | 928.871.7826
Drive with caution on Diné roads, especially at night,
because sheep, horses, dogs and wild animals roam
free. Most cattle and goats are not fenced in.
Fishing, Hunting, Trapping & Boating
Navajo Fish & Wildlife | 928.871.6451| www.nndfw.org
Don’t be alarmed to see a hitchhiker on the side of the
road. It is not recommended for tourists to pick up
strangers, but be aware it is a common practice here.
Emergency Contacts
You will find Navajo people selling jewelry, pottery and
other items at makeshift stands, so it is good to have cash
on hand for purchases. It is a good idea to keep your gas
tank at least half-full, as there can be quite a few miles
between gas stations.
Navajo Police
Chinle: 928.674.2111
Window Rock: 928.871.6111
Hospitals/Medical
Chinle: 928.674.7001
Fort Defiance: 928.729.5741
Virgil Nez
Hozógo nasádo
May you walk in Beauty
here with us, and for the rest
of your long life.
Diné Biítah ‘Among the People’ Scenic Road
1
Chinle, AZ
Lupton Welcome Center
The Diné Biítah road starts in Lupton at I-40
and Route 12.
2
14
Tea Pot
North Rim of Canyon del Muerto
AZ NM
Scenic overlooks along Route 64: Fortress Rock,
Mummy Cave, Massacre Cave, Antelope House Ruins
This sandstone rock and pillar formation
resembles a tea pot. Fun for children to spot.
160
ShipRock
ShipRock
191
Tse’nikani Flat Mesa Rock
Scenic Road
Window Rock, AZ
To Farmington
Round Rock
Lukachukai
Mountains
191
491
13
(el 7,178)
(el 9,466)
Lukachukai
(el 6,237)
8
3
St. Michaels Historical Museum
With their Mission established in 1898, the Franciscan
Friars had an early influence on the Navajo people.
School and Mission are still active today.
The small park features the 200-foot natural sandstone rock formation for which the capital
of Window Rock is named. The soldier sculpture commemorates the Navajo Code Talkers,
and other memorials in the park are dedicated to all Navajo veterans. Trails and picnic
tables are available.
5
Navajo Nation Museum & Library
15
Museum center, gallery, library, resource center,
auditorium, outdoor amphitheater, Office of Miss
Navajo. Admission Free.
Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock
This is the site of the Largest North American Indian Fair: the Navajo Nation Fair,
an event that concludes the first weekend after Labor Day each September.
The Fairgrounds host numerous events year-round.
Call for dates: Navajo Nation Fair: 928.871.6478
Located SW of Junction Hwy. 264 & Rt. 12 www.NavajoNationFair.com
Hrs: 8 am to 8 pm Tues. – Fri., 8 am - 5 pm Mon. & Sat.
Info: 928.871.7941 | www.NavajoNationMuseum.org
10
11
6
Only tribally owned zoo in the country. See indigenous
wild animals. Free Admission.
Visitor Center Open Daily. Closed Christmas. Hrs: 9 am - 5 pm
Guided Tours are available from visitor’s center and each hotel
Info: 928.674.5500 | www.nps.gov/cach
Fort Defiance
16
This is where the Navajo Long Walk began.
Site of U.S. Fort in the 1800’s.
Overlook cliff & ruins along Route 7:
White House Ruins, Face Rock, Spider Rock
Crystal, NM
Ganado, AZ
Bowl Canyon Recreation Area, Asááyi Lake
17
11
Red
Lake
Fort
Defiance
(el 6,830)
Ganado
Elevation
7,000
Narbona Pass
Asááyi Lake
491
12
10
St Michaels
3
See Window Rock
inset at bottom
Window Rock
(el 6,900)
191
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
The oldest continuously operating trading post on the
Navajo Nation. Hourly tours of the Hubbell home.
Annual Native American Arts & Crafts Auctions each
spring & summer.
Oak Springs
Gallup
40
Bowman
Park
2
Klagetoh
New Mexico Welcome Center
12
Hrs: Summer 8 am - 6 pm | Winter 8 am - 5 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day
Info: 928.755.3475 |www.nps.gov/hutr
Tsaile, AZ
134
Navajo
Navajo
Nation
Capital
264
(el 6,385)
We Recommend, slightly off the scenic road:
Fishing, hunting, hiking, camping. Family and group
use fees apply.
Todacheene Lake
Crystal
16
Ganado
Lake
Hubbell 17
Trading
Post
South Rim of Canyon de Chelly
Trail of the Ancients
Scenic Road
Nazlini
191
Arizona Welcome Center (on I-40)
Lupton
1
(Exit 357)
Navajo Nation Council
Chambers National Historic Landmark
To Albuquerque
40
88 Navajo Council members from 110 Navajo
communities enact legislation inside this circular
building designed as a traditional Navajo Hogan.
N
Chambers
Window Rock Monument
& Veteran’s Memorial Park
8
Open to the public | Hrs: 8 am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri
Call for tour information: 928.871.6417 | www.Navajo.org
Navajo Nation
Council Chambers
12
Wheatfields Lake
ill D
12
Info: Wheatfields Chapter, 928.724.3326
12
13
Diné College & Hatathli Center
First Indian-owned community college in the
United States. Hatathli Museum & Gallery are
open to the public.
M - F Info: 928.724.6654 | www.DineCollege.edu
7
Ch’ ihootso
Indian Marketplace
r.
Map Legend:
264
St. Michaels
Parish
St. Michaels
Museum
3
pR
Navajo Nation
Fairgrounds
4
105 mile Diné Biítah Scenic Road
6
Other Navajo Scenic Roads
d.
Parking
9
12
Navajo Nation Zoo
& Botanical Park
Postal Loo
Shopping
Center
W
40
E
To Flagstaff
Tri
bal
H
Large lake adjacent to Rt.12 offers fishing, boating (bring your own, small
motors), and no-fee camping. Small store. No running water or electricity.
www.NavajoScenicRoads.com
www.DiscoverNavajo.com
Wheatfields
Lake
12
7
Magnificent 26-mile redstone canyon rising from 30 ft. to 1,000 ft.
The canyon contains Anasazi ruins as well as Navajo homes and farms.
Information for “step-on” guides, hiking and horseback riding are
available at the Visitor’s Center at the entrance to the canyon.
Tour guides required inside the canyon. North & South Rim Drives and
White House Trail are unguided, open to the public and remain open
all year.
Info: 928.871.6647 | Fishing Permits: 928.871.6451
www.NavajoNationParks.org/htm/BowlCanyon.htm
Navajo Nation Zoological & Botanical Park
Tsaile Lake
Canyon de Chelly
National Monument
15
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Hrs: 10 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Sat. | Closed Sun. & Holidays
Info: 928.871.6574
www.navajozoo.org
7
14
(el 5,534)
9
Tsaile
Butte
12
Chinle
www.GoNavajo.com
Window Rock: NE Junction Hwy.264 & Rt.12 | 928.871.4090
Chinle: SW Junction Hwy.191 & Rt. 64 | 928.674.5338
13
64
191
Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise
An enterprise of the Navajo Nation since 1941, selling
authentic rugs, sand paintings, jewelry, pottery and
other fine Navajo collectables. With locations
throughout the Navajo Nation, two are located
along the Diné Biítah Scenic Road.
Chuska
Mountain
Range
Tsaile
Many Farms
Free Admission. Open Daily year-round. | Info: 928.871.6647
www.NavajoNationParks.org/htm/veterans.htm
Hrs: 9 am - 5 pm | Info: 928.871.4171
4
59
Window Rock Monument & Navajo Veteran’s Memorial Park
Many Farms
Lake
5
Navajo Nation
Museum
Navajo Arts
& Crafts
Window Rock Area close-up
1
Main Points of Interest
Welcome Center or Museum
Towns
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Hospital/Emergency Room
Picnic Area
S