Betatakin

From Tuba City we drove to the Navajo National Monument where we took a tour/hike with a park ranger down about 900 feet of sheer bluff - over 700+ steps along with parts of it being a trail. Another mile across the valley floor to the ruins of Betatakin.

It was difficult to find driving instructions to the Visitor Center at the NNM on the internet or on maps.  We called the Visitor Center and asked directions. The road is just past a big conveyor belt and close to the Black County Trading Post. Turn left and go about 9 miles - reminds me of directions out in the country where I grew up!

The alcove is quite large and allowed many families to make their homes here.

Betatakin, or house on a ledge in Navajo, was only lived in for about 30 years in the late 1200s. Except for the center section which was wiped out when rocks fell some time ago the ruins are in excellent condition and part of the reason is the protection from the elements.

It is thought that it might have been continuing droughts that caused the people to move on as they were farmers and hunters and needed the rain to grow their crops and to attract wildlife.

Up until this year you were allowed to walk in the ruins but because of rock falls you are no longer allowed entry in to the ruins. We didn't learn that until we were at the ruins themselves! They were still interesting but we were a little disappointed at the new rule.

Petroglyphs which have various and sundry interpretations by different tribes -  notably the Hopi and the Navajo

The two story building with the small building on the right is the typical home with storage unit, cooking and living areas.

People who know me will know I like photos of textures and this is the top of the alcove. You can see in the lower right corner a small portion of their gallery area which is, if you wish, one floor higher than their living spaces.

Then back up those 700+ steps and trail to go to Kayenta, Arizona, for the night before driving up to Monument Valley.