What clients say about Betatakin Cliff Dwelling in Kayenta (AZ)
There are 3 different short trails with nice views of the canyon, the main one going to the Betatakin overlook. Very beautiful but the ruins are across the canyon and pretty far so id recommend binoculars if you wanna see better. Compared to other ancient Native American sites it wasnt my favorite but still pretty nature and a good 45 minute to a hour stop.
A short downward hike to look out over the cliff dwelling, well preserved even if the centuries are starting to take their toll. Definitely need some binoculars or a zoom lens to get a good view of the buildings. A pretty great side trip if you have the time and are in the area.
Nice paved path hike, Lady at the visitor’s center was really pleasant and knowledgeable, the ruins are incredible but the overlook into the canyon is at a distance, be sure to bring some binoculars as they don’t rent them at the visitor’s center.
This hidden gem in Northeastern Arizona is accessible ONLY with an escort Navajo guide. This location having been closed for 7 years, I was very lucky to be able to snag a slot in a small group tour to visit this location. The hike down and up the canyon is steep but short, and very scenic. A definite MUST-SEE for all visitors to Northeast Arizona. Here is a summary of my experience:
https://youtu.be/Tkf_6E-zz7g
These ruins are a fair distance from the viewing point across the canyon. The viewing point is about 1.3miles 3km round trip from the visitors centre, down a well maintained path. We (two old fat people in our 60s) made it, without any major stops except at the viewing area. We were there in early February, so it was cold, snow on the ground (mountain lion tracks nearby), but the trail was maintained. But, the upside was, no tourists except us, bonus!
Yep well worth the drive, you won't find to much of a crowd out there because it is a ways off the beaten path. (It's not far from Monument valley which is just incredible) the Visitor center is in good shape, the landscape is just awesome and then out the back and about 20 minutes, downhill but not to steep, on a good path to the observation point where you can look down into the canyon and see the cliff dwellings. You do need binoculars and a lot of zoom to get pics because it's another 1/2 mile to the bottom of the canyon but very visible to the naked eye. The hike to the bottom is escorted and much longer but if your in shape and game, go for it...
This place is so cool! You can't help but imagine what life was like back before our modern conveniences ......and cell phone addictions. This place just makes me want to camp out and watch the stars from the ancient vantage point
Viewed this cliff dwelling from the viewpoint at the end of Sandal Trail. A guided hike to these ruins can be arranged through the visitor center, but it was closed on the day we visited. The interpretive panels at the viewpoint provided some information about this amazing place.
Definitely a bucket list item for me. To think over 700 years ago these people lived here without all the modern luxuries we have become accustomed to......mind blown!
"House Built on a Ledge," or Betatakin, is one of three well-preserved Pueblo cliff dwellings in Navajo National Monument. Stunning. Well worth a visit. Can be viewed by following Sandal Trail behind the visitor center.
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