Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise - Visit the Navajo Nation

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Tips for Travelers

Choose a Traveling Tip category from the menu below:

       Cultural Protocol
       Navajo Nation Weather
       Navajo Nation Contacts
           Navajo User Permits
           Navajo Lecturers
           Navajo Emergency Numbers

Cultural Protocol

For your safety and for the protection of the beautiful natural and cultural resources of the Navajo Nation, there are a few tips that we would like to offer you while you are visiting the Navajo Nation.

On the Navajo Nation, you’ll find many vibrant, working communities. Please respect the privacy and customs of the residents and the integrity of the structures at all times.

Enter a home only with an invitation.

Understanding curiosity about culture you may be tempted to knock on a resident’s door and ask to be shown around, however this action would be considered an invasion of privacy.

Respect Navajo culture by leaving Navajo sacred sites undisturbed and using normal speaking tones rather than loud voices.

Please observe quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all public areas.

The use of teepees on the Navajo Nation is strictly for religious purposes, please show respect to these people.

While traveling on the Navajo Nation, remember that you are in a sovereign, self-governing nation, and just as you would in any other country, please obey all tribal laws and regulations.

Some areas are marked off limits, or you may be told that an area is off limits. If in doubt please ask.

Please stay on the designated trails and established routes unless accompanied by a tour guide. Rock climbing and off-trail hiking are prohibited. Off-road travel by all terrain vehicles, dune buggies, jeeps and motorcycles is prohibited on backcountry roads.

Animals, plants, rocks, and artifacts should be left undisturbed.

Please help keep the Navajo land clean, by placing trash and debris in a trash container.

Please keep in mind the use of alcoholic beverages and firearms are both strictly prohibited on the Navajo Nation.

Please be respectful when it comes to photography. Cameras are welcome only in certain areas of the Navajo Nation. Please secure permission before photographing, videotaping, sketching, or audiotape recording any event.

When taking a photo, please keep in mind a gratuity is greatly appreciated.

Special permits are required when photographing for commercial use.

Although pow-wows and dances are sometimes exhibited for the benefit of tourists and in public forums, please keep in mind that such occasions are of a religious nature, and should be accorded the same difference as a church or prayer service, even if tribal members behave informally.

Visitors are welcomed with open arms in Navajoland, however, the Navajo people do like to be treated with respect.

Please try to be unobtrusive when visiting a Navajo performance or event. Please try to be patient and considerate.

Please applaud only if it is apparent it is an acceptable custom.

Please understand some traditional ceremonies are not open to the public, so if you are asked to leave, please do so quickly and quietly.

When you are on Navajo land, you’ll quickly notice how many people speak the Navajo language. However, English is also spoken by the vast majority of Navajos, so please communicate freely in English.

If you encounter a Navajo who does not speak your language, you should find no problem finding someone eager to interpret.

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Weather

The Navajo Nation has beautiful weather year round. Unlike Phoenix, Northern Arizona enjoys much cooler temperatures. During the summer months experience daytime temperatures of 80 degrees and nighttime lows in the 50’s. During the winter months experience daytime highs in the 40’s and nighttime lows in the teens. We would suggest bringing a light sweater or jacket with you at all times.

The average annual rainfall received is approximately 11-12 inches a year. Rain season takes place for the Navajo Nation during August, September, and October. Come and experience the beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery and unique culture of the Navajo Nation!

Month Average
High (ºF) Average
Low (ºF) Average
Precip. (Inches)

January 44º 13.7º 0.93

February 48.9º 18.6º 0.68

March 55.4º 22.8º 0.92

April 64.2º 27.4º 0.41

May 73.3º 36.4º 0.67

June 84.4º 44.8º 0.51

July 87º 53.3º 1.72

August 84.8º 52.5º 2.11

September 78.7º 44.3º 1.04

October 67.8º 30.1º 1.06

November 54.3º 19.9º 1

December 45.2º 13º 0.76

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Navajo Nation Contacts

Navajo User Permits

Permits for Hiking, Camping and Backcountry Use:
Navajo Parks & Recreation Department
P.O. Box 1250 Window Rock, AZ 86515
Phone: 928-871-6647
Fax: 928-871-6637

Licenses for Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Boating:
Navajo Fish & Wildlife
P.O. Box 1480 Window Rock, AZ 86515
Phone: 928-871-6451 or 6452
Fax: 928-871-7069
www.navajofishandwildlife.org

Permits for Commercial Filming and Photography:
Navajo Nation Film Office
P.O. Box 2310 Window Rock, AZ 86515
Phone: 928-871-7351
Fax: 928-871-7355

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Navajo Lecturers

Wilson Aronilth
Diné College
Tsaile, AZ 86556
928-724-6600

Herbert Benally
Diné College-Shiprock
P.O. Box 580
Shiprock, NM 87420
505-368-3572

Emerson Jackson, Jr.
P.O. Box 541
Window Rock, AZ 86515
928-729-2175

Tex Joey
P.O. Box 2648
Gallup, NM 87305
505-778-5432

Benny Silversmith
P.O. Box 1037
Window Rock, AZ 86515
928-871-6378 (work)

Sunny Dooley
Story Teller
P.O. Box 2051
Window Rock, AZ 86515
505-722-0862

Eddie Tso
P.O. Box 442
St. Michaels, AZ 86511

Blanche Sales
P.O. Box 4155
Blue Gap, AZ 86402

Diné Cultural Department
The Navajo Nation
P.O. Box 9000
Window Rock, AZ 86515
928-871-7660

Jonas Hubbard, Jr.
Ganado High School
Ganado, AZ 86505
505-870-1611

Walter Jensen
Diné College
Tsaile, AZ 86556
928-724-6743