You'll Never Forget A Hike To This Awe-Inspiring Canyon In Arizona
By Monica Spencer|Published April 01, 2018
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Looking for a new place that will show you a side of Arizona you’ve never seen before? If you’re up for hiking in an incredibly remote location, you’re going to fall in love with the place we’re featuring today. It’s hidden away and unbelievably beautiful.
This is Blue Canyon, a hidden gem of a location that few people know exists and even fewer have visited.
It is a colorful canyon of badlands filled with some rather striking red and white rock formations.
Located on the Hopi Reservation about 27 miles east of Tuba City, Blue Canyon is part of Moenkopi Wash, which is also home to Coal Mine Canyon and a few other little-known canyons.
You should expect to spend about two hours or so in the canyon hiking, learning historical facts about the canyon and the people, and taking photos of the landscape.
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For photography, we recommend trying to plan for a sunrise or set photo opportunity.
This means you will need a permit and an authorized guide to explore the area. Details about obtaining these can be found on the website linked below. You'll find the extra effort worth it once you see this canyon in person!
Blue Canyon is located approximately 27 miles east of Tuba City. Access is restricted and you must have both a permit and Hopi tour guide in order to visit. You can find details on the Experience Hopi website for tours, authorized guides, and more.