Keet Seel: Arizona's One-In-A-Million Cliff Dwelling With Coveted Hiking Permits Each Year

Navajo National Monument is overflowing with history and heritage. Yet, each year fewer than 75,000 visitors head to this treasure located in northern Arizona in the northwest section of Navajo Nation territory. The monument is located high above the Tsegi Canyon and has a visitors center, two mesa-top trails overlooking the canyon, and two campgrounds.

Most visitors come for at least a view of this historic canyon where cliff dwellers once sustained life in this dry desert terrain.

Others come to get an upclose glimpse of the three national treasures located here. Of the two cliff dwellings, the smaller one, called Keet Seel is the most coveted tour for which to obtain a permit. The other cliff dwelling, known as Betatakin, has guided tours twice per day (morning and afternoon) and is only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

But Keet Seel is another story altogether. A maximum of 20 hiking permits are offered for each day (March through October only) — and advance reservations are an absolute must for Keet Seel, making it harder to get into and even more in demand.

Getting to Keet Seel is more than a little work... according to alltrails, the hike into the Tsegi Canyon and on to the location of the cliff dwelling is a difficult one of 8.5 miles each way.

But every single person who's reviewed this hike after the fact has said it was definitely worth it. Upon the approach, everything looks to be both on a grand and miniature scale at the same time. As you get closer and closer, you'll see this is no miniature cliff home.

The structures in this shallow cave have been well preserved by the dry, desert climate, coupled with the fact that they sit well inside of a cave. They're constructed primarily from sandstone blocks held together by mud and mortar. In some cases wood has been used as well.

While most people eager enough to see a cliff dwelling end up at Keet Seel's counterpart at the monument (Betatakin), Keet Seel is considered the most well-preserved ancient cliff dwelling in the Southwest. She was occupied around 1250 and, at her peak, had approximately 150 residents who lived in the cave and farmed the canyon for food. Exploring Keet Seel, you'll get a sense of what everyday life was like for the Ancestral Puebloan People who occupied Keet Seel.

Doorways give a glimpse into personal living spaces, and four round kivas remain. Kivas were ceremonial rooms for the men in the community.

Due to the high demand, short hiking season, and the low number of permits offered each day for hiking to Keet Seel, it’s the lesser traveled and lesser known cliff dwelling in the Navajo National Monument. Keet Seel tours are available by making advance reservations by telephone and only 20 hikers per day are allowed. To make a reservation and obtain a hiking permit for Keet Seel, call 928-672-2700.

Navajo National Monument is located at Highway 564, Shonto, AZ 86054. Entrance to this national park is free. Betatakin and Keet Seel are open for visitation during the summer season which runs from Memorial Day (late May) to Labor Day (early September). Hiking permits are required for both Betatakin and Keet Seel. Learn more on the official website of the National Park Service.

If you love exploring Arizona on foot, then you’ll love this absurdly beautiful hike too!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

A Trip To This Little Known Ancient Ruin In Arizona Is Truly One In A Million

Explore Arizona

A Trip To This Little Known Ancient Ruin In Arizona Is Truly One In A Million

Robin Jarvis

Author

Related Stories

There's A Hike In Arizona That Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Copper Mine

The Secret Garden Hike In Arizona Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale

Hike Over A Bed Of Volcano Cinders On This Amazing Arizona Trail

Want more Arizona in your inbox?

Related Articles

Explore Arizona