Winslow To Hopi Villages & Tuba City

00:00     Title
00:15     Winslow To Tuba City Via SR 87 & SR 264    
02:50     Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks
10:30     Fin

The travel route that runs from Winslow to the Hopi Nation near Tuba City certainly is a scenic drive that is well worth taking the time to do. This scenic drive is also an alternative route for those who are heading towards Glen Canyon or the North Rim Grand Canyon from Route 66. Navajo Tourism destinations like the Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks and Navajo National Monument await at the end of the line on Highway 160. The Hopi Villages are also located along this travel route, which is a cultural destination that many tourists from around the globe wish to experience.    

Because most of the roads in this region are in the Navajo Nation and Hopi Nation, there are many points of interest that are overlooked by mapping software services and mainstream travel brochures. The best way to find the lesser known native destinations and heritage sites in the west is to browse the tribal nation websites! The Navajo Nation Tourism Website is one of the best resources for planning a visit to this part of Arizona. 

When visitors travel through the tribal nations, it is important to remember that these are sacred ancient ancestral lands that the native people have always called home. This is not a United States federal property and you will be subject to Navajo Nation regulations, which include no alcohol. Visitors should realize that there are sacred places in this region where outsiders are frowned upon and there are other areas where visitors are welcome. More importantly, photographing the native people and their villages is prohibited by law in some of the tribal nations. The Hopi Nation only allows the use of a camera with the expressed consent of tribal leaders. Casual picture taking is not allowed in the Hopi villages, but taking pictures of the surrounding majestic landscape is okay. 

From near Winslow, State Road 87 runs through the Painted Desert and this colorful landscape certainly is a photographer’s paradise. There is very little traffic on this road, so it is easy to pull off on the apron to take in the pleasant views. Travelers will see colorful layered sedimentary rock outcrops and eroded mesas along the way. Further down the road the tall eroded volcano plugs and cinder cones create interesting dark silhouettes against the cobalt blue skies. 

As one enters the Hopi Villages near State Road 264, the landscape dramatically changes. The flat landscape of the Painted Desert changes from eroded mesas to rugged deep canyons. The town of Keams Canyon is close by on SR 264. The Hopi Indian Agency, dining options, historic sites and world famous artisan trading posts can be found in this village. Keams Canyon is definitely worth checking out, especially if one is hungry for some traditional Mutton Stew & Fry Bread!

Taking the time to visit the trading posts and meet the local artisans is the means for learning a little something from cultural exchange. Some of the most famous native artists in the west reside in the Hopi villages along SR 264, so there are opportunities to find a one of a kind works of Hopi art along the way.

The Hopi People are respected by neighboring tribes as being the ancient ones, because they have called this region home for eons of time. This tribe is famous for hand crafted traditional Kachina Dolls, which are collectors items worldwide.  The method of shopping for a Kachina Doll is far different than ordinary shopping. Kachina Dolls represent many different spirits that casual tourists may not understand and the correct choice of Kachina Doll can benefit the beholder. Likewise, the wrong choice of Kachina can have detrimental spiritual effects. Therefore, it is customary to let the artisan or vendor select the best choice of Kachina for the customer. With one look, a local native can summarize one’s own nature and explain why a certain Kachina is the best choice, which may even lead to a bit of enlightenment.  

Near the Hopi villages on the way to Tuba City is one of the most beautiful scenic places that can possibly be imagined and this site is pretty much hidden from view along the main road. Coalmine Canyon lies between the Hopi villages and Tuba City on the eastern side of the road. There is a scenic overlook along the way and the roadside sign says, “Visitors are welcome!” A dirt road that runs less than a mile mile off of SR 264 goes to the scenic overlook and the views of the blue gray color of Coalmine Canyon are simply amazing. It is said that dawn is the best time to view Coalmine Canyon, because the early morning light causes a sparkling effect from the reflection of the quartz and mica in the barren bluish color landscape.   

As the scenic drive continues, valley farms with tall cottonwood trees can be seen toward the end of the line near Tuba City. There is a modern Hopi Hotel Resort at the intersection of Highway 160 and plenty of Navajo and Hopi tourism information can be found at the visitors center. There are a few good local restaurant dining options in town and the Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks are nearby. From Tuba City it is a flip of the coin as to whether to travel west to Glen Canyon or east to the Navajo National Monument and the Monument Valley Tribal Park.  Either way one chooses to go, the majestic scenery never seems to end in this part of Arizona!