Window Rock Tribal Park

During a three day holiday weekend the travel destination choice can make a difference in whether stress is relieved or whether pressure is built up. Getting away from it all is the underlying goal of most weekend travel plans, but the choice of destination may not always satisfy that intention. Heading for the most popular National Parks in the west for a three day getaway will more than likely result in long waiting lines, fighting over parking spaces, getting poked by selfie sticks and constantly searching for a toilet after eating a questionable meal at an overburdened food service restaurant. This actually sounds more like the daily grind in a big city, rather than a pleasant three day holiday weekend getaway! Getting away from it all does not mean that one has to be obligated to join the masses and be funneled into an overcrowded stressful situation. 

Respectfully paying tribute to those who rose to the occasion during times of war, so others may live free is what holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day is all about. Because of political corruption, many people have lost touch with the basic ideals of these holidays. Unfortunately, these respective holiday weekends for the most part have turned into a frenzied three day event of filling the cooler with beer, spending half the day staring at a smart phone or a rigged sporting event on TV and mindlessly going to some place where everybody else is going, just to be part of the crowd. This three day holiday weekend behavioral pattern is not really appealing, so breaking the mold is the key to finding better horizons.   

When the world seems to be going backwards, that is the time to jump off of the proverbial assembly line and break free from the routine. Bucking the trend when traveling will result in finding some room to breathe and relaxation will be easier to achieve. In this modern day and age, there actually is a way to escape the three day weekend rat race and the solution is to simply go traditional old school with the travel plans. A good choice for a traditional Labor Day or Memorial Day destination would be any war memorial park in the west. Oddly enough, this may also be a statement of the times, because many of the great war memorial parks of the west are some of the least crowded places to visit during a three day weekend.

A great choice of destination for a traditional three day weekend experience happens to be located in the heart of the Navajo Nation. The Window Rock Tribal Park offers a great cultural and spiritual experience for all who pass through. For those who pay tribute to fallen war heroes, Window Rock is the respectful humble place where the true meaning of remembrance shines through. Window Rock is also near Canyon De Chelly, so two great destinations can be visited during one trip.

Window Rock was a tribal gathering place long before this site was officially designated as a central organizational headquarters for settling the native territories in the days of the old west. The Window Rock was a well known landmark back in those days, so it is easy to see why such a recognizable place was agreed upon as a location for the council of the Navajo Nation. In modern times, Window Rock has become the headquarters for Navajo Nation infrastructure, education, leadership and tourism. A visit to Window Rock can be compared to visiting the capitol of any other great sovereign nation and just like the capitol any other great nation, a memorial for fallen warriors can be found.

Upon arrival, the Window Rock Tribal Park will certainly fill the heart with awe. This unique rock formation stands stall over the memorial park like a window to the spiritual heavens. Gazing at Window Rock is quite a humbling experience and peace of mind is easy to achieve in this place. Looking through the big round rock window at the blue sky and clouds in the silence of the high desert results in feelings that only an individual can describe. People from many native tribes, foreign nations and domestic statehoods visit this serene memorial site each day. For many folks, the Window Rock experience is life changing for the better.

The Window Rock Tribal Park has shade trees and benches, so those who wish to sit a spell while reflecting upon memories of missing loved ones can do so comfortably. The paths are paved, so those who have mobility challenges can experience this memorial park with ease. The Navajo WWII Code Talkers Memorial and Navajo War Veterans Memorial are both located in this peaceful park. Quietly paying respect to the fallen warriors in this serene setting truly is a spiritual experience that will inspire respectful memories that will last a lifetime. 

The Window Rock Tribal Park is located in Arizona near the border of New Mexico. The travel route that I chose to get there involved starting from Interstate Highway 40 at Exit 357, which is the Indian Route 12 intersection. Following Indian Route 12 north to Window Rock is a rewarding experience in itself, because this is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the entire west. Most of this scenic drive is for your eyes only, because there are few places to safely pull off on the side of the road to take a picture. In a way, this is how this scenic drive should be and it adds to the Window Rock experience.

The town of Window Rock offers all modern amenities and accommodations. There are nearby RV parks and campsites too. The decor and design of the buildings in this city reflect upon traditional Southwestern native themes, so even the look of the local grocery store is easy on the eyes. The Navajo Fairgrounds, Navajo Nation Museum and the Navajo Nation Zoological & Botanical Park are also located in Window Rock, so those who seek a cultural experience will find plenty to do. There are several tribal art galleries and local artisan craft shops in this cultural center, so it is easy to find a cherished memento of the journey to take back home.

Three day weekends are a good time to visit the Window Rock Tribal Park. Peace of mind and new found respect for veterans that fought for freedom is what can be found at this destination. Cultural exchange with members of many tribal nations can be experienced here too. Gazing at the blue heavens through the Window Rock definitely sets the spiritual tone for the day and the peaceful memories certainly will last a lifetime!