Navajo County, located in the northeastern part of Arizona, is home to a diverse array of landscapes and natural wonders. From the towering peaks of the White Mountains to the red rock formations of Monument Valley, Navajo County offers some of the most stunning scenery in the American Southwest. With a multitude of hiking trails and walking routes to explore, it can be difficult to decide where to start.
The White Mountains
The White Mountains in eastern Arizona offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. This range is home to a number of peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation, including Mount Baldy, which is the highest peak in Arizona outside of the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. There are many trails in the White Mountains, but one of the most scenic is the West Baldy Trail. This 7.5-mile hike offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, as well as the chance to see wildlife such as elk and black bears.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. This area, located on the Navajo Nation, is known for its towering red rock formations that rise up out of the desert floor. While there are no established hiking trails in Monument Valley, visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the valley floor. The tour takes visitors through some of the most scenic areas of the valley, including the famous Mittens and Totem Pole rock formations.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a hidden gem in northeastern Arizona. This park is home to two major canyons, Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto, which are both lined with stunning red rock formations. There are several hiking trails in the park, but one of the most scenic is the White House Ruin Trail. This 2.5-mile hike takes visitors down into the canyon and offers stunning views of the White House Ruin, an ancient cliff dwelling that dates back to the 12th century.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, located in eastern Arizona, is known for its stunning displays of petrified wood. This park is also home to a number of hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore some of the park’s most scenic areas. One of the best trails in the park is the Blue Mesa Trail. This 1-mile loop takes visitors through a landscape of colorful badlands and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim is a steep escarpment that marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona. This rugged landscape is home to a number of hiking trails, but one of the most scenic is the Horton Creek Trail. This 8.5-mile hike takes visitors through a lush riparian canyon and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
