NAVAJO NATIONAL MONUMENT                      KEET SEEL RANGER LED HIKE 2026
WELCOME TO THE KEET SEEL 2026 REGISTRATION FORM!

This year will consist of two phases of registration:

Phase One Dates (REGISTRATION OPEN NOW):
April 16/17, Thursday/Friday - WAITLIST FULL - REGISTRATION FULL
April 29/30, Wednesday/Thursday  - WAITLIST FULL - REGISTRATION FULL
May 11/12, Monday/Tuesday - WAITLIST FULL - REGISTRATION FULL
May 23/24, Saturday/Sunday - WAITLIST FULL - REGISTRATION FULL

Phase Two Dates (REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 1):
September 19/20, Saturday/Sunday
September 29/30, Tuesday/Wednesday
October 17/18, Saturday/Sunday
October 22/23, Thursday/Friday

Contact: 

Jyazzie@nps.gov
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Keet Seel Overnight Back Country Hike Information
Keet Seel is the largest Ancestral Puebloan cliff-dwelling in the state of Arizona. To see this site, hikers must complete a 17-mile roundtrip hike over the course of two days. This hike will be led by NPS Park Rangers, and will be a group experience with other registered participants. Under no circumstances may any participant leave the group or NPS guide. Each hike will be limited to 20 participants, first come, first served via this registration form. Participants will receive a confirmation email as well as a follow up email a week before their trip. Incoming registrations after the 20 participant max will receive a waitlist confirmation email.

To account for the resource protection, as well as the cultural significance of the site to many Native American tribes, no one will enter the Keet Seel village. Participants will get as close as approximately 30 feet of the site, close enough to see details, but far enough to not disturb any significant area.

All hikes are subject to cancellation at any time, especially in times of inclement weather or hazardous conditions. All registered participants will be notified in the event of cancellation.

Trail Conditions:
  • 1,000 feet of elevation change from rim to canyon floor.
  • Rocky switchback trails and steep sand dunes.
  • Shallow streams, with multiple water crossings, water is unavoidable on this hike. Areas with quicksand are a possibility.
  • Deep gullies and eroded washes.
  • Very little shade, lots of sun exposure. Day 2 is much cooler in the early morning.
  • Campground has no facilities, flat brushy surfaces, and ample gamble oak trees.

As part of this backcountry overnight hike, the following rules have been established:
  • Hikers must bring all needed food and water for the backcountry camp, at least 1 gallon of water per day is highly recommended. The stream water is unsafe for human consumption, even when filtered, therefore drinking from the stream is strictly prohibited. 
  • All solid human waste (excrement) must be packed out as restroom facilities are unavailable. Waste Alleviating Gel (WAG) bags will be utilized.
  • Camp stoves are allowed, open campfires are not allowed.
  • All trash including food items and peels must be packed out.
  • Water can be cached at two key locations on day one of the hike so that they won't have to be carried the entire hike.

Required Gear Includes:
  • All food and water necessary for the hike.
  • Pack, tent, sleeping bag and sleeping gear.
  • Well fitted and broken in hiking boots.
  • Clothing appropriate for forecasted weather.
  • Flashlight or headlamp.
  • Emergency rain poncho.
  • Personal first aid Kit
  • WAG bags and personal restroom necessities.
  • A waste disposal container for trash and wag bags.
Recommended Gear:
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Extra Socks
  • Camp Shoes

Schedule (This is a generic example, any changes will be relayed via email)

Day One:

Meet at Navajo National Monument Visitor Center with all gear
Arrival time between 9:45 AM and 10:00 AM

10:00 AM:      Orientation
10:30 AM:      Begin Hike
4:00 PM:         Arrive at Campground, Set-up camp
5:00 PM:         Presentation at Keet Seel
6:00 PM:         Return to Campground

Day Two:

6:00 AM:        Begin breaking down camp
7:00 AM:        Begin Hike
12:00PM:       Finish Hike, Arrive back at Visitor Center
Name *
Email *
Phone Number *
Home Mailing Address
Emergency Contact Name
Emergency Contact Phone Number *
Please List any Medical Conditions or Allergies in case of Emergency *
Group Setting Acknowledgement

To balance safety, access and the relaying of the stories/history of this special place, 20 people and a minimum of 2 NPS Staff members will be the allotted total number of participants per trip. We understand that everyone hikes at different speeds, and everyone has unique personalities and goals. However, we ask that if you come on this Keet Seel hike that you be respectful and patient to everyone in the group, whether they are staff or another participant.

Rude comments, sexual harassment, and disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated.
*
Required
Drug and Alcohol Free Event

The majority of this trip will take place on the Navajo Nation, where possession and consumption of Alcohol is illegal, as well as any other illegal drugs & controlled substances.

Any breach of this rule will result in a notification to the Navajo Nation Police force.
*
Required
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979

No Person may excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or deface any archaeological resource located on public lands or Indian lands unless a permit is obtained. Any person who knowingly violates or councils, solicits, or employs any other person to violate any prohibition of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both.
*
Required
Safety Waiver

This is a strenuous and long duration hike in an unmaintained backcountry landscape, taking place in hot conditions with little shade. It is not recommended for those who have knee problems, respiratory problems, heart conditions, difficulty climbing stairs, recent surgeries, or any medical conditions that can hinder one's ability to complete this hike.

A requirement of this ranger led hike is that all participants remain together under the guidance of NPS Rangers and staff. If any member wishes to turn around, all participants must turn around. In the event of medical emergencies NPS staff will respond in the field, but advanced medical assistance can take 3-4 hours to reach these backcountry areas. Resources are limited.

By clicking the box below, you acknowledge the above statements, and agree to the following terms:

I indemnify and hold harmless Navajo National Monument, The National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, and its staff/volunteers from any and all liability, claims, damage, injury, or illness sustained during the participation of this two day backcountry hike/camp.
*
Required
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