How I spent the first day of the rest of my life in The Navajo Nation; Navajo National Monument
I didn’t start my day in Navajo Nation; I traveled from Northern California with European blood in my All-American veins. The night before I was at a friend’s house near Cottonwood, AZ. I found a nearby camping spot late that evening and woke up the next day to see a sign that said, “Surprise.” At first I didn’t get it until I realized my ex-girlfriend and I had planned on going to Surprise Creek last winter, but it never happened, and that little surprise started my day.
I felt sad for the plans that never came to be. That sadness carried into my day as I drove through Sedona, AZ. I had planned on seeing my uncle, but I was losing my temper as I fought with the maps to find his campsite. Once I got there, thoroughly frustrated, there was a loud buzzing sound from a nearby natural gas pump and I decided not to stay because the plan was to relax with him before a few months of work I had planned ahead. Little did I know this would be my last chance to see my uncle alive.
My original plan was to camp with him near Sedona for the day, but now that I wasn’t doing that anymore I drove aimlessly north on my way to Colorado. Remembering a few months ago, I had dreamt about ancient dwellings carved into the cliff sides of Northern Arizona. I thought about how cool it would be to find the place I dreamt of so I pulled over and began searching the maps again. I saw the Navajo National Monument was on my path and determined my destination.
Dwellings carved in the cliff face were once inhabited by the Pueblo and Hopi tribes,Navajo Nation. Close up shot of the Navajo National Monument
Driving into the Navajo Nation, I felt that I was indeed in the sovereign territory of the Navajo People which represents not only the Navajo Tribe but the Hopi, Pueblo, and many other cultures who share this space. I got a sense that there’s much I can learn from being in The Navajo Nation, with all due respect. I arrived in September, which is good because the desert heat was mild but even during this time of year I knew to bring plenty of water.
I drove about an hour through the desert until I found The Navajo National Monument. Once I arrived I checked in to the visitor center where learned that it is free to camp there; seeing the monument is also free. It appeared that the caretakers here had only hoped that people like myself might appreciate that they are preserving their own history. And that awareness set the tone for the rest of my evening as I was able to explore the natural landscape freely.
It’s a short hike to see the monument from the cliff side, and there is another trail that shows the canyon from within the Aspen grove. The views are breathtaking and the sense of being in nature inspires inner peace. There are trail-side information blocks sharing tidbits about the people who once lived here, and how they survived the desert environment. Reading these info blocks taught me about the beauty of diversity. It was fun to see how the same types of tree’s might look very different in the desert vs where I’m from or anywhere else.
I felt inspired to learn about how the native people of the region survived and even thrived in the desert environment. I thought about how our modern society seems to prey on differences of opinion and culture, and being in such a space to witness that natural diversity really opened me up. I felt a deep respect for the native people and the land as each action ripples out and affects every living creature around us - especially in a sensitive ecosystem such as the desert.
Witnessing the reality of a people who fought for their freedom from an oppressive group of settlers, to eventually retain some of their own territory and still allow people like me to visit, lead me to seek connection. I feel called to support the Navajo Nation in the way that makes the most sense to me, by recognizing the tribes for how they preserve the nature of their land and their history. Of all the ‘National Parks’ I’ve been to, this felt the most natural, which is something I really appreciate and value.
The next day I went to the welcoming center where I learned more about the people who lived in the region. The Navajo National Monument features dwellings built and inhabited mostly by the Puebloan people between 1250 and 1300 AD. Today these sites hold significance for the Hopi, Zuni, San Juan Southern Paiute, and Navajo peoples. The Hopi Tribe governs the area where the National Monument is preserved.
I learned that guided tours happen in the spring and fall when weather permits, and I recommend anyone who wants to see the monument for themselves to sign up on their website. I do not recommend traversing the steep cliffs without guidance, as the area is extremely rugged and may be dangerous if one becomes lost or hurt. I have such deep respect for the tribes for having learned how to survive together in harmony with the land.
Learn About Guided Tours: https://www.nps.gov/nava/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
I want to thank the Navajo Nation for carrying a sense of respect for nature, that a person like me can witness and feel a connection to the world around me. We live in a beautiful continent with vast history and untouched natural resources that we can still preserve for generations to come. I recommend visiting to anyone that wants to feel the beauty of nature and get a sense for how lucky we are to live in this country.
Official Navajo Nation Government website: https://www.navajo-nsn.gov/
Navajo Nation History: https://www.navajo-nsn.gov/History
Navajo/Hopi Land Comission Office: https://nhlco.navajo-nsn.gov/
I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.
This Promotional Blog Post was written by Anthony DeLuca of AnthonyJosephDeLuca.com, and donated to be shared on RhapsodicGlobal.org!